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Issues with Blue Spruce trees browning / dying #764750

Asked July 30, 2021, 9:16 AM EDT

There is a land owner in Hillsdale county that is experiencing problems with their blue spruce trees. There are about 20 mature trees on the property. This year they have seen the needles of some trees turn brown and are concerned about it spreading and killing the entire lot. They cut the first one down; however, it has since spread to a few others. I took some photos (attached) and it looks like there is some type of moth on the trees that could be causing the issue. Please let me know what steps we can take to stop the spread and/or cure the trees already impacted. Thank you and Have a great day!

Hillsdale County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

This is a tough one as gypsy moth caterpillars did eat spruce trees up north, but that was because preferred trees like oak and aspen were 100% defoliated. So, they were seeking a food source. Was there widespread defoliation in oaks and aspen near this tree? 

Also, the tree looks reddish brown, which indicates that the tree could have died from winter desiccation (or winter burn)? 

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/winter-burn/

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/diseases/factsheets/winter-desiccation.pdf

I do not know of any disease in spruce trees that would kill one tree, then spread to the others. This person may want to contact a certified arborist to come out to diagnose what is occurring. They can find an arborist certified through the International Society of Arboriculture at this website:

https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

Thank you,

Julie

Julie Crick Replied August 02, 2021, 9:38 AM EDT

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