Knowledgebase
Droopy new spruce growth #796724
Asked June 19, 2022, 6:50 PM EDT
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! No, droopy growth as in the photo is not normal. It could be several things, perhaps a root problem (e.g., improper planting, soil too moist, etc.), late frost injury, or an insect. Check for white pine weevil. It's late in the season, so I would expect the affected shoots to have already browned if it is the weevil, but it is worth checking. Look carefully at the shoots for signs of puncture or other damage. You will probably need to choose one shoot and carefully peel back the "bark" along the shoot, looking for larvae.
More information is here:
Mr. Brent,
I believe you have nailed it with the Weevil issue.. Just wish I could’ve spotted sooner.. I only have two Spruces Norway I believe the other one has no sign but wondering if I should spray the upper half now and maybe later in the year? I will remove the infected area on the one tree, cut the header off down like 6 inches and then
Turn another branch up wards to start a new header.
I lost a Purple birch due to the bore beetle this spring as the woodpeckers started to pecking it to death.. Really sad as it was 30 foot and growing so well.. Hate those BUGS
I’m going to get a few photo’s of my maples trees this year as there looking very lite ( leaves missing) on the upper half.. Not sure the type ( silver type bark yellow leaves in the fall) they sit pretty close to the lake very mature thk’g 40-50 yrs. old I’ve noticed the same type in other people yards around the lake also showing the same conditions… Maybe a tougher spring? Sure hope I don’t loose them ..
I will send over photo’s soon on the three..
Boy thx’s for getting back with me so soon..
You guys are wonderful
Go Green
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 12:16 PM
To: Kirk Johnson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Droopy new spruce growth (#0066655)
It's too late to spray for weevils. You need a preventative spray I believe around mid-April to early May, with a follow-up spray 2 weeks later. Something for next year! Sorry to hear about your birch! We had a beautiful specimen when I was a kid, and lost that to a borer as well. The gold finches used to come in flocks and cover that tree.
It has been a hard few years for many trees. Try to provide the best cultural care and environment you can. Tree stress is kind of cumulative, and can take a few years to recover from. We had a dry summer last year, pivoting to a prolonged wet period from mid-summer all the way into the spring. Trees are first stressed with drought, then too wet, then large temperature fluctuations with a warm Dec and cold Jan.
As for treatment, try to reduce environmental stress as much as possible. Consider applying 2-3 inches of mulch under the tree starting several inches out from the trunk and extending to the drip line. Mulch will help conserve moisture during dry conditions and reduce temperature swings in the soil. If possible, irrigate deeply (1 inch of water) once per week during prolonged hot, dry conditions—but do not overwater, as this will also stress the tree. You might also consider applying a low rate of nitrogen fertilizer (1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft) under the tree canopy, or spread evenly around the drip line of the tree. Fertilizer should be watered in, or spread before rain is expected. You could consider getting a soil test, which would let you know the soil pH and whether there are any nutrients lacking: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/.
For more information on the maples: Maple decline
