Why are my blue spruce trees dying?

Why are my blue spruce trees dying?

Blue spruce trees are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. The disease, referred to as Rhizosphaera needle cast, is the most common problem seen on blue spruce samples that are submitted to the Plant Disease Clinic. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.

What is the average life of a blue spruce tree?

While blue spruce grows relatively slowly, it is long-lived and may reach ages of 600-800 years.

Is the white spruce tree native to Iowa?

White spruce ( Picea glauca) is not native to Iowa. It occurs quite widely over the northern portion of the Lake States, northern New England and much of Canada. It has been planted quite extensively in Iowa for ornamental and windbreak use. It does best in the eastern part of the state. Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed.

What are the symptoms of a blue spruce tree dying?

Symptoms – The disease is usually first evident on lower branches and then works upward gradually. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several successive years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.

Why are the needles falling off my Colorado blue spruce?

We have long been familiar with Rhizosphaera needle cast, a very common fungal disease that affects primarily Colorado blue spruce, and occasionally Black Hills spruce. This disease causes needles to turn purplish-brown and fall off, working from the inside of the tree out and from the bottom of the tree up.

Why are the spruce trees in Michigan declining?

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. Photo 2. Decline usually starts on lower branches. Photo credit: Dennis Fulbright, MS

What to do if your blue spruce is dying?

When you see such symptoms appear on your trees, you should contact a trusted arborist to help you save the trees. The disease spreads fast, and treating it early using the right fungicides can be of great help. When you see lower branches of a blue spruce drying and dying, you should expect the worst.

What kind of hardiness zone does Blue Spruce live in?

This popular tree is a perfect conifer for open landscapes and big backyards, and it can survive in U.S. Department of Agriculture-designated hardiness zones of 3 through 8. Unfortunately, however, blue spruce trees are often subject to a few tree fungal infections that can impact their growth.

Why are blue spruce trees declining in Michigan?

There are a number of factors contributing to the decline we see in blue spruce trees, including environmental changes, poor site conditions and new pathogens. Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive.

Are there any blue spruce trees in Ohio?

Four years ago, Ron Linger of Ohio planted 100 blue spruce trees. Recently, he told WKBN news that his “trees weren’t looking very good. A lot of the needles had dropped off the trees.