Knowledgebase
Spruce tree disease? #840662
Asked July 14, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT
Presque Isle County Michigan
Expert Response
I can't tell from the photos what's killing these trees. Many of Michigan's trees have been under considerable stress over the past couple of decades, from periods of drought, flooding, winter injury, insect pests and diseases. Often several stressors come together, significantly weakening a tree and allowing it to fall victim to insects or diseases that it would otherwise have tolerated. Many of the symptoms of environmental stress, insects and disease appear very similar, requiring lab analysis to determine the definitive cause of tree decline or death.
You can contact Michigan State University’s Plant and Pest Diagnostics for more information and to send samples for diagnosis.
You could consider getting a soil test, which would let you know the soil pH (acidic for pines) and whether there are any nutrients lacking: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/.
To find a certified arborist to look at your trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/