Balsam/fraser fir disease? - Ask Extension
I know they can get grubs or bugs that can kill them but mine died in an odd way and didn’t turn red/brown. They turned white/yellow. Eventually kin...
Knowledgebase
Balsam/fraser fir disease? #933464
Asked May 29, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT
I know they can get grubs or bugs that can kill them but mine died in an odd way and didn’t turn red/brown. They turned white/yellow. Eventually kinda went red but not like any of the pics I was able to find online. Thoughts? I feel like they were killed by my lawn company or poisoned somehow. I cut one down and there was yellow in the stump.
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
If the branches turning brown/yellow are only on one side of the tree that could signal herbicide exposure. If this happened to all the trees at once in a short period of time that would be another clue.
Other causes are also detailed at the following website:
1.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/fir/
2.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/fir/needlesyellow.html
Other causes are also detailed at the following website:
1.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/fir/
2.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/fir/needlesyellow.html
