Why are my Blue Spruce tree needles turning yellow? - Ask Extension
Hello,I have a 30 foot Blue Spruce in my front yard. Today, I noticed the needles on the lower branches are turning yellow. This seems to have happene...
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Why are my Blue Spruce tree needles turning yellow? #728383
Asked October 02, 2020, 1:29 PM EDT
Hello,
I have a 30 foot Blue Spruce in my front yard. Today, I noticed the needles on the lower branches are turning yellow. This seems to have happened overnight. Last night I watered the yard for what I plan to be the last time this fall. The sprinklers accidently went through two rotations, so I'm wondering if this is a sign of overwatering. We did get the Spruce beetle vaccine on this tree earlier this summer. I've attached photos of the branches in question. If it is overwatering, should I trim off the yellowed branches, or leave them alone? Thank you!
I have a 30 foot Blue Spruce in my front yard. Today, I noticed the needles on the lower branches are turning yellow. This seems to have happened overnight. Last night I watered the yard for what I plan to be the last time this fall. The sprinklers accidently went through two rotations, so I'm wondering if this is a sign of overwatering. We did get the Spruce beetle vaccine on this tree earlier this summer. I've attached photos of the branches in question. If it is overwatering, should I trim off the yellowed branches, or leave them alone? Thank you!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
I believe this is general stress--and not related to the fact that the trees were watered twice on the last cycle. If they ran twice on the cycle all summer, then it might be a different story.
I suspect that the yellowing is more closely linked to environmental stress or cultural issues. We had a severe October freeze in 2019, a very dry winter, and a severe cold snap in April, followed by a hot, dry summer. In short, there's a lot of environmental issues our trees have faced.
I don't suspect it's insects or disease. I have a feeling we'll be seeing quite a bit of needle loss this year and next, just due to the overall stress the trees have experienced.
I believe this is general stress--and not related to the fact that the trees were watered twice on the last cycle. If they ran twice on the cycle all summer, then it might be a different story.
I suspect that the yellowing is more closely linked to environmental stress or cultural issues. We had a severe October freeze in 2019, a very dry winter, and a severe cold snap in April, followed by a hot, dry summer. In short, there's a lot of environmental issues our trees have faced.
I don't suspect it's insects or disease. I have a feeling we'll be seeing quite a bit of needle loss this year and next, just due to the overall stress the trees have experienced.
Thank you for your prompt reply. Should I be sure to water the tree through the fall if we continue to have a drought? If so, how is the best way to do that if my sprinklers are turned off? I know I shouldn't water right at the base of the tree. Should I use the hose and water around the outside of the length of lower branches? And how often do you suggest? Thank you!
Hello,
Yes, definitely water through the fall and at least once per month in the winter and early spring when days are above 40 degrees.
You can use a hose and sprinkler, focusing the watering at the edges of the canopy (dripline). Or you can set up soaker hoses around the edges. Do the best you can. Some water is better than no water :)
Yes, definitely water through the fall and at least once per month in the winter and early spring when days are above 40 degrees.
You can use a hose and sprinkler, focusing the watering at the edges of the canopy (dripline). Or you can set up soaker hoses around the edges. Do the best you can. Some water is better than no water :)
Thank you!
