Evergreens - Ask Extension
I have a row of seven varying kinds of evergreen trees. Most have needle cast (as told to me by the nursery) and have lost most of their bottom greene...
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Evergreens #879133
Asked July 28, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT
I have a row of seven varying kinds of evergreen trees. Most have needle cast (as told to me by the nursery) and have lost most of their bottom greenery. We have 2 blue spruce and 1 got needle cast and the other didn't...They are large- planted ~35 years ago. We need them for privacy. I've been told by an arborist at our local nursery that the only kind of evergreen that does not get needle cast is a Norway Spruce, although I have seen online that they can get it. The arborist said that we can plant the new ones off center of the older ones and cut the older branches off as the new ones grow.
My question is- What can we plant that won't get the spread of the needle cast, is dense and fairly fast growing? Any other thoughts? Thank you!
Olmsted County Minnesota
Expert Response
According to authorities at North Dakota State University, Royal Splendor Norway spruce is needle cast immune.
The following publication lists several needle cast resistant evergreens. Although the information was prepared for Michigan residents, most of it also applies to Minnesota.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/alternative-conifers-for-michigan-landscapes
Meyer spruce needle cast resistance is said to be comparable to Norway spruce.
We presume you need evergreens to provide screening the year around.
The following publication lists several needle cast resistant evergreens. Although the information was prepared for Michigan residents, most of it also applies to Minnesota.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/alternative-conifers-for-michigan-landscapes
Meyer spruce needle cast resistance is said to be comparable to Norway spruce.
We presume you need evergreens to provide screening the year around.
