Knowledgebase

White Growth on Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce #877276

Asked July 15, 2024, 11:18 AM EDT

I have a Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce that has white growth on it and needles are dying. Can you please tell me what it is and what to do about it? Thank you so much!

Durham County North Carolina

Expert Response

I suspect that your Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce has an infestation of spruce spider mites. Spruce spider mites are the most common pest of the Blue Globe Spruce. To confirm the presence of them, take a sheet of white paper and hold it under a branch that looks infected, and rap the branch on the paper. While they are very small, you should see evidence of black spots/flecks on the paper. Repeat this on several branches and if you see 10 or more you should consider the use of a registered miticide according to the label directions.

For more information on this follow this link to a Penn State publication.

https://extension.psu.edu/spruce-spider-mite

You may also wish to consult with an arborist and you can find one in your area by using the following link:

Contact the following associations to obtain a list of certified professionals practicing in the area.

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

This society offers two levels of certification that are relevant to residential consumers. Prerequisite for either certification is 18 months of experience in arboriculture:

• Certified Arborist: One written exam demonstrating a broad basic knowledge of tree biology, species identification and selection, soils and tree nutrition, planting, pruning, and problem diagnosis and management. It also requires 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

• Certified Tree Worker: Two exams: an oral test on all aspects of tree care, and a practical exam covering climbing skills and aerial rescue procedures. It also requires 15 hours of continuing education every three years.

Thank you for your question

Wanda

Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteer

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied July 23, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT

I hope this information was helpful.

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied January 24, 2025, 1:55 PM EST

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