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Colorado Spruce brown tips #878395

Asked July 23, 2024, 11:05 AM EDT

My 13 year old Colorado Spruce (maybe Colorado Blue Spruce) has been getting brown tips for several years. Can you diagnose and advise what can be done? Thank you.

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and pictures. It looks like your Colorado blue spruce is suffering from spruce needle rust. It is caused by a fungus and affects new growth, which turn a yellow, pink color. Here is information about it from Extension:

Spruce needle rust | UMN Extension

From your picture of the entire tree, it looks like your spruce may have Rhizosphaera needle cast disease. This is common in spruce trees as they grow, with the inside needles of trees drop. Unfortunately, this is a tough disease to treat, so many homeowners prune the lower branches of their spruce. 

Rhizosphaera needle cast | UMN Extension

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT

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