Evergreen Needle Browning Issue - Ask Extension
On our property we have three of these unidentified needle-bearing evergreen trees. They've largely been great, but just this past year one has devel...
Knowledgebase
Evergreen Needle Browning Issue #387219
Asked March 02, 2017, 3:29 PM EST
On our property we have three of these unidentified needle-bearing evergreen trees. They've largely been great, but just this past year one has developed a rusty band along the center of it. We would like some help identifying the species of this tree, and perhaps diagnosing what's causing the discoloration in the needles. Thank you!
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Your tree is either a type of spruce or fir. If touching the needles is stiff and unpleasant (some people almost get a 'biting' sensation) it is a spruce. If it is soft, which it looks like it may be, it's a fir.
Firs are beautiful but they don't thrive here as they are more suited to cooler, less humid areas of the country.
It is not possible to tell exactly what is going on for your tree. but we'd suspect a root problem. Has there been any construction near it or is the area not well-drained?
We'd suggest contacting a certified arborist to come and do an on-site evaluation of the health of the tree and what all the factors may be.
Certified arborists are tree health experts credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture. You can search for one at www.treesaregood.org
cm
Firs are beautiful but they don't thrive here as they are more suited to cooler, less humid areas of the country.
It is not possible to tell exactly what is going on for your tree. but we'd suspect a root problem. Has there been any construction near it or is the area not well-drained?
We'd suggest contacting a certified arborist to come and do an on-site evaluation of the health of the tree and what all the factors may be.
Certified arborists are tree health experts credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture. You can search for one at www.treesaregood.org
cm
