Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce Needle Drop - Ask Extension
Hi there,
I planted a dwarf blue globe spruce in my front yard last fall. It came back beautifully this spring, having grown new candles over the w...
Knowledgebase
Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce Needle Drop #874498
Asked June 24, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT
Hi there,
I planted a dwarf blue globe spruce in my front yard last fall. It came back beautifully this spring, having grown new candles over the winter. Unfortunately in the last few weeks it's started struggling, dropping needles and browning. The plants around it are happy. I'm wondering if this is either under-watering, or the sprinkler system watering the top and then it getting burn off? (shouldn't happen, sprinklers run overnight, but trying to give all information). Thank in advance for any help!
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out. There are a number of things that could cause this:
Under watering. I see a sprinkler head near by, but you mentioned that you water at night. Have you run this zone to be sure the sprinkler suppling water to this plant is fully operational?
Winter desiccation / damage. With this type of damage you do typically see die back from outside to inward along the branch. But generally would have shown more damage in the newest needles this spring had this been the primary cause, but could cause the plant to be stressed and more susceptible to insect and disease.
Next it could be a borer (break open the dead-looking end buds to see if they are hollow or contain a larvae).
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ips-beetles-5-558/
Lastly it could possibly one of the two diseases that impact blue spruce in our state:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/cytospora-canker-2-937/
It is difficult to diagnose your issue just from the photographs. You may want a local licensed arborist to have a look at well. They may also have knowledge of what else might be happening in your area. A good resource to identify a licensed arborist is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) at http://www.isa-arbor.com.
Under watering. I see a sprinkler head near by, but you mentioned that you water at night. Have you run this zone to be sure the sprinkler suppling water to this plant is fully operational?
Winter desiccation / damage. With this type of damage you do typically see die back from outside to inward along the branch. But generally would have shown more damage in the newest needles this spring had this been the primary cause, but could cause the plant to be stressed and more susceptible to insect and disease.
Next it could be a borer (break open the dead-looking end buds to see if they are hollow or contain a larvae).
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ips-beetles-5-558/
Lastly it could possibly one of the two diseases that impact blue spruce in our state:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/cytospora-canker-2-937/
It is difficult to diagnose your issue just from the photographs. You may want a local licensed arborist to have a look at well. They may also have knowledge of what else might be happening in your area. A good resource to identify a licensed arborist is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) at http://www.isa-arbor.com.
