All of these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and each produce specific symptoms that can be useful in diagnosing the problem. If conditions are not ideal, the trees will begin to decline and become more susceptible to pests. ), which turn needles red or lavender, respectively, and can leave large areas in the tree bare after needles are shed. Canker diseases are caused by fungi that infect branches or the main stem of trees. The work was to be part of Siccama’s doctoral research documenting plant communities and forest succession at … For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. Numerous insect pests can impact spruces in Michigan’s landscape, but the two most common are gall adelgids and spruce spider mites. This is a difficult question. Right, Needle damage caused by mites. Unfortunately, when most people call, the damage is so severe it is past the treatment stage, or 2. In recent years, most all spruce varieties have been having difficulty fighting off the fungal disease Rhizosphaera needle cast. The leading company in tree care service since 1907. Photo credits: Left and middle photo, Dennis Fulbright, MSU; right photo, Michael Kangas, NDSU, Bugwood.org. This red spruce story goes back to the 1960s. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Colorado blue spruce trees have long been among the most popular conifers for landscaping in Michigan and the upper Midwest. The youngest needles at the tips of branches typically remain healthy. To identify the fungus look closely at the infected needles. Population levels oscillate, sometimes reaching extreme outbreak levels that can cause extreme defoliation of and damage to spruce trees. The prevalence of diseases on blue spruce trees has intensified in recent years and trees are declining rapidly in many areas (Photo 1). • Cooley spruce galls are mainly on Colorado blue spruce and white spruce. • Eastern spruce galls mainly affect Norway and white spruce. 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. 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? White pine weevil attacks leader shoots in Norway spruce causing them to bend like a shepherd's hook and the needles to fall off. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). This fungal disease causes premature death and … Colorado blue spruce trees, although not native or adapted to Maryland, are commonly planted in landscapes for their attractive color and shape. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Asked August 1, 2016, 2:48 PM EDT. 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. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. 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. 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