Top of evergreen dying - Ask Extension
Good morning, I noticed today that the top of my evergreen is dying! What could be causing this and is there anything I can do?
Knowledgebase
Top of evergreen dying #320010
Asked May 09, 2016, 12:08 PM EDT
Good morning, I noticed today that the top of my evergreen is dying! What could be causing this and is there anything I can do?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Since you didn't state the species of tree, my answer will be just guesswork. The damage looks like due to an insect, possibly a sawfly or budworm, rather than a disease. I'd have to see the needles close up to do better than that. But this diagnostic site might help you:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/
Thank you, unfortunately I don't know the species. If it is sawfly or budworm, what should I use to try to stop it? The website you referred to didn't mention management. Thank you, I appreciate your help!
Given the location of the damage (at the top), I don't think there is much you can do. Read here about spruce budworm:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fid/july2014/articles.html
And here about sawflies:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sawflies/
But you should make sure that that's what the problem is. You'd be best to get a certified arborist to look at your tree:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fid/july2014/articles.html
And here about sawflies:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sawflies/
But you should make sure that that's what the problem is. You'd be best to get a certified arborist to look at your tree:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx
