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Needle discoloration/ drop Columnar Spruce #843598

Asked August 01, 2023, 8:56 AM EDT

Cupressina Columnar Spruce needles are discolored and shed when touched. Started just a couple of weeks ago (mid July 2023). Planted in 2021.

Geauga County Ohio

Expert Response

It is a little hard to tell from the photos how badly the individual needles are affected here.  Looking at the needles under magnification would help you see either spider mites (which would look like yellow speckles) or rusts (a fungal condition that would likely have brownish patches visible).  Each of these conditions would have specific treatments.

If neither of these conditions seem to exist, I would look to the overall health of the tree starting with the soil in which it is planted. Norway spruce (of which this is a cultivar) like somewhat acidic, well drained soil, but they are not particularly drought tolerant. Since this is a foundation planting, the pH and compaction of the soil might be in question.  Did you personally plant the tree?  Is there any chance that wire or burlap was left around the roots that at this point might be causing problems?  The smaller blue spruces in the photo appear to be healthy, which makes me wonder about the planting of the columnar spruce.

The two links below show some pictures that might help you with the ID of mites or rusts.

Yellowing of Spruce | Horticulture and Home Pest News (iastate.edu)

Spruce needle rust | UMN Extension
If close examination of the individual needles doesn't help, review the soil and planting conditions.  If these may be the problem, you may or may not be able to really fix the issue.  Soil test kits should be available from your local Extension office, or simple pH testing may be available at a local nursery.

If you think there may be a specific needle disease or pest, but aren't sure what it is, the plant diagnostic clinic listed below can help you.  There are directions for submitting samples on the website.
Home | PPDC (osu.edu)
If you get a close up photo of the individual needles, I would be happy to look at them.  Thank you for asking Extension about your tree.
Lynn S. Replied August 04, 2023, 6:31 AM EDT

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