tree damage due to storm - Ask Extension
My 60 year old spruce sustained considerable damage in the heavy snow of March 14-15, 2024. Apparently it had a co-dominant top that was not visible, ...
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tree damage due to storm #862464
Asked March 25, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT
My 60 year old spruce sustained considerable damage in the heavy snow of March 14-15, 2024. Apparently it had a co-dominant top that was not visible, until the North side loaded with snow and split off a 15 foot leader. It looks as if there was some black growth on the split site, and I wonder if I should try to spray the part left on the tree to prevent that infection going into the main stem? Or should that tree be removed? Or other ideas? I did take a picture of the black material where it joined the main trunk and the leader that broke looked healthy in the interior. I will take a sample from the black material into the office on Lima for examination.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Sally,
I have spent some time looking at your sample. I will give you more details via email from the MG desk. That way the diagnostic team can follow up easier.
Thanks,
Jeff C
Master Gardener volunteer
I have spent some time looking at your sample. I will give you more details via email from the MG desk. That way the diagnostic team can follow up easier.
Thanks,
Jeff C
Master Gardener volunteer
Hi Sally,
We have discovered mycelium on the sample you dropped off at the office. We cannot identify the mycelium because we do not have a compound microscope in our lab. This mycelium could possibly be Cytospora as it is a common fungus of Blue Spruce. The fungus attacks trees or parts of trees that are injured or in a weak or stressed condition. As you know, co-leaders can be weak.
Also, the black matter in the sample could be a type of sooty mold resulting in the mycelium.
From the latest pictures you have sent to Judy of the interior of the break, the wood does not appear to be healthy as it is very dark in color.
It would be best to look at the tree where the break occurred to see how much damage there is to the other leader and to the trunk. Look at the crotch area of the leaders and see if there is a split down into the trunk where the break occurred. If there is, that will not heal and will further weaken the tree.
We think it would be helpful to have an arborist look at the tree and make an assessment of the overall damage.
Please send the additional pictures in your response so that we have those on record as well.
We have discovered mycelium on the sample you dropped off at the office. We cannot identify the mycelium because we do not have a compound microscope in our lab. This mycelium could possibly be Cytospora as it is a common fungus of Blue Spruce. The fungus attacks trees or parts of trees that are injured or in a weak or stressed condition. As you know, co-leaders can be weak.
Also, the black matter in the sample could be a type of sooty mold resulting in the mycelium.
From the latest pictures you have sent to Judy of the interior of the break, the wood does not appear to be healthy as it is very dark in color.
It would be best to look at the tree where the break occurred to see how much damage there is to the other leader and to the trunk. Look at the crotch area of the leaders and see if there is a split down into the trunk where the break occurred. If there is, that will not heal and will further weaken the tree.
We think it would be helpful to have an arborist look at the tree and make an assessment of the overall damage.
Please send the additional pictures in your response so that we have those on record as well.
