Spruce dying from the top down - Ask Extension
I have a blue spruce that appears to be dying from the top down. There are no needles whatsoever left at the top. I have other spruces nearby and am...
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Spruce dying from the top down #756844
Asked June 17, 2021, 2:53 PM EDT
I have a blue spruce that appears to be dying from the top down. There are no needles whatsoever left at the top. I have other spruces nearby and am worried about all of them. Would you have any idea of what could be causing this and if there is any way to stop it?
Lucas County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Karen,
My name is Ann Chanon, and I am an Extension Educator. There are many possible causes for blue spruce decline, and I can only speculate without additional information. These problems can include insect pests, diseases, and abiotic causes. Decline starting at the top of the tree could be an indication of a vascular or root issue where water is not translocated to the furthest growing point. Abiotic stress caused by poor drainage, compacted clay soil, or high pH could could be making the tree more susceptible to other biotic agents. What are the growing conditions like? Do you know your soil pH? How have you managed your landscape? Has there been any disturbance in the area (construction of any type in the last 3-5 years)? When did you first notice a loss of needles? How much of the upper canopy of the tree is dead? Have you noticed any caterpillar like insects on and around tree? What exactly do you see? Are the needles completely missing or do they turn color and then fall off? Are the needles dying from the tip or the base? Do you see any cankers (wounds or exudate) on the branches or trunk? Was there any new growth on the lower branches, and if yes, how much? Are any of the other trees showing symptoms? As you can see we need many pieces of the puzzle to develop a diagnosis. Pictures are always helpful in the process.
My name is Ann Chanon, and I am an Extension Educator. There are many possible causes for blue spruce decline, and I can only speculate without additional information. These problems can include insect pests, diseases, and abiotic causes. Decline starting at the top of the tree could be an indication of a vascular or root issue where water is not translocated to the furthest growing point. Abiotic stress caused by poor drainage, compacted clay soil, or high pH could could be making the tree more susceptible to other biotic agents. What are the growing conditions like? Do you know your soil pH? How have you managed your landscape? Has there been any disturbance in the area (construction of any type in the last 3-5 years)? When did you first notice a loss of needles? How much of the upper canopy of the tree is dead? Have you noticed any caterpillar like insects on and around tree? What exactly do you see? Are the needles completely missing or do they turn color and then fall off? Are the needles dying from the tip or the base? Do you see any cankers (wounds or exudate) on the branches or trunk? Was there any new growth on the lower branches, and if yes, how much? Are any of the other trees showing symptoms? As you can see we need many pieces of the puzzle to develop a diagnosis. Pictures are always helpful in the process.
Dr. Chanon, thank you for your reply. I have contacted an arborist who thinks my problem may be tipshoot moth. They are coming out to have a look and come up with a plan I would like to save the tree if at all possible.
We are usually DIYers, but I have not seen anything like this before.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
We are usually DIYers, but I have not seen anything like this before.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 11:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Karen,
You are doing the right thing. Getting the input with someone local and who can look at a variety of characteristics will lead to the best diagnosis and management plan. Also, an arborist will have the equipment to spray larger trees. The challenge with trying to DYI the job is getting good spray coverage. It could be shoot tip moth or even gypsy moth. I see that you are in Lucas County. I have heard from the Educator in your county that gypsy moths are active, and they will eat spruce. If you have observed 1" long hairy dark colored caterpillars with pairs of red spots on their back. It's a gypsy moth.
Thank you for contacting OSU Extension. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance to you.
You are doing the right thing. Getting the input with someone local and who can look at a variety of characteristics will lead to the best diagnosis and management plan. Also, an arborist will have the equipment to spray larger trees. The challenge with trying to DYI the job is getting good spray coverage. It could be shoot tip moth or even gypsy moth. I see that you are in Lucas County. I have heard from the Educator in your county that gypsy moths are active, and they will eat spruce. If you have observed 1" long hairy dark colored caterpillars with pairs of red spots on their back. It's a gypsy moth.
Thank you for contacting OSU Extension. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance to you.
