Knowledgebase
White stuff on Spruce tree #754660
Asked June 07, 2021, 8:35 PM EDT
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Could you post another photo of the full tree and maybe one of the buds?
Additional photos.
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Thanks for adding the additional pictures. I am pretty sure that the tree is a Douglas-fir (http://nwconifers.com/nwlo/douglas-fir.htm ) and not spruce. The white cottony balls are a sign of Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid. These tiny insects can cause damage to both spruce and Douglas-fir. On spruce feeding by the nymphs will cause galls to form at the end of the current year shoots. On Douglas-fir feeding causes yellow spots and bent needles. https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/aphids-adelgids/cooley-spruce-gall-adelgid
We are seeing lots of cones this year on many conifer species. The heat and dry weather in 2020 contributed to this year’s large crop of cones.
Thank you for your prompt response. I have a certified arborist coming out to look at it. Upon reading the links you posted it sounds like the Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid is not terminal to the tree. Am I correct? Another concern I have is will it spread to other evergreens, I have Arborvitae and Alberta Spruce planted nearby?
Thank you!
I am glad you have an arborist coming out. No its not terminal to the tree. It won't spread to Arborvitae or Alberta spruce. The only other hosts are Colorado Blue spruce and Douglas-fir.
In addition, providing good cultural care (watering and mulching) to promote overall tree health will help decrease stress on the tree.
If it is not terminal or will cause further damage then why spend the money having it treated? Please advise.
If it is not terminal or will cause further damage then why spend the money having it treated? Please advise.
If populations get heavy they can reduce the growth on the tree. It may be something you want to watch and see if beneficial insects keep populations down. This is good to discuss with your arborist.