11 year old spruce with first time browning needles - Ask Extension
Our spruce pine has brown needling throughout the trunk area and inside branches. There is new growth at the top of the tree and the tips of the unaf...
Knowledgebase
11 year old spruce with first time browning needles #431907
Asked October 18, 2017, 3:39 PM EDT
Our spruce pine has brown needling throughout the trunk area and inside branches. There is new growth at the top of the tree and the tips of the unaffected branches.
West exposure.
No signs of insects
Should we trim off the brown branches?
Scott County Minnesota
Expert Response
The photos lack the detail needed to diagnose the cause of the dieback with any certainty. However, this response to a similar question may be instructive:
https://ask.extension.org/questions/264172
If you conclude that cytospora is present, go here for more information:
http://cues.cfans.umn.edu/old/dx/pk/canker.htm
http://extension.illinois.edu/focus/index.cfm?problem=cytospora-canker-of-spruce
If you conclude that cytospora is not present, using this diagnostic tool may help you identify the problem:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/forest_health/whitesprucediagnosis.pdf
If you are still uncertain, ask a certified arborist or forester to assess the tree's health onsite and recommend a course of action.
https://ask.extension.org/questions/264172
If you conclude that cytospora is present, go here for more information:
http://cues.cfans.umn.edu/old/dx/pk/canker.htm
http://extension.illinois.edu/focus/index.cfm?problem=cytospora-canker-of-spruce
If you conclude that cytospora is not present, using this diagnostic tool may help you identify the problem:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/forest_health/whitesprucediagnosis.pdf
If you are still uncertain, ask a certified arborist or forester to assess the tree's health onsite and recommend a course of action.
