spruce tree needle loss
Our spruce tree has one lower section where proximal needles are gone on many branches but the distal needles in tip of branches look fine. What could cause this and what should we do? Can send photo.
Jefferson County Kentucky
1 Response
From the photos it appears you may have an issue with a needle cast disease. Unfortunately, now is not the time to spray due to high temperatures and high humidity. Fungicides are protective so need to be applied at the beginning of the season to protect new growth. The following link may help you decide the course of action you wish to take. http://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-or-w-24.pdf
You are welcome to bring a sample into our office for diagnosis. We need a branch tip with both healthy and affected needles attached if possible. If we cannot identify the problem here the sample will be sent to the university lab at no cost to you.
Feel free to contact our office if you have other questions.
Let me know if I can help you further!
Carol Wilder
Horticulture Technician
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
502-569-2344
200 Juneau Drive
Louisville KY 40243
