Knowledgebase

Sick Evergreen #452653

Asked May 08, 2018, 7:19 PM EDT

Hello, We live in Dakota County and have a large evergreen in our front yard that doesn’t look good. The branches are dying on the north, east and west sides. Only the very top looks healthy. We also have two large evergreens in the back yard and those look good. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it look healthy again? Thank you, Aaron Uran

County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting AaE for help.

It looks like you have a Colorado blue spruce. These trees are not suited to the climate here in Minnesota and as a result are susceptible to a couple of different diseases; one of which looks like what I'm seeing in the picture, Rhizosphaera needle cast.

Several other fungi result in a similar look so it is best to send in a sample to the U of MN Extension Plant Disease Clinic for a confirmation before making a decision on what to do. Here is a link to the clinic's website which lists its services and prices and how to submit a sample.

Here is a link to more information about Rhizosphaera needle cast from the U of MN Extension.

As for the other trees in your backyard.  If they're younger Colorado blue spruces, they may not have had time to develop the symptoms of the disease. Or maybe they are of a less susceptible species of evergreen.

Best of luck!
eGardener Replied May 09, 2018, 1:07 PM EDT

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