Young Weeping Norway Spruce losing needles - Ask Extension
I have a young (planted about 2 years ago) that has been steadily losing needles (see photos). It had a drop around a year ago (needles turned brown a...
Knowledgebase
Young Weeping Norway Spruce losing needles #789769
Asked May 08, 2022, 3:03 PM EDT
I have a young (planted about 2 years ago) that has been steadily losing needles (see photos). It had a drop around a year ago (needles turned brown and then dropped off), and looks like it’s spreading around the plant.
For care/diagnosing: It’s planted in full sun, watered when needed, & Miracle Gro plant food spikes are planted 1-2x/year, otherwise it’s left alone.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Kristy,
The pictures you sent are fantastic. However, I'm not able to discern if the needles are browning from the inside of the tree (where there is less air flow) or if they are browning on all portions of the twig. Here are two suggestions with supporting material for you to read through and compare with progression of needle loss.
This could be an issue with the planting (more information at the link below):
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2007/4-4/yellowspruce.html
Or it could be needlecast, which normally affects the older needles that retain moisture due to lack of air flow:
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast
If you have follow up questions, please feel free to reach out!
Thank you,
Julie
The pictures you sent are fantastic. However, I'm not able to discern if the needles are browning from the inside of the tree (where there is less air flow) or if they are browning on all portions of the twig. Here are two suggestions with supporting material for you to read through and compare with progression of needle loss.
This could be an issue with the planting (more information at the link below):
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2007/4-4/yellowspruce.html
Or it could be needlecast, which normally affects the older needles that retain moisture due to lack of air flow:
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast
If you have follow up questions, please feel free to reach out!
Thank you,
Julie
