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White stuff on Spruce tree #754660

Asked June 07, 2021, 8:35 PM EDT

Hello, I have a large spruce tree variety unknown. Yesterday I was pruning some of the hanging branches and noticed this white stuff on the needles, it almost looks like snow or some type of white eggs and it is very soft and disintegrates when I try to put it between my fingers. The other strange thing is the tree is loaded with pine cones this year. I have lived here five years and have never had this amount of pine cones on the tree usually just a few. Hoping you can advise me on what it is. Thank you!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Could you post another photo of the full tree and maybe one of the buds? 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2021, 8:47 AM EDT

Additional photos. 

The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2021, 9:01 PM EDT

More

The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2021, 9:05 PM EDT

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.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2021, 8:37 AM EDT

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!

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 9:45 AM EDT

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.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2021, 9:53 AM EDT

If it is not terminal or will cause further damage then why spend the money having it treated? Please advise.

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 10:15 AM EDT

If it is not terminal or will cause further damage then why spend the money having it treated? Please advise.

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 10:17 AM EDT

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. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2021, 10:21 AM EDT

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