Norway Spruce planted Oct 21, started to turn orange/brown during the month of March 2023 - Ask Extension
Please let me know what I can do to help this tree grow green needles. It appears to be growing green needles at the top and the bottom still has gre...
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Norway Spruce planted Oct 21, started to turn orange/brown during the month of March 2023 #826802
Asked April 23, 2023, 1:37 PM EDT
Please let me know what I can do to help this tree grow green needles. It appears to be growing green needles at the top and the bottom still has green needles and has not turned brown. The entire middle section is orange/brown. Is there something I can do to help it to live?
Thank-you
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Unfortunately, most conifers do not have the capacity to regrow from old wood. (Yew is the exception). It would be best to remove the tree and start with a new tree. You may want to consider a different type of conifer that is not prone to the fungal diseases that spruces so commonly get here in Michigan. Here is an article written by Bert Cregg, of MSU, that discusses some alternatives to spruce.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Alternatives_to_blue_spruce_BertCregg.pdf
I am also attaching a publication put out by the USDA called Tree Owner's Manual. This provides good advice on proper planting and care.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
I hope this is helpful.
Ruth
Unfortunately, most conifers do not have the capacity to regrow from old wood. (Yew is the exception). It would be best to remove the tree and start with a new tree. You may want to consider a different type of conifer that is not prone to the fungal diseases that spruces so commonly get here in Michigan. Here is an article written by Bert Cregg, of MSU, that discusses some alternatives to spruce.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Alternatives_to_blue_spruce_BertCregg.pdf
I am also attaching a publication put out by the USDA called Tree Owner's Manual. This provides good advice on proper planting and care.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
I hope this is helpful.
Ruth
