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My Spruce Trees Are Not Happy #889528

Asked November 08, 2024, 10:54 AM EST

Hello. Hopefully I have correctly identified these trees as spruce. They were planted near a dirt road, approx 7 yrs ago, that does not get salt treatment in winter. I suspect they don't get enough sun. On the south side of the road is a heavily populated state land with large/tall trees and brush. Very little if any mowing/trimming was done around the trees this year but this disease/infestation has been present for many years. Also, I suspect the trees were sitting awhile before they were delivered in burlap and planted on a very hot day in July. We have not performed a soil test but intend to do so soon. Di we cut off dead branches? Should we fertilize? Do we need insecticide? We really want to save these trees. I have many more photos but was only able to attach 3.

Lapeer County Michigan

Expert Response

Please find additional phots attached.  Thank You

The Question Asker Replied November 08, 2024, 11:19 AM EST

Hello Barbara,

Before I can figure out what you have, I am going to ask you to do a test. If you could take one of the needles and see if it rolls between your fingers. If it does, it is a spruce. If it doesn't it is a fir. So when you have done that.....I can better access your trees.

Thank you,


Thank you for contacting us! Replied November 08, 2024, 4:20 PM EST

Hello Barbara,

Since i have not heard back from you Concerning whether this is a fir or spruce, I will give you recommendations on evergreens. I am not sure what 'infestation or disease' you are talking about. The only thing I see on the bottom limbs is lichen. Lichen occurs when the branches are dead and the lichen is formed as it is rotting. They look quite healthy considering where they are planted. I would remove all weeds to the drip line from below the trees. I would then mulch the trees, 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch. They probably could stand a treatment of fertilizer, but I would wait until March-April to do that. If you want to trim the dead branches back, you can. But understand that evergreens will not produce more branches or needles in the lower areas. 

I have included several publications for your reference. 

https://extension.umn.edu/managing-woodlands/managing-spruce-fir-forests

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_spruce_or_fir_getting_to_know_michigan_evergreen_trees

If we can be of further assistance, please contact us back.

Thank you for contacting us! Replied November 11, 2024, 5:06 PM EST

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