Blue Spruce Turning Brown - Ask Extension
Since about the middle of summer, we've noticed our beautiful, very large blue spruce is browning from the inside out. We're curious if this is drough...
Knowledgebase
Blue Spruce Turning Brown #371740
Asked October 21, 2016, 2:44 PM EDT
Since about the middle of summer, we've noticed our beautiful, very large blue spruce is browning from the inside out. We're curious if this is drought-related, or the result of an insect infestation (there are no obvious signs of one, though). We live on the foothill (west) side of Colorado Springs, just north of Garden of the Gods. I'm attaching a close up of the affected area, and a full picture to give you an idea of the size of the tree.
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Everyone knows that deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, but fewer people learn that evergreen trees also lose their old needles sometime in the late summer or fall. Needle age at which drop occurs varies among evergreens and within species. Eastern white pine loses two year old needles. On the other extreme, bristlecone pine sheds needles that are 14-17 years old. Colorado spruce needles last 8-10 years, Ponderosa pine needles for 3-4 years and Austrian pine for 4 years.
The browning on your tree appears to be on the older wood which would keep in line with fall needle drop. As long as you see vigorous, healthy new growth and your branches are pliable your tree is perfectly fine.
If you are still concerned you can take a sample of a branch to your local El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk. Collect a 12-24 inch long branch with needles attached. The browning needles and the green needles should be present. The help desk is located at 17 N. Spruce Street, 2nd Floor. Call for current hours: <personal data hidden>
Everyone knows that deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, but fewer people learn that evergreen trees also lose their old needles sometime in the late summer or fall. Needle age at which drop occurs varies among evergreens and within species. Eastern white pine loses two year old needles. On the other extreme, bristlecone pine sheds needles that are 14-17 years old. Colorado spruce needles last 8-10 years, Ponderosa pine needles for 3-4 years and Austrian pine for 4 years.
The browning on your tree appears to be on the older wood which would keep in line with fall needle drop. As long as you see vigorous, healthy new growth and your branches are pliable your tree is perfectly fine.
If you are still concerned you can take a sample of a branch to your local El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk. Collect a 12-24 inch long branch with needles attached. The browning needles and the green needles should be present. The help desk is located at 17 N. Spruce Street, 2nd Floor. Call for current hours: <personal data hidden>
Thank you so much for the quick response. We are very relieved. In fact, after reading your response, we noticed new growth at the top of the tree. So, we feel confident that you're right. Thanks for calming our concerns.
