Aspen die off - Ask Extension
Last week I noticed large sections of aspens on Thorpe Mtn that appeared to be dying off. Meaning it looked as if they had leafed but the life was ...
Knowledgebase
Aspen die off #875269
Asked June 29, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
Last week I noticed large sections of aspens on Thorpe Mtn that appeared to be dying off. Meaning it looked as if they had leafed but the life was fading. This week it was more pronounced with stands of aspens dropping leaves and looking just white and lifeless. Also seemed that the higher elevation trees were fading faster. Is this something you have observed anyplace else in the county?
thanks
Routt County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Wayne-
I haven't personally seen the issue you're referring to, but given the wonderful moisture we've had, I suspect that Marssonina Blight may be at play here. Marssonina is a fungal issue and spores live on old, dropped leaves; when conditions are right, they are released and impact the current year's leaves. Wet conditions exacerbate the spreading of the fungus. Most trees survive it quite well and we hopefully won't see long-term impacts due to the issue.
There is a lot of information regarding this disease, but I'd recommend this simple primer located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5302972.pdf to learn more.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I haven't personally seen the issue you're referring to, but given the wonderful moisture we've had, I suspect that Marssonina Blight may be at play here. Marssonina is a fungal issue and spores live on old, dropped leaves; when conditions are right, they are released and impact the current year's leaves. Wet conditions exacerbate the spreading of the fungus. Most trees survive it quite well and we hopefully won't see long-term impacts due to the issue.
There is a lot of information regarding this disease, but I'd recommend this simple primer located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5302972.pdf to learn more.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks Todd, that sounds like a better issue than a massive die off. I’ take a look at the site
thanks
w
On Jul 1, 2024, at 9:09 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Let me know if you see something that looks different, Wayne.
