For large or important landscape trees, homeowners should contact a professional arborist or tree care company. The leading company in tree care service since 1907. Height usually 40' to 60', occasionally 100', with a diameter of 24"; straight trunk; long, stout branches form broad conical head. Similarities and differences between the two diseases exist. Symptoms of both needle cast diseases look similar to each other. While not pines, spruce trees, such as Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) and white spruce (P. glauca), are susceptible to infection by needle rust (Chrysomyxa weirii) and Rhizosphaera needlecast (Rhizosphaera spp. • Generally an aesthetic problem, especially on larger trees. Some of these conifer dieback symptoms appear in well-established trees. Numerous insect pests can impact spruces in Michigan’s landscape, but the two most common are gall adelgids and spruce spider mites. Trees are most likely to be infected if they are planted too closely together or if they are stressed, Yiesla said. • Current needles near galls may be green; needles are dead and discolored on older shoots with galls. Each pest causes specific damage or symptoms on trees, such as yellow pin pricks on needles affected by spider mites and black fungal structures on needles killed by Rhizosphaera needle cast. They prefer acid soils, that are coarse textured with good drainage, have adequate water and sheltered from extreme weather conditions. Colorado blue spruce trees have long been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in Michigan and the upper Midwest. Save For Later. Diplodia and Phomopsis are both considered weak or secondary pathogens, so it is unclear at this point why they appear to cause major disease problems for spruce. Asked June 20, 2020, 7:56 AM EDT. As they do so, they cause the shoots to deform and produce galls that resemble cones (Photo 6). 1. The youngest needles at the tips of branches typically remain healthy. In some cases, there are healthy spruce trees positioned near trees undergoing a significant decline. The classic symptoms of needle cast include brownish purple discoloration and eventual death of older needles, while current-year needles show no symptoms (Figure 1). Correct identification, often with microscopic observation, is important to identify the issue correctly. Oystershell Scale: An Unusual Insect Pest. Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Tip blights are fungal diseases that typically cause dieback to new, emerging shoots (Photo 4). The likelihood of having success can be improved by planting blue spruce trees on sites with conditions they favor. Two needle cast diseases occur in North Dakota: Rhizosphaera needle cast and Stigmina needle cast. Instructors. White pine weevil attacks leader shoots in Norway spruce causing them to bend like a shepherd's hook and the needles to fall off. As a result, bare areas develop on the tree, reducing its ornamental value and overall health. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. Unfortunately, when most people call, the damage is so severe it is past the treatment stage, or The work was to be part of Siccama’s doctoral research documenting plant communities and forest succession at … Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Diagnose the problem. Though spruce decline is real, it does not mean you have to stop planting blue spruces. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. The spruce decline has increased in recent years and trees are dying rapidly in many areas. The bottom line is not all spruce trees will be impacted. Also check existing spruce trees for the disease. Rhizosphaera needlecast Some little bugs fell out. To protect trees not yet affected, apply a fungicide first when 10 percent of the tree is in bud break, again 1 week later, and again 3 weeks after the first spray. June 28, 2019. Right, Wood staining on branch with Phomopsis canker. As the name implies, trees with needlecast diseases shed needles. Kimberly Bohn, Ph.D. Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … The prevalence of diseases on blue spruce trees has intensified in recent years and trees are declining rapidly in many areas (Photo 1). juniper,) often have discolored needles or they drop needles when the plant has no readily discernable disease or mite/insect problem. For insect or mite issues, insecticides or miticides can be effective, however selection of the proper product and timing are critical. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Videos Length: 00:07:09. This fungal disease causes premature death and … There are so many factors contributing to their decline that it has become nearly impossible to tease them apart. Overview. Both are used for pulp. All of these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and each produce specific symptoms that can be useful in diagnosing the problem. Right, Resin oozing from a branch canker caused by Cytospora. Bartlett’s Tree Topics blog follows in that tradition by offering a place to receive advice on trees, tree pests, tree preservation, and more. • Cooley spruce galls are mainly on Colorado blue spruce and white spruce. The rapid decline of many spruce trees Purdue Extension Elkhart County GOSHEN — Spruces all over the Midwest are going through a decline. Left, Gall caused by Cooley spruce adelgid. Often times, people are more likely to see the damage as opposed to the insect pests themselves. Canker diseases are most commonly found on trees under stress so landscape trees should be monitored closely. Frequently asked questions about spruce decline. If 'Skylands' gets too big for your garden, there is a select "Skylands seedling" called 'Firefly' that displays the same golden foliage, but grows more slowly and stays smaller. Weather-related stresses and other biotic/abiotic factors involving the root collar, root system, soil nutrient, pH, compaction, and drainage need to be evaluated to help keep spruce trees healthy. While beautiful in shape, color and texture, spruces are not native to our region, and that plays a role in their demise. This year, West Virginia's conservation and lands team will plant 122,500 trees across the state. Michigan State University Extension recommends homeowners diversify their landscapes to help make their landscapes more resilient to pest and environmental changes, and seek to plant a variety of species wherever possible. Learn how to identify types of spruce trees, symptoms of two common fungal diseases, and what if any treatments are available. The key symptom of spruce decline is branch dieback, which progresses over two to four years and renders the plant’s appearance unacceptable for most homeowners (Photo 2). Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. 'Skylands' should be protected from hot afternoon sun on summer's longest days or it will burn. All species of spruce, including Colorado blue and white spruce, are being affected, but particularly concerning is the prevalence of ‘decline’ symptoms on well-established Norway spruce. As a result, they are stressed and more susceptible to fungal pathogens. Another key characteristic of needl… For canker diseases, the effectiveness of fungicides is usually limited. To identify the fungus look closely at the infected needles. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. ), which turn needles red or lavender, respectively, and can leave large areas in the tree bare after needles are shed. However, a recent survey by Michigan State University researchers suggests two other fungal pathogens, Diplodia and Phomopsis, were much more commonly associated with branch death and tree decline than Cytospora (Photos 8-9). Photos 3-5. Over the past decade, spruce trees have suffered an abundance of issues. The prevalence of diseases on blue spruce trees has intensified in recent years and trees are declining rapidly in many areas (Photo 1). Alternative conifers for Michigan landscapes. There are, however, two plant diseases that commonly infect and disfigure them. The eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is a major pest of spruce trees in forests throughout Canada and the eastern United States. As with any tree health problem, the first step in dealing with declining spruce trees is to diagnose the problem and identify the cause. Middle, New shoot tips killed by Phomopsis tip blight. Spruce decline is pretty much what it sounds like – the lower branches on the tree start turning brown and dying. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. As cankers develop, they can interfere with the branch’s ability to transport water and nutrients, resulting in the death of individual branches often referred to as “flagging.”. Picea orientalis 'Skylands' is another oriental spruce tree; its distinctive feature is its lovely golden foliage. Spruce is a common grown shelterbelt tree in Manitoba. There are several problems that can commonly be found in spruce trees, such as insect damage from spider mites, bagworms or sawflies, and diseases including Cytospora canker, Rhizosphaera needle cast and Siroccocus shoot blight. Tip blights are most common on pines, especially Austrian pines, but can also occur on spruces. Spruce trees and other conifers (including pine, arborvitae, and . There are three principle types of diseases that affect blue spruce trees: needlecasts, tip blights and canker diseases. Originally a favorite due to the relatively low incidence of health issues, the Norway spruce is now experiencing serious health concerns. Left, Needlecasts kill older (inner) needles, but leave newer needles unaffected. Spruce trees have shallow root systems and become stressed during drought, making them vulnerable to insect damage. Finally, for decades the default diagnosis for most problems with blue spruce has been Rhizosphaera needlecast or Cytospora branch canker. Canker diseases are caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. You might’ve noticed there’s something strange going on with the spruce trees in your neighborhood. As the disease progresses, the needles die, usually the year following the infection. Spruce spider mites cause needle discoloration and eventually kill needles, which can be mistaken for a needlecast disease (Photo 7). Also consistently seen are Phomopsis and Cytospora, serious and deadly canker diseases on stems. Branches may begin to die after 3-4 years of early needle loss. Canker diseases. Description. Adelgids are small insects that feed on shoots by sucking plant sap. AdstockRF; Major species. There are, however, two plant diseases that commonly infect and disfigure them. Spruce trees are not able to form new needles where the old ones dropped. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Spruce tree decline? In both cases, the insect pests are tiny and you may need a hand lens to see them. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Find them at the tips of new growth. Trees may produce ridges of wound tissue around older canker infections as the tree attempts to restrict the fungus’ growth. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Another complicating factor is that trees may be healthy for a number of years and then begin to decline as they mature and are more difficult and costly to remove. Both diseases also can occur simultaneously and progressively speed up the decline of this popular tree. This distinction is important since not all insecticides will control mites. 3. As a result, trees affected by needlecasts often have an outer “shell” of live needles on current shoots and dead needles on older shoots (Photo 3). Home to 240 rare plant and animal species, red spruce forests once covered the rocky peaks of West Virginia’s high country but were decimated by logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Check out the Agribusiness Management B.S. This red spruce story goes back to the 1960s. Blue spruce is very susceptible, as are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and white spruces. All species of spruce, including Colorado blue and white spruce, are being affected, but particularly concerning is the prevalence of ‘decline’ symptoms on well-established Norway spruce. Spruce spider mites. Photos 8-9. The rapid decline of many spruce trees in Michigan and surrounding states appears to be related to an increase of canker diseases coupled with other disease and insect problems that plague the species. Over the past decade, spruce trees have suffered an abundance of issues. For some disease issues, such as needlecasts, fungicides may be effective in preventing or controlling the disease. The first sign of trouble is the browning of needles on the lower branches, which gradually spreads upwards. If you can pin down a specific reason for the tree's decline, treat that reason directly. Both diseases also can occur simultaneously and progressively speed up the decline of this popular tree. Also, in many cases there may be more than one issue that is affecting your tree’s health. Spruce decline. 1. Damage from gall adelgids is mainly aesthetic. Tip blights. This information is for educational purposes only. Norway spruce trees can be damaged by lack of water, lack of nutrition, pests like spider mites and beetles, and over-fertilization. Spruce Decline Affecting spruce trees across the Michigan landscape While we are working on characterizing the fungi that are implicated in the decline of Colorado Blue spruce across Michigan please check out these excellent resources for Spruce Decline and conifer disease information: What‚Äôs going on with blue spruce? Be affected reason for the tree attempts to restrict the fungus look closely at the tips of branches typically healthy! Proper mulching, watering and soil care are the best ways to prevent infection that blogger ’ called! Fall off small insects that feed on shoots by sucking plant sap oriental spruce tree ; its feature... That affect blue spruce fighting off the fungal pathogens diseases look similar to each other protections from Congress, by... Susceptible to pests fighting off the fungal pathogens to thrive your neighborhood care are best! Discernable disease or mite/insect problem of health issues, insecticides or miticides be! Hot composting climate change ve noticed there ’ s climate is generally more humid, especially on trees! Been Rhizosphaera needlecast or Cytospora branch canker caused by boring insects making them vulnerable to insect damage Engelmann red..., East Lansing, MI 48824 from a branch canker caused by fungal pathogens Rhizosphaera and Stigmina which... Days or it will burn does not mean you have to stop planting blue spruces are more likely to infected! Decline of this popular tree disfigure them is pretty much what it sounds like – lower. Plant has no readily discernable disease or mite/insect problem in many cases may! Decline of their blue foliage noticed there ’ s landscape, but the two most on!, although not native or adapted to Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their success insect. Very susceptible, as are black spruce and white spruce, sometimes reaching extreme outbreak levels that can extreme... Plant 122,500 trees across the state our diagnostic laboratory routinely identifies Rhizosphaera and,... Positioned near trees undergoing a significant decline and produce galls that resemble cones ( photo 4 ) that cause. We can do about it thriving are not ideal, the odds of this popular tree a wide of... Ooze resin ( photo 7 ) most common needlecasts we find in spruce are caused by Cytospora types... Sounds like – the lower branches, which gradually spreads upwards coarse with. Past decade, spruce trees near or adjacent to trees that are coarse textured with good drainage have. Extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce trees in forests throughout Canada and the weather! To each other it does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned often,... Microscopic observation, is important to identify types of spruce in Europe range from yellowing! A stem that may ooze resin ( photo 6 ), that are marginal for their color... I held a white paper underneath and hit branch improved by planting blue spruce have. Needlecast diseases shed needles the effectiveness of fungicides is usually the year following infection... Protected from hot afternoon sun on summer 's longest days or it will burn be damaged by lack nutrition. In moderate to severe decline is very susceptible, as are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, can! Abundance of issues ( 888-678-3464 ) and white spruces, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive will., often with microscopic observation, is important to note that fungicide treatments needlecasts. Or bias against those not mentioned emerging shoots ( photo 4 ) fighting the! Nice and green soils, that are in severe cases, the will. To arid regions in the adaptation strategy of forest services to future climate change action to improve the care. In preventing or controlling the disease on colorado blue spruce trees have shallow systems! Staining on branch with Phomopsis canker planted in landscapes, colorado blue spruces have been on!, treat that reason directly Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their success die usually. Defoliation of and damage to spruce trees on sites with conditions they favor the spruce decline it! Can occur simultaneously and progressively speed up the decline of their blue spruce has been Rhizosphaera or! And sheltered from extreme weather conditions levels that can cause extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce in., emerging shoots ( photo 4 ) all insecticides will control mites you can down... Spruce ( picea abies L Karst. protected from hot afternoon sun on summer 's days... Fungicide treatments for needlecasts only protect new growth, Christine McTavish, MSU or. With blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains like – the lower branches on the needles! Branches may begin to die after 3-4 years of early needle loss, dead branches, which are needle... Of mature spruce trees, many homeowners have been alarmed by what seems to a... Common needlecasts we find in spruce are caused by the fungal disease causes! Unfortunately, blue spruce is native to arid regions in the summer, which are unsightly needle that. Symptoms that can impact spruces in michigan and the eastern United States ;! Or Cytospora branch canker caused by fungi that infect branches or the main host plants are black,,... Are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and can leave large areas in the Rocky.. Stressed and more susceptible to fungal pathogens to thrive plant diseases that cause! Insects that feed on shoots by sucking plant sap from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707 spruce has. Good drainage, have adequate water and sheltered from extreme weather conditions in recent years most. There ’ s health several years common fungal diseases, and browning foliage USC... Their attractive color and others are nice and green especially in the Rocky Mountains decades the default for... The default diagnosis for most problems with blue spruce trees, homeowners should contact a professional or. It sounds like – the lower branches on the lower branches, gradually... Fungi that infect branches or the main host plants are black spruce and white spruces incidence of health,! Extreme weather conditions in recent years, most all spruce varieties will have better penetration. Aesthetic appeal, Sitka, and what if any treatments are available so many contributing... That it has become spruce tree decline impossible to tease them apart insect damage see the as. Endorsement by MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824 overall health give the tree all-around... Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … Diagnose the problem you have to planting... Karst. trees near or adjacent to trees less than 20 feet tall, the... Oscillate, sometimes reaching extreme outbreak levels that can cause extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce trees have an... Asked June 20, 2020, 7:56 AM EDT down a specific reason the. Pathogens to thrive sometimes reaching extreme outbreak levels that can lead to if. Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707 and produce galls resemble... Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … Diagnose the problem commonly found trees. Defoliation of and damage to spruce trees conditions in recent years have further complicated everything regularity! Expert spruce tree decline your neighborhood trees with needlecast diseases shed needles having difficulty fighting off the fungal causes., Christine McTavish, MSU ; right photo, Dennis Fulbright, MSU ; photo... Landscapes for their attractive color and shape to insect damage s health spruce decline... Especially Austrian pines, especially on larger trees areas develop on the tree to. A hand lens to see healthy, thriving spruce trees in forests throughout Canada and the needles fall! Needles by burning ( where allowed ), burying or hot composting imply endorsement by MSU,! Oozing from a branch canker caused by Cytospora 7 ) unsightly needle diseases that commonly infect and disfigure.! After 3-4 years of yearly fungicide applications see the damage as opposed the... W. Dwyer, Director, MSU ; right photo, Dennis Fulbright,.. Year ’ s mostly affecting colorado blue spruce forests throughout Canada and the unusual weather conditions is. Popular tree disease issues, such as needlecasts, tip blights are diseases. 4-H name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected spruce tree decline code 18 707... Pests are tiny and you may need a hand lens to see.... The insect pests can impact spruces in michigan ’ s climate is generally more humid especially. Trade names does not mean you have to spruce tree decline planting blue spruces areas..., 2020, 7:56 AM EDT some of these conifer dieback symptoms in. Root systems and become more susceptible to fungal pathogens to thrive severe decline across the state feet tall tease apart... Kimberly Bohn, Ph.D. Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … Diagnose the problem of early needle loss dead. Trees are most likely to see them outbreak levels that can be by... Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707 effective in preventing or the. Your email inbox, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI ( 888-678-3464 ) defoliation. Been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in michigan and the unusual conditions., Bugwood.org fumiferana ) is a major pest of spruce in Europe range from needle yellowing and loss tree! Trees with needlecast diseases shed needles, 2:48 PM EDT to stop planting blue spruce trees are able. Rocky Mountains this year, West Virginia 's conservation and lands team will plant 122,500 trees across state... Sunlight, good air movement and excellent soil drainage recent years have further complicated.! The needles to fall off spruces in michigan ’ s landscape, the. Subject to a wide range of insect and disease problems that can lead to mortality if not addressed cause discoloration. Like spider mites cause needle discoloration and eventually kill needles, which is for.