Dear dstremme, here's the response to your question:

Hello, and thank you for your patience.  The photos came over pretty good.  There is one additional photo that would be helpful: a close up, zoomed in shot of a spot that shows dead needles but also healthy needles on the same twig if possible.

Additionally, here are some questions that will help us:

• White pine and Engelmann Spruce are different species that can look very much alike but can have different issues.  If you're unsure, when looking at the spots where the needles join the twig, is there one needle (indicative of a spruce) or more than one emerging along the twig or are there groups of needles coming out of the same spot on the twig (2-5 per spot on average - indicative of a pine?   
• When did you first notice the damage?  Did you first notice it at the bottom or the top of the tree?
• Do all sides of the tree appear similar to the picture sent?  Is one side more affected than another?  You mentioned a bare spot - is this the only one, and was it caused by the browning needles or by physical damage such as heavy snow or other cause for breakage?
• It appears from the photos that the needles are dying from the the trunk outwards - is this correct?
• What is under the tree - bark mulch, rock, etc.?  Is there plastic under the mulch?
• Have you inspected the trunk?  This would be helpful, with a photo if possible.  Are you noticing holes, sap leakage, dead areas, or other unusual issues?
• Is the tree in a full sun area, or is it largely shaded such as by a structure/house or other taller trees?
• How much moisture does the tree get on a regular basis?  Do you water it during dry winters?
• Has the root area of the tree been damaged by construction, herbicides or other chemicals - either in your yard or in a neighbor's yard?  Have any sprayed chemicals been used in your yard or neighboring yards this year or last?

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Jefferson County Extension of Colorado State University

Plant Diagnostic Clinic

<personal data hidden>

<personal data hidden>

https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/clinic/

Call or email for hours and sample submission guidelines

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On Sep 14, 2023, at 3:17 PM, david stremme <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Here are a few more images — HOPE they help

also DROPPED off a Branch at Jeffco Fairgrounds abut 1pm yesterday

need anything else - let k knwo

thx

David

On Sep 14, 2023, at 2:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Dear dstremme, here's the response to your question:

Hello, and thank you for your patience.  The photos came over pretty good.  There is one additional photo that would be helpful: a close up, zoomed in shot of a spot that shows dead needles but also healthy needles on the same twig if possible.

Additionally, here are some questions that will help us:

• White pine and Engelmann Spruce are different species that can look very much alike but can have different issues.  If you're unsure, when looking at the spots where the needles join the twig, is there one needle (indicative of a spruce) or more than one emerging along the twig or are there groups of needles coming out of the same spot on the twig (2-5 per spot on average - indicative of a pine?   
• When did you first notice the damage?  Did you first notice it at the bottom or the top of the tree?
• Do all sides of the tree appear similar to the picture sent?  Is one side more affected than another?  You mentioned a bare spot - is this the only one, and was it caused by the browning needles or by physical damage such as heavy snow or other cause for breakage?
• It appears from the photos that the needles are dying from the the trunk outwards - is this correct?
• What is under the tree - bark mulch, rock, etc.?  Is there plastic under the mulch?
• Have you inspected the trunk?  This would be helpful, with a photo if possible.  Are you noticing holes, sap leakage, dead areas, or other unusual issues?
• Is the tree in a full sun area, or is it largely shaded such as by a structure/house or other taller trees?
• How much moisture does the tree get on a regular basis?  Do you water it during dry winters?
• Has the root area of the tree been damaged by construction, herbicides or other chemicals - either in your yard or in a neighbor's yard?  Have any sprayed chemicals been used in your yard or neighboring yards this year or last?

Thank you.

Jeffco Clinician Annette 

Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email.

Click here to view #0118243

Jefferson County Extension of Colorado State University

Plant Diagnostic Clinic

<personal data hidden>

<personal data hidden>

https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/clinic/

Call or email for hours and sample submission guidelines

---

We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.