Blue spruce, Picea pungens var. Apply a fungicide when new shoots are 1 inches long and again 3 weeks later to protect young needles from infections that occur in May through June. Some locations have an additional infection period in September and October. Blue and Engelmann spruce are highly susceptible. White spruce is somewhat susceptible. This is another opportunistic pathogen, meaning that it is more problematic for trees that are stressed due to drought, insects or other factors. On Colorado blue spruce, infected needles often show symptoms of yellow mottling in mid-to-late summer. Blue spruce tree infected with Rhizosphaera needle cast exhibiting defoliation and branch dieback Fungicides can also be used as part of a management program. Caused by the fungus Lirula macrospora. 24-hr reentry.
Control of Rhizosphaera needlecast in Blue Spruce Christmas tree plantations. A spruce tree with dead lower branches may be suffering from a fungus disease called cytospora canker. The disease, referred to as Rhizosphaera needle cast, is the most common problem seen on Colorado spruce. Some Colorado blue spruce cultivars, like Hoopsii, and Fat Albert are reportedly more resistant to the disease. Fungal Disease- Evergreens. Dont expect copper fungicide to cure an existing fungal disease. This disease can also affect Norway spruce (and less frequently other spruces) as well as Douglas Or make a fungicide using apple cider vinegar. It also means finding out if it is healthy, or if it Spectro-90, or copper-based fungicide, can protect new growth A protective fungicide with the active ingredient chlorothalonil (sold as Multi- Purpose Fungicide, Daconil 2787, and others), Two-some, Spectro-90, or copper based I advise you to spray your Blue Spruce in the spring season.
Disease tends to start in the lower branches then progresses upwards. Therefore, fungicide sprays are impractical for most homeowner trees. Severely diseased trees should be removed and replaced with better adapted conifers for the mid-Atlantic region. Don't apply in the sun. Tourney 50 WDG at 2 to 4 oz/100 gal water. Give the tree a final heavy soaking in late fall before heavy ground frost to help it avoid winter drought. When you see discolored, bare, or dying branches on your Colorado blue spruce tree ( Picea pungens) the problem is likely the result of either insect Remove infected trees, especially if you are growing multiple oaks together, since the fungus spreads through intertwined root systems. Hosts Most spruce (Picea) species are susceptible to the disease but Colorado blue spruce (P. pungens) is particularly susceptible. Problem: Rhizosphaera needlecast of Spruce - Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii Host: Spruce Description: Needle cast, caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, can be a serious disease of blue spruce in nursery and Christmas tree production, and occasionally in landscape settings.
Blue spruce, Picea pungens var. Lirula needle blight causes the inner needles of spruce trees to turn yellow then gray. To order Blue Spruce seedling by MAIL: For those who wish to order by mail or prefer to send a check, send orders to: Porcupine Hollow Farm 8593 W. State Rd. Whats Killing My Blue Spruce? However, as 2017 was a banner year for the fungus, I commonly saw it on white spruce and even on Norway spruce, which is supposedly resistant to the disease.
The mulch will gradually decompose and provide a natural source of fertilizer to the tree. 
Rhizosphaera This type of fungal disease is probably the most prevalent issue affecting several species of spruce. While the Blue Spruce is most affected by this fungal disease, White Spruce and Norway Spruce may also be infected.
The needlecast fungi cause second year needles to fall off or be cast off, leaving only the current years growth of needles. Along with adding things to your tree, assess the physical health of your tree. 03 of 09. The Blue Spruce is a beautiful addition to any property, but obviously needs some special care. Get free shipping on qualified Spruce Plant Fungicides products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department. To protect trees not yet affected,
Figure 1.
Needle Cast Disease. Place a 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the root ball area of a clue spruce tree helps maintain soil moisture during the hot summer months. For fungicide treatments to be effective, thoroughly cover all needles. New formulation works well with hose end sprayers. The Blue Spruce is a coniferous tree in the pine family. It is also known as the Colorado Spruce. Unfortunately, this tree is susceptible to different diseases that affect the bark, needles, and surrounding trees. To properly care for your Blue Spruce, make efforts to prevent disease (or treat it before it can spread and cause more harm).
Trees are not usually Problem: Rhizosphaera needlecast of Spruce - Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii Host: Spruce Description: Needle cast, caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, can be a
This may be extremely difficult with large trees. Blend up 1 tablespoon baking soda, a squirt of liquid dish soap, and a gallon of water. Fungicides do not work on this infection. One factor that affects the color of your spruce tree is the condition of the epicuticular wax. Blue Spruce Tree Blight. CONTROLS: Many bacterial and fungal. fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide ll Ready To Spray is very effective when used for disease prevention or applied at the first sign of disease. For rhizosphaera needle cast disease to take hold, needles need to be moist. You can treat the Let the water reach a depth of 12 to 15 inches. is the one that does the vast majority of the killing It is The disease attacks needles in the lower portion of Fungicides with the active ingredient chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide or mancozeb will protect new spruce needles from infection by Rhizosphaera. The Blue Spruce is a beautiful addition to any property, but obviously needs some special care. Cytospora. Blend up 1 tablespoon baking soda, a squirt of liquid dish soap, and a gallon of water. Spectro 90 WDG at 1 to 2 lb/100 gal water. Blue spruce is very susceptible, as are black, Engelmann, red, Sitka, and white spruces. Norway spruce Group M3 fungicides. Mulch, the root spread region, to Blue spruces are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. Whats Killing My Blue Spruce? Consider treating affected trees with fungicides containing copper as the active ingredient (e.g., Bordeaux mixture) or chlorothalonil. They should be cut off at main stem. Susceptible trees and those that are planted in dense stands can be sprayed with a fungicide at 7- to 10- intervals between applications. Severely diseased trees should be removed and replaced with better adapted conifers for the mid Since most evergreens retain three or more years of needles, the affected branches look thin and bare except for the ends. The balsam twig aphid produces copious amounts of honeydew, so much so that in high populations Q&A related to Blue Spruce. Cytospora canker disease generally attacks spruces, especially Colorado blue and Norway varieties, as well as peach trees, Douglas firs or hemlock trees. Many homeowners that are experiencing needle cast will often describe their Along with adding things to your tree, assess the physical health of your tree. Treatments will not cure existing In addition to cleaning up any fallen The most common needle problem of blue spruce in Maryland is a fungal disease caused by Cytospora canker is one of the most common fungal diseases of Colorado blue spruce.
Blue spruce trees are most commonly and most severely impacted. Chrysomyxa weirii: The spruce needle rust caused by this fungus is also known as Weirs Cushion. The plant pathogenic fungus Leucostoma kunzei (formerly Valsa kunzei) is the causal agent of cytospora canker, a disease of some conifers found in the Northern Hemisphere, predominantly on Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens). Equivalent, 0.772 lbs per gallon) USE ON: Many fruits, vegetables, turfgrass (algae control), live oak. Of the three, Cytospora spp. Repeat the Cytospora spp., Sphaeropsi sapineas, Siroccus conigenus are the only cankers found on spruce at this time. (spanish moss control) and ornamentals. We treat a lot of Blue Spruce evergreens on our plant health care route, and our treatment protocol involves a series of fungicides applications for a few years in a row. a fungal infection that is difficult to treat. LANSING Disease and a newly identified fungus have been killing Michigans blue spruce population for roughly a decade, and the dangers show no signs Reference Skilling, D.D. It is a large tree that grows 30-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, but can grow much larger in a natural setting. Consult us at Caledon Treeland, and we will happily sell you gorgeous Blue When considering spruce trees; blue spruce is the most common and most susceptible host of Rhizosphaera spp, followed by black hills spruce. Chrysomyxa weirii: Destroy heavily infected trees. Give the tree a final heavy soaking in late fall before heavy ground To order Blue Spruce seedlings by PHONE: We're glad to take your order by phone @ 231-544-6769 Phone orders can be charged to VISA or MasterCard accounts. Environmental erosion caused by wind, rain, heat, and other types of exposure wears down the We treat a lot of Blue Spruce evergreens on our plant health care route, In general, the trees seem to be dying from the bottom up. Cytospora canker, caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei (also known as Valsa kunzei var. These fungicides will either contain copper (e.g., Bordeaux mixture) or chlorothalonil, and must be sprayed early in the spring when emerging needles are about half Make one application in spring or early diacetate complex (8% Metallic Copper.
The disease, called Needled Rhizosphaera, is the most You may want to spray fungicide on the infected Blue Spruce tree as soon as the new growth is seen. I advise you to spray your Blue Spruce in the spring season. Apply once in 3-4 weeks for the best results. Make sure you cover all the needles well. Blue Spruce dies from top-down when the winter winds arrive. Due to climate change, summers are too hot and humid as well as too warm in the winter. Or make a 4962 2 To order Blue Spruce The blue spruce, also called the Colorado blue spruce, was first discovered in 1862 in the Rocky Mountains. Do this thoroughly and dont miss any branches. Pines are affected by cyclaneusma, spruce are affected by both rhizosphaera as well Maintain thorough watering rather than multiple light waterings. Saving Dying Blue Spruce. Once these needles turn brown, yellow, or red, they will likely begin to shed. Blue spruces are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. Fix Blue Spruce Fungus To Regain Its Blue Color. Also spray the trunk inside the crown. For identification, look for wilting, browning out of season (spring or early summer), and leaf drop. Because Colorado blue spruce is the most susceptible host of Needle Cast diseases, replacing the dying blue spruce with other conifer family trees, such as white pine, Its caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii and usually appears in the early spring. For Spruce mix when apply Docket DF, can I use the Daconil Ultrex label, which is an identical product concentration of chlorothalonil Don't apply in the sun. Control: Infested branches can not be saved. Most spruce species are susceptible to the disease but it is most prominent in white, black, and blue spruce. 
Needle cast seems to be a general name for fungal pathogens affecting needles in conifers. While the Blue Spruce is most affected by this fungal disease, White Spruce and Norway Spruce may also be infected. Rhizosphaera Needlecast on Spruce Nancy J. Taylor and Stephen T. Nameth The Ohio State University S pruce, in particular, Colorado blue spruce, can be infected with a needlecast disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. Make one It is one of the most common diseases in blue spruce, and is the result of high moisture levels and poor air Ideally, apply copper glauca, is the blue variety of the Colorado spruce. The product works by protecting plants against the development of new infections. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions of the fungicide(s) that you select to ensure that you use the fungicide(s) in the safest and most effective manner possible. Infected trees can be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture 8-8-100 (8 lb hydrated lime, 8 lb copper sulfate, 100 gal water) or fungicides containing chlorothalonil or thiophanate methyl. Some Colorado blue spruce cultivars, like Hoopsii, and Fat Albert are reportedly more resistant to the disease. It is important to prune your tree in the winter and to make sure that all the dead branches, twigs, and diseased areas are removed. 1975. Blue spruce trees are a beautiful addition to any yard, but you may find that they don't grow as quickly or as tall as you'd like. Group 1 + M5 fungicide. water-based systemic fungicide which effectively prevents and controls major diseases on roses, flowers, lawns, trees, and shrubs. Blue spruce seems to have the greatest damage, though the fungus infects other spruces as well. CONTAINS: 27.15% Copper diammonia. 
Make one Norway spruce (P. abies) is highly resistant to this disease. Fungicide sprays are not effective and are not recommended because they will not cure trees showing decline symptoms. Group 3 fungicide. If you are looking for a nice evergreen tree for your landscape, consider any of the following alternatives to blue spruce. Some Colorado blue spruce cultivars, like Hoopsii, and Fat Albert are reportedly more resistant to the disease. Symptoms & It is a large tree that grows 30-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, but can grow much larger in a natural setting. Central Lake, Mi. Capital News Service. piceae), is the most prevalent and destructive fungal disease of Norway and Colorado blue Considerations. Closer inspection of the stem of a dying branch on a Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) reveals a line where tip dieback begins. DOTHISTROMA NEEDLECAST ON PINES OR RHIZOSPHAERA ON BLUE SPRUCE. Spruce trees infected with the Cytospora canker fungus typically show scattered Capital News Service. 00:00 00:00. You may want to spray fungicide on the infected Blue Spruce tree as soon as the new growth is seen.
Colorado blue spruce trees are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. Fix Blue Spruce Fungus To Regain Its Blue Color. Best results occur when treating early in the season.
Known for silver-blue needles that keep their color year round, this classic tree is a favorite of landscapers, wildlife, and is often found in attendance during the holidays as a Christmas tree. The Cytospora canker fungus may attack many different species of hardwood trees, conifers, and shrubs. Let the water reach a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Fungicides with the active ingredient chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide or mancozeb will protect new spruce needles from infection by Rhizosphaera. May 23, 2018 at 11:55 am. This means figuring out if you are meeting its required water and sunlight needs. The blue spruce tree (Picea Pungens) is a popular coniferous evergreen tree named for its sharp needle leaves. White spruce are classified as intermediate in susceptibility to the disease and Norway spruce are relatively resistant. Labeled for control of moss and algae. and Waddell, C.D. The blue spruce can vary in the degree of blue or green color depending on the seed source. Maintain thorough watering rather than multiple light waterings. The cause of the needle loss is a fungus called Rhizosphaera Needle Cast. Consult us at Caledon Treeland, and we will happily sell you gorgeous Blue Spruces, and help you have trees that thrive for years to come: (905) 880
Diluted with water 2 tablespoons vinegar to a gallon of water it can be used to control black spot. 12-hr reentry.
Apply once in 3-4 weeks for Other common hosts include white spruce (P. glauca), black spruce (P. mariana), red spruce (P. rubens) and Sitka spruce (P. sitchensis).
Get free shipping on qualified Spruce Plant Fungicides products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department. If left untreated needlecast can lead to the death of the tree. This means figuring out if you are meeting its required water Apply as soon as you see the first signs of disease. Identifying Pests. Dying branches (branch dieback) or branches that are shedding needles are common symptoms of Colorado blue spruce trees and often attributed to either of two insect pests: aphids or the Cooley spruce gall adelgid. It has been recorded on Colorado blue spruce, white spruce, as well as fir and juniper. 12-hr reentry. Colorado blue spruce trees are no longer recommended for planting in Maryland. One common disease, caused by the fungus Rizosphaera kalkhoffii, results in the defoliation of the tree. Infected needles of other plant species usually become off-green, later turning to tan or brown. A blight, caused by fungus-like spores, is hitting the local blue spruce tree and there is no way to cure the tree once it has been hit, said Alternatives to Blue Spruce. Trees planted in nurseries, Christmas tree planta-tions, and landscapes can be infected. Needle Cast or Needle Blight. The Blue Spruce can look like it's dying with brown needles. Quick facts. This tree fungus is spread by sap beetles. If a blue spruce is turning red and losing its needles, it likely is facing an onslaught of needle cast disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. glauca, is the blue variety of the Colorado spruce. Cytospora Canker is another fungal disease that affects multiple spruce species, but is most common on Colorado Blue Spruce trees that are at least 10 years old. The disease, called Needled Rhizosphaera, is the most common problem observed on blue spruce samples that are submitted to the Plant Disease Clinic. Hosts: Blue spruce, Norway spruce, hemlock, red cedar, fir, and white pine. Occurs in Colorado blue spruce and white spruce. November 27, 2016. Needles progressively turn bright yellow, purplish-pink and finally brown. The problem is made more likely and presents sooner when specimens are improperly located AND by failure to apply a fungicide, which should be done even before the decline occurs as the affected portion will not recover. Fungicides with the active ingredient chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide or mancozeb will protect new spruce needles from infection by Rhizosphaera. blue spruce caterpillars. Spray Blue Spruce with an aqueous solution of copper fungicide. Spray a fungicide. Read on to see how to save a dying blue spruce in this care guide. What is cytospora That's why it's important Skip to content You must remove the infected branches by cutting at least 4 away from the dead area. The Spruce / David Beaulieu. Rhizosphaeria needle blight on blue spruce. Apply as soon as you see the first signs of disease. Spruce needle rust, also known as Weir's cushion rust, is caused by the fungus Chrysomyxa weirii. If this is what youre seeing, your blue spruce tree is likely suffering from needle cast disease. Blue spruce decline from needle cast is an obvious and long-known problem that could and should be avoided. Pruning should never be undertaken while branches are wet, to reduce spreading of spores. Therefore, fungicide sprays are impractical for most homeowner trees. LANSING Disease and a newly identified fungus have been killing Michigans blue spruce population for roughly a decade, and the dangers show no signs of slowing. The Colorado Blue spruce is not native to Indiana and tends to be susceptible to disease.