Pine tree needles falling bare branches - Ask Extension
I have a 15 ft pine tree. Needles have fallen branches are bare . Some branches Appear to be dead. This only in about lower 25 % of the tree. I have f...
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Pine tree needles falling bare branches #869852
Asked May 23, 2024, 8:35 PM EDT
I have a 15 ft pine tree. Needles have fallen branches are bare . Some branches Appear to be dead. This only in about lower 25 % of the tree. I have forwarded a pic. I have been told this might be a fungus. Can you give me your opinion and what i might purchase to help the situation..thank you
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Steve,
This appears to be needlecast on a blue spruce tree. This is a common issue with some blue spruce in Michigan due to our humid climate. Needles in the lower branches, where air does not flow freely, become infected with a fungus that essentially clogs the openings through which the needle exchanges gasses. And then the needle dies and falls off the branch.
The article at the link below provides a thorough description of the pathogen.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast
Near the end of the article are options for management. You may choose to spray the new growth with a fungicide to prevent the needles from being affected by the fungal pathogen. This would have to occur on an annual basis; spraying is best done with the new growth is elongating.
Note treating the tree with a fungicide will protect the new growth, which occurs at the tips of the branches. And gives trees a fuller look. Needles lost from the interior will not grow back.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
This appears to be needlecast on a blue spruce tree. This is a common issue with some blue spruce in Michigan due to our humid climate. Needles in the lower branches, where air does not flow freely, become infected with a fungus that essentially clogs the openings through which the needle exchanges gasses. And then the needle dies and falls off the branch.
The article at the link below provides a thorough description of the pathogen.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast
Near the end of the article are options for management. You may choose to spray the new growth with a fungicide to prevent the needles from being affected by the fungal pathogen. This would have to occur on an annual basis; spraying is best done with the new growth is elongating.
Note treating the tree with a fungicide will protect the new growth, which occurs at the tips of the branches. And gives trees a fuller look. Needles lost from the interior will not grow back.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
-Julie
