My needles on my spruce or pine tree are turning brown and falling off. - Ask Extension
My spruce trees needles are turning brown and falling off. We have five. The two that are different are the only ones. Help!
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My needles on my spruce or pine tree are turning brown and falling off. #852118
Asked October 04, 2023, 9:49 AM EDT
My spruce trees needles are turning brown and falling off. We have five. The two that are different are the only ones. Help!
Cass County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Evening,
The pictures of your tree appear to show either a fungal Spruce disease called Rhizosphaera needle cast or another fungal disease called Spruce Tree Needle Drop, which is causing the needles to turn brown and fall off. It is possible that this tree was stressed from the May drought or root constriction which may lead to the first disease--Rhizosphaera needle cast. Several other fungi cause symptoms very similar to Rhizosphaera needle cast such as the second disease--Spruce Tree Needle Drop (SNEED). The first fact sheet is from University of Minnesota on gives more information on Rhizosphaera needle cast. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast. The second fact sheet from University of Illinois gives more information on Spruce Tree Needle Drop (SNEED) https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=229
Trees can be protected from Rhizosphaera needle cast or SNEED with properly timed fungicide applications. Several other fungi result in symptoms very similar to Rhizosphaera.
You can send in a sample for a firm diagnosis. Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
You could also have an arborist come out and assess your trees. You can find an arborist here Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
The pictures of your tree appear to show either a fungal Spruce disease called Rhizosphaera needle cast or another fungal disease called Spruce Tree Needle Drop, which is causing the needles to turn brown and fall off. It is possible that this tree was stressed from the May drought or root constriction which may lead to the first disease--Rhizosphaera needle cast. Several other fungi cause symptoms very similar to Rhizosphaera needle cast such as the second disease--Spruce Tree Needle Drop (SNEED). The first fact sheet is from University of Minnesota on gives more information on Rhizosphaera needle cast. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast. The second fact sheet from University of Illinois gives more information on Spruce Tree Needle Drop (SNEED) https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailProblem.cfm?PathogenID=229
Trees can be protected from Rhizosphaera needle cast or SNEED with properly timed fungicide applications. Several other fungi result in symptoms very similar to Rhizosphaera.
You can send in a sample for a firm diagnosis. Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
You could also have an arborist come out and assess your trees. You can find an arborist here Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
