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Birds nest spruce issues #913869

Asked August 13, 2025, 11:46 AM EDT

The birds nest spruce has been healthy and growing for 10 years. Never watered regularly. First noticed needle drop last year. Worse this summer. Can I fix it or is it a goner?

Rice County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on the following link about your shrub: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c383

The last half of the summer of 2024 we had a drought. If the shrub was not watered, it would be stressed from the drought. If you scroll to the bottom of the above link, it discusses diseases it may be susceptible to. 

The dead branches may be from drought damage. We had a very cold winter with little snow cover which would also stress the plant. 

Here is a link about the possible diseases: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cytospora-canker

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast

These links discuss possible management. You could prune out the dead branches but it may never look the same again. 

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied August 14, 2025, 9:51 AM EDT

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