Why are the spruces in SW... - Ask Extension
Why are the spruces in SW Ohio dying?
Knowledgebase
Why are the spruces in SW... #400647
Asked May 17, 2017, 5:58 PM EDT
Why are the spruces in SW Ohio dying?
Greene County Ohio
Expert Response
Here is a link to a very thorough article from Michigan Extension that explains current problems with spruce trees in the Midwest and answers questions about dealing with same:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it
In general, there are a number of diseases that can affect spruce trees. Since you didn't describe any specific symptoms you might have observed, here are some answers from AAE volunteers who received questions similar to yours in the past, which I hope you will find informative and helpful.
1. Colorado blue spruce needles do have a finite life - 8 to 10 years, then they drop. So every year you can expect to see about 1/10 - 1/8 of the innermost/oldest needles turn yellowish, then brown and drop. With age, spruces become a "shell" - a support structure for needles out on the ends of branches only. For example - examining lower branches of a 40 yr-old spruce - there are about 30 years worth of growth now completely bare/devoid of needles and only 8-10 years of needles at branch extremities. Spruces may prematurely drop needles that are only a couple yrs old if they are or become excessively shaded - from branches above, from a building or from adjacent vegetation. Often, these needles turn half-yellow or whitish and half blue before turning entirely brown - this is because those excessively shaded needles are not manufacturing the green pigment chlorophyll any more (blue needle color is due to chlorophyll plus a layer of wax on the needles that helps keeps them from drying). Check a few of the buds at ends of branches to ensure they are present - they'll look a little like a small brown rose bud. These are the promise of new growth/new needles next May. Be sure to water the spruce's entire rooting area now and again during extended dry spells in winter when there is no snowcover. You can prune out any deadwood ( twigs/branches devoid of needles ) - at any time when temperatures are above 0."
2. Here's a link to a good publication from Illinois Extension about needle cast disease, another potential problem for spruce trees: http://extension.illinois.edu/focus/index.cfm?problem=needle-cast-of-spruce
I hope this information is helpful.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it
In general, there are a number of diseases that can affect spruce trees. Since you didn't describe any specific symptoms you might have observed, here are some answers from AAE volunteers who received questions similar to yours in the past, which I hope you will find informative and helpful.
1. Colorado blue spruce needles do have a finite life - 8 to 10 years, then they drop. So every year you can expect to see about 1/10 - 1/8 of the innermost/oldest needles turn yellowish, then brown and drop. With age, spruces become a "shell" - a support structure for needles out on the ends of branches only. For example - examining lower branches of a 40 yr-old spruce - there are about 30 years worth of growth now completely bare/devoid of needles and only 8-10 years of needles at branch extremities. Spruces may prematurely drop needles that are only a couple yrs old if they are or become excessively shaded - from branches above, from a building or from adjacent vegetation. Often, these needles turn half-yellow or whitish and half blue before turning entirely brown - this is because those excessively shaded needles are not manufacturing the green pigment chlorophyll any more (blue needle color is due to chlorophyll plus a layer of wax on the needles that helps keeps them from drying). Check a few of the buds at ends of branches to ensure they are present - they'll look a little like a small brown rose bud. These are the promise of new growth/new needles next May. Be sure to water the spruce's entire rooting area now and again during extended dry spells in winter when there is no snowcover. You can prune out any deadwood ( twigs/branches devoid of needles ) - at any time when temperatures are above 0."
2. Here's a link to a good publication from Illinois Extension about needle cast disease, another potential problem for spruce trees: http://extension.illinois.edu/focus/index.cfm?problem=needle-cast-of-spruce
I hope this information is helpful.
