What is the disease on my white spruce (?) trees AND what can I do to get rid it? - Ask Extension
What is the disease on my white spruce (?) trees AND what can I do to get rid it? Will trimming off the dead or dying branches help? It starts on the ...
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What is the disease on my white spruce (?) trees AND what can I do to get rid it? #868344
Asked May 14, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
What is the disease on my white spruce (?) trees AND what can I do to get rid it?
Will trimming off the dead or dying branches help?
It starts on the lower branches and works its way up the tree.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
There are a number of pathogens and environmental stressors that affect spruce and cause these symptoms. These fungi infect needles on the current year’s shoots. Needles usually die and drop the year following the infection. We often see an outer shell of live needles and bare branches on the inside, which it looks like may be the case from this photo. If you have a hand lens, you could look for the characteristic black fruiting bodies on the fallen needles. You can also inspect the canopy and trunk for signs of other pathogens. Some more information and reference photos here:
Diagnosing Spruce Problems (state.mn.us)
To get confirmation of this pathogen, you can also send a sample into the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. For more information on sending in a sample, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Often, these pathogens are seen as secondary infections after a tree is already stressed due to less than ideal environmental or site conditions. More information about other factors that may be affecting the spruce here: What is spruce decline and what should you do about it?
Focus on reducing stress in the tree by watering during times of drought. Make sure you are watering at the base of the tree, as watering the foliage and where/if a disease is present can help it spread. You can also remove dead branches when it is dry to help prevent spread. Also, practice sanitation and rake up any fallen needles.
Another option is to have an arborist coming out to assess your tree. TreesAreGood.org
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
There are a number of pathogens and environmental stressors that affect spruce and cause these symptoms. These fungi infect needles on the current year’s shoots. Needles usually die and drop the year following the infection. We often see an outer shell of live needles and bare branches on the inside, which it looks like may be the case from this photo. If you have a hand lens, you could look for the characteristic black fruiting bodies on the fallen needles. You can also inspect the canopy and trunk for signs of other pathogens. Some more information and reference photos here:
Diagnosing Spruce Problems (state.mn.us)
To get confirmation of this pathogen, you can also send a sample into the Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. For more information on sending in a sample, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Often, these pathogens are seen as secondary infections after a tree is already stressed due to less than ideal environmental or site conditions. More information about other factors that may be affecting the spruce here: What is spruce decline and what should you do about it?
Focus on reducing stress in the tree by watering during times of drought. Make sure you are watering at the base of the tree, as watering the foliage and where/if a disease is present can help it spread. You can also remove dead branches when it is dry to help prevent spread. Also, practice sanitation and rake up any fallen needles.
Another option is to have an arborist coming out to assess your tree. TreesAreGood.org
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
