Hi Wayne,

Your spruce is affected by Cooley Spruce Galls, caused by an insect related to aphids, the Cooley Spruce Adelgid.  It's not related to your pinyon tip issues.

These tiny insects alternate between Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce; females overwinter on spruce branches and in early spring lay eggs near the branch tips.  The hatchlings move to the new growth in spring and by feeding induce the tree to produce fleshy galls at the branch tips. The adelgids live inside the galls, well protected from predators and the environment.  They leave in summer; they are already gone when the galls begin to dry out and become noticeable.  

They are considered a cosmetic problem only in all but the most severe infestations.  If you do decide to apply insecticides, you have options to treat in the fall (to kill the females before they lay eggs) or, more commonly, in spring to kill the nymphs before or as they begin feeding.  Details are included in this fact sheet: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/cooley-spruce-galls-5-534/

I hope this is helpful.

Cordially,

John

Hi Wayne,

I'm not aware of a product that contains both; either is quite effective alone.  You can make your decision based on safety for humans (carbaryl maybe a bit better), the environment (neither is particularly low impact), cost, or other factors that are important to you.  Be sure to read and follow all label instructions.

Cordially,

John

Got it. Thanks again John.