Technically, mites are not insects, but are related to spiders. For canker diseases, the effectiveness of fungicides is usually limited. Picea orientalis 'Skylands' is another oriental spruce tree; its distinctive feature is its lovely golden foliage. plays an important role in the adaptation strategy of forest services to future climate change. 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. 2. Correct identification, often with microscopic observation, is important to identify the issue correctly. Also consistently seen are Phomopsis and Cytospora, serious and deadly canker diseases on stems. Spruce decline is pretty much what it sounds like – the lower branches on the tree start turning brown and dying. 1. Check out the Agribusiness Management B.S. In some cases, there are healthy spruce trees positioned near trees undergoing a significant decline. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. Proper mulching, watering and soil care are the best ways to prevent infection. Originally a favorite due to the relatively low incidence of health issues, the Norway spruce is now experiencing serious health concerns. Adelgids are small insects that feed on shoots by sucking plant sap. Throughout the Midwest, Colorado blue spruces have been showing needle loss, dead branches, and browning foliage. 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. Branches may begin to die after 3-4 years of early needle loss. If you can't, give the tree an all-around treatment. White pine weevil attacks leader shoots in Norway spruce causing them to bend like a shepherd's hook and the needles to fall off. Middle, New shoot tips killed by Phomopsis tip blight. Population levels oscillate, sometimes reaching extreme outbreak levels that can cause extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce trees. Symptoms of forest decline of spruce in Europe range from needle yellowing and loss to tree and stand mortality. Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Dry needles are less likely to be infected. As “Beatlemania” was invading the rest of the country, Hub Vogelmann, professor of botany at the University of Vermont and iconic conservationist, and graduate student Thomas Siccama were doing routine plant surveys on Camel’s Hump in the Green Mountains of Vermont. • Eastern spruce galls mainly affect Norway and white spruce. Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Not sure if spider mites or not. Purdue Extension Elkhart County GOSHEN — Spruces all over the Midwest are going through a decline. • Cooley spruce galls are mainly on Colorado blue spruce and white spruce. Instructors. Numerous insect pests can impact spruces in Michigan’s landscape, but the two most common are gall adelgids and spruce spider mites. Photos 8-9. For control to be fully successful, it may take two to three years of yearly fungicide applications. 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. 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. 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. If you wish to save the tree, I would advise pruning out the affected … Another serious health concern noted with regularity is damage caused by boring insects. 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). Tip blights. In landscapes, Colorado blue spruces have been planted on some sites that are marginal for their success. Spruce trees have shallow root systems and become stressed during drought, making them vulnerable to insect damage. As the disease progresses, the needles die, usually the year following the infection. Two needle cast diseases occur in North Dakota: Rhizosphaera needle cast and Stigmina needle cast. As the name implies, trees with needlecast diseases shed needles. 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). Canker diseases are caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. Over the past few years, many homeowners have been alarmed by what seems to be a sudden decline of their blue spruce trees. In fact, it is not uncommon to see healthy, thriving spruce trees near or adjacent to trees that are in severe decline. Height usually 40' to 60', occasionally 100', with a diameter of 24"; straight trunk; long, stout branches form broad conical head. 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? Trees may produce ridges of wound tissue around older canker infections as the tree attempts to restrict the fungus’ growth. Some of these conifer dieback symptoms appear in well-established trees. 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. Colorado blue spruce trees, although not native or adapted to Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their attractive color and shape. There is not a whole lot we can do about it. The prevalence of diseases on blue spruce trees has intensified in recent years and trees are declining rapidly in many areas (Photo 1). In a study area in northeast Bavaria, West Germany, where forest decline was initially detected, exposure to high concentrations of gaseous pollutants, SO2, NOx, and ozone has had no long-lasting direct effect on needles, and pathogens have only been secondary agents. Needlecasts. If conditions are not ideal, the trees will begin to decline and become more susceptible to pests. 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. In severe cases, the disease can kill entire trees. Spruce trees are not able to form new needles where the old ones dropped. Dwarf varieties and properly spaced larger spruce varieties will have better air penetration and needles will dry more quickly. This year, West Virginia's conservation and lands team will plant 122,500 trees across the state. Colorado blue spruce is native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains. Cytospora canker is a disease of mature spruce trees, usually older than 15 years. White spruce produces good lumber, and black spruce is the source of spruce gum.White spruce usually is 18 to 21 metres (about 60 to 70 feet) tall. The spruce decline has increased in recent years and trees are dying rapidly in many areas. 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. Both are used for pulp. Also, in many cases there may be more than one issue that is affecting your tree’s health. Spruce spider mites. Another key characteristic of needl… Environmental factors such as drought stress, elevated summer temperatures, and wetter growing seasons have played a significant role in twig dieback and needle defoliation. program! As a result, they are stressed and more susceptible to fungal pathogens. Some little bugs fell out. juniper,) often have discolored needles or they drop needles when the plant has no readily discernable disease or mite/insect problem. Both diseases also can occur simultaneously and progressively speed up the decline of this popular tree. Symptoms of both needle cast diseases look similar to each other. 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). Typical symptoms of cankers are sunken areas along a stem that may ooze resin (Photo 5). Norway spruce trees can be damaged by lack of water, lack of nutrition, pests like spider mites and beetles, and over-fertilization. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. This distinction is important since not all insecticides will control mites. Unfortunately, blue spruce trees are subject to a wide range of insect and disease problems that can impact their growth and aesthetic appeal. It is important to note that fungicide treatments for needlecasts only protect new growth. For some disease issues, such as needlecasts, fungicides may be effective in preventing or controlling the disease. The two most common needlecasts we find in spruce are caused by the fungal pathogens Rhizosphaera and Stigmina/Mycosphaerella. Photos 3-5. Right, Needle damage caused by mites. As a result, bare areas develop on the tree, reducing its ornamental value and overall health. Spruce decline. There are three principle types of diseases that affect blue spruce trees: needlecasts, tip blights and canker diseases. The likelihood of having success can be improved by planting blue spruce trees on sites with conditions they favor. Spruce tree decline? For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. The bottom line is not all spruce trees will be impacted. Rhizosphaera needlecast June 28, 2019. Black spruce (Picea mariana) and white spruce (P. glauca) are found throughout most of northern North America, from the Great Lakes to the Arctic tree line. Oystershell Scale: An Unusual Insect Pest. Finally, for decades the default diagnosis for most problems with blue spruce has been Rhizosphaera needlecast or Cytospora branch canker. Spruce trees are the most problematic of all conifers in our landscape right now. There are, however, two plant diseases that commonly infect and disfigure them. 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. New pathogens seem to be discovered annually, and the unusual weather conditions in recent years have further complicated everything. Also check existing spruce trees for the disease. Another fungal disease that causes loss of needles is Stigmina, which is often mistaken for Rhizosphaera. Being a leader in the tree care industry means continually focusing on learning and innovation. Canker diseases. Two of the main host plants are black spruce and white spruce. As with any tree health problem, the first step in dealing with declining spruce trees is to diagnose the problem and identify the cause. Trees are most likely to be infected if they are planted too closely together or if they are stressed, Yiesla said. This information is for educational purposes only. 3. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). For insect or mite issues, insecticides or miticides can be effective, however selection of the proper product and timing are critical. • Generally an aesthetic problem, especially on larger trees. Right, Wood staining on branch with Phomopsis canker. In both cases, the insect pests are tiny and you may need a hand lens to see them. Blue spruce trees are widely planted due to their good growth rate, stately form and, of course, their blue foliage. 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). Key site factors for blue spruce trees are full sunlight, good air movement and excellent soil drainage. • Current needles near galls may be green; needles are dead and discolored on older shoots with galls. Gall adelgids. 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. The youngest needles at the tips of branches typically remain healthy. One is turning a lighter more yellow color and others are nice and green. Chrysomyxa weirii: Destroy heavily infected trees. Colorado blue spruce trees, although not native or adapted to Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their attractive color and shape. The leading company in tree care service since 1907. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. Left, Gall caused by Cooley spruce adelgid. Blue spruce is very susceptible, as are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and white spruces. Right, Resin oozing from a branch canker caused by Cytospora. All of these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and each produce specific symptoms that can be useful in diagnosing the problem. This is a difficult question. Browning and loss of innermost needles on the lower branches is often the first visible symptom of Rhizosphaera. It’s called spruce decline and it’s mostly affecting Colorado blue spruce.. Frequently asked questions about spruce decline. Norway spruce are now experiencing serious health concerns. Kimberly Bohn, Ph.D. Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … 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.”. 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. Over the past decade, spruce trees have suffered an abundance of issues. Canker diseases are most commonly found on trees under stress so landscape trees should be monitored closely. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. 'Skylands' should be protected from hot afternoon sun on summer's longest days or it will burn. 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). Spruce trees and other conifers (including pine, arborvitae, and . 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. The work was to be part of Siccama’s doctoral research documenting plant communities and forest succession at … Often times, people are more likely to see the damage as opposed to the insect pests themselves. Bert Cregg, Christine McTavish, Andrew Jarosz, Jill O'Donnell, and Dennis Fulbright Michigan State University - Remove and destroy any diseased branches and needles by burning (where allowed), burying or hot composting. Left, Decline symptoms moving upward. Bartlett’s Tree Topics blog follows in that tradition by offering a place to receive advice on trees, tree pests, tree preservation, and more. As they do so, they cause the shoots to deform and produce galls that resemble cones (Photo 6). 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. While beautiful in shape, color and texture, spruces are not native to our region, and that plays a role in their demise. View bios on each of our bloggers, or click on a name to go to that blogger’s profile page. Asked August 1, 2016, 2:48 PM EDT. Photo credits: Left and middle photo, Dennis Fulbright, MSU; right photo, Michael Kangas, NDSU, Bugwood.org. Photo credits: Jill O’Donnell, MSU. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Overview. For large or important landscape trees, homeowners should contact a professional arborist or tree care company. Learn how to identify types of spruce trees, symptoms of two common fungal diseases, and what if any treatments are available. I held a white paper underneath and hit branch. The first sign of trouble is the browning of needles on the lower branches, which gradually spreads upwards. 1. 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. Michigan’s climate is generally more humid, especially in the summer, which is ideal for fungal pathogens to thrive. The symptoms of spruce decline are progressing branch dieback which starts on the inner needles and works its way out over several years. Although dendroecology can provide valuable information on the past relationships between tree growth and climate, most previous studie … It is most common on trees less than 20 feet tall, and is fatal to trees less than 4 feet tall. Covering large parts of Europe, Norway spruce (Picea abies L Karst.) Photos 6-7. 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. The rapid decline of many spruce trees in the Midwest appears to be related to an increase of canker diseases coupled with other disease and insect problems that plague the species. This red spruce story goes back to the 1960s. Why Spruce Trees Lose Their Needles, Purdue Extension Blue Spruce Decline, Purdue Extension Diseases Common in Blue Spruce, Purdue Extension Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center Tree Planting and Urban Forestry Videos, Subscribe to our Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel There are so many factors contributing to their decline that it has become nearly impossible to tease them apart. In recent years, most all spruce varieties have been having difficulty fighting off the fungal disease Rhizosphaera needle cast. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. 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). Save For Later. The rapid decline of many spruce trees 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. Alternative conifers for Michigan landscapes. 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. ... 2/3 of the tree is in moderate to severe decline. Needlecast fungi often infect needles on the current year’s shoots. To identify the fungus look closely at the infected needles. Find them at the tips of new growth. ), which turn needles red or lavender, respectively, and can leave large areas in the tree bare after needles are shed. Our diagnostic laboratory routinely identifies Rhizosphaera and Stigmina, which are unsightly needle diseases that can lead to mortality if not addressed. This fungal disease causes premature death and … Removing affected branches is usually the best action to improve the tree’s appearance and slow the spread of disease within the tree. Spruce is a common grown shelterbelt tree in Manitoba. Tip blights are fungal diseases that typically cause dieback to new, emerging shoots (Photo 4). AdstockRF; Major species. 2. I have 3 spruce trees in landscape near each other. Description. As there are multiple cankers on the tree, the odds of this tree thriving are not good. Photo credits: Left photo, Christine McTavish, MSU; right photo, Dennis Fulbright, MSU. Asked June 20, 2020, 7:56 AM EDT. They prefer acid soils, that are coarse textured with good drainage, have adequate water and sheltered from extreme weather conditions. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Unfortunately, when most people call, the damage is so severe it is past the treatment stage, or Diagnose the problem. Tip blights are most common on pines, especially Austrian pines, but can also occur on spruces. The eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is a major pest of spruce trees in forests throughout Canada and the eastern United States. You might’ve noticed there’s something strange going on with the spruce trees in your neighborhood. Spruce spider mites cause needle discoloration and eventually kill needles, which can be mistaken for a needlecast disease (Photo 7). Colorado blue spruce trees have long been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in Michigan and the upper Midwest. Other reports of dieback are on trees … Although spruce decline is widespread and appears to be increasing, it is not a certainty that all trees will be affected. Left, Needlecasts kill older (inner) needles, but leave newer needles unaffected. Videos Length: 00:07:09. Similarities and differences between the two diseases exist. If you can pin down a specific reason for the tree's decline, treat that reason directly. There are, however, two plant diseases that commonly infect and disfigure them. Damage from gall adelgids is mainly aesthetic. 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. Though spruce decline is real, it does not mean you have to stop planting blue spruces. Vulnerable to insect damage O ’ Donnell, MSU Extension, East Lansing MI! People are more likely to see them tips of branches typically remain healthy to insect damage decline... Is fatal to trees that are coarse textured with good drainage, have adequate water and sheltered extreme! Serious and deadly canker diseases are caused by the fungal disease that causes loss of needles. Be green ; needles are dead and discolored on older shoots with.! In many areas dwarf varieties and properly spaced larger spruce varieties will have better penetration. Over several years due to the relatively low incidence of health issues, insecticides or can... Name to go to that blogger ’ s shoots to fall off if conditions are not good emerging (... Branches typically remain healthy these conifer dieback symptoms appear in well-established trees consistently seen are Phomopsis and,... After 3-4 years of early needle loss of information delivered straight to your inbox! Properly spaced larger spruce varieties have been having difficulty fighting off the fungal disease that causes loss of innermost on! Is usually limited staining on branch with Phomopsis canker browning foliage products trade... Been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in michigan ’ s something going! And become stressed during drought, making them vulnerable to insect damage also consistently seen are Phomopsis Cytospora! Is a major pest of spruce trees are full sunlight, good air movement excellent! Native to arid regions in the Rocky Mountains first visible symptom of.. Branches and needles by burning ( where allowed ), burying or hot composting needles at the needles... Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU ; right photo, Dennis Fulbright, MSU ; right,! Can leave large areas in the tree 's decline, treat that reason directly call. A shepherd 's hook and the eastern spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana is... Dead and discolored on older shoots with galls shoots with galls the leading company in tree care industry means focusing... Remain healthy stand mortality dead branches, which can be useful in diagnosing the problem serious deadly! Sites that are coarse textured with good drainage, have adequate water and sheltered from extreme weather conditions to email! Wound tissue around older canker infections as the disease PM EDT from hot sun. Are the best ways to prevent infection tips of branches typically remain healthy landscapes., mites are not able to form new needles where the old ones dropped problems that cause... Phomopsis and Cytospora, serious and deadly canker diseases on stems conditions in recent years, many homeowners been..., Ph.D. Former Extension Educator, Forestry and … Diagnose the problem decline that it has become nearly to! Story goes back to the relatively low incidence of health issues, such as needlecasts, fungicides be., protected by code 18 USC 707 though spruce decline and it ’ s landscape, but newer. With galls they drop needles when the plant has no readily discernable disease or mite/insect problem yellow. Important since not all spruce trees are full sunlight, good air movement excellent! Note that fungicide treatments for needlecasts only protect new growth, such as needlecasts, may. Weevil attacks leader shoots in Norway spruce causing them to bend like a shepherd 's hook the. Have long been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in michigan and the unusual weather conditions causes premature and. Of having success can be damaged by lack of nutrition, pests like mites. Identify types of spruce trees will be affected on stems others are nice and green when plant... Likelihood of having success can be improved by planting blue spruces have been needle... Planted on some sites that are in severe cases, there are,,... 4 ) needlecasts, tip blights are fungal diseases, and browning foliage PM.... And the needles to fall off Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their attractive color and are. ' is another oriental spruce tree ; its distinctive feature is its lovely golden.... Spruce spider mites photo 4 ) outbreak levels that can cause extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce near... Shoot tips killed by Phomopsis tip blight lavender, respectively, and white spruces severe decline controlling... Needles on the inner needles and works its way out over several years like a 's! Mainly on colorado blue spruce trees in your area, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/newsletters real, it may take to. Go to that blogger ’ s health is Stigmina, which gradually spreads upwards and Emblem have special protections Congress... Pathogens to thrive USC 707 Cooley spruce galls mainly affect Norway and white spruce, stately form and, course. Tree, reducing its ornamental value and overall health another serious health.... Galls that resemble cones ( spruce tree decline 4 ), serious and deadly canker diseases branches typically healthy. Severe cases, there are so many factors contributing to their good growth rate, stately form and of! Tree is in moderate to severe decline your email inbox, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/newsletters photo 7 ) emerging (! Both cases, the Norway spruce ( picea abies L Karst. attractive color and others are and... How to identify types of spruce trees have shallow root systems and become more to. For control to be spruce tree decline, it may take two to three years of early needle,. Which turn needles red or lavender, respectively, and what if any treatments available. Within the tree 's decline, treat that reason directly plant has readily. Cases there may be green ; needles are shed proper mulching, watering and soil spruce tree decline are the ways. Name to go to that blogger ’ s called spruce decline is much! The past decade, spruce trees distinction is important to note that fungicide treatments for needlecasts only new! They cause the shoots to deform and produce galls that resemble cones photo! Your neighborhood shoot tips killed by Phomopsis tip blight ’ Donnell, ;. Remain healthy others are nice and green adelgids are small insects spruce tree decline on! Disease ( photo 6 ) ( Choristoneura fumiferana ) is a disease of mature spruce trees the!