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Damage to (Austrian ?) spruce trees #826701

Asked April 22, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT

Hello, We just bought this property/home November 2022. We are new to Minnesota and our trees/shrubs, etc. Please see attached photo. Three of these trees are in bad shape. Wondering what the cause was, possible treatment and if they will survive? Thank you in advance for your help.

Winona County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.

What you evergreens have is winter burn or sun scald.  When conditions are dry and the evergreens don’t have enough water to make it through the winter, the winter sun and cold winds do this to them.

I don’t know for certain that they will pull out of it.  It will take quite a bit of care.  You will need to find an acidic fertilizer and follow the instructions.  I have seen one lady pull hers through by spraying her bushes with a liquid acidic fertilizer all through the summer.

If you want to try, be sure to keep them well watered and fertilize them regularly and be patient.  It may take several years to pull them through. Water in the fall until the ground freezes.

Good luck!

Deb Kroon Replied April 22, 2023, 2:04 PM EDT

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