Help...spruce disease??

[D'Angelo]

Help identifying what wrong with my spruce, needles are drying up and falling off,turning brown and some are curling. New buds are emerging everywhere tho?

 

[Brian Underwood]

The old needles (1-2 years) will fall off when the new buds break and extend. I freaked out when mine did that for the first time. Though the tips of some look odd in that picture... Hmm...

 

[D'Angelo]

The old needles (1-2 years) will fall off when the new buds break and extend. I freaked out when mine did that for the first time.

Ok, but I also have some that are curling and some turning very stiff and brittle?

 

[october]

It could be over watering or shedding. However, it is most likely a fungal disease. Spruces are very susceptible to it around this time. The new growth is very susceptible to it as well. Pretty soon, if it is fungal, the new growth is going to start dying as well. I would spray this tree with fungicide immediately. Like tonight or tomorrow morning. Sometimes people spray right before the buds break and then after they extend just to prevent soemthing like this from happening. I cannot stress enough the importance of spraying this as soon as possible.

Rob

 

[D'Angelo]

It could be over watering or shedding. However, it is most likely a fungal disease. Spruces are very susceptible to it around this time. The new growth is very susceptible to it as well. Pretty soon, if it is fungal, the new growth is going to start dying as well. I would spray this tree with fungicide immediately. Like tonight or tomorrow morning. Sometimes people spray right before the buds break and then after they extend just to prevent soemthing like this from happening. I cannot stress enough the importance of spraying this as soon as possible.

Rob

Thanks!!...I sprayed this a few days ago with a fungicide, should I respray in a few days?

 

[october]

Thanks!!...I sprayed this a few days ago with a fungicide, should I respray in a few days?

Nope, if you already sprayed a few days ago, wait another 10 -14 days. Did you spray in response to the tree showing signs of illness?

Also, if you use a copper based spray or any spray for that matter, cover the soil with something. Maybe a plastic bag or aluminum foil. You don't want the cooper to get into the soil.

Rob

 

[wireme]

Def. suomething going on there, I don't recall seeing spruce needle do that but maybe google search for sap sucking insects on spruce needles or spruce needle miner insects. In case it's a bug and not fungal.

 

[iant]

I agree not looking normal there.
I'd think needle cast/fungal unless you see little webbing when you look up close and then I'd think spider mites. (I'm biased currently on that one.) Here's a web pic of spider mites on spruce. Notice the little flecks suspended by webbing just off the shoot between the bases of needles.
Ian

 

[discusmike]

That's by far not normal, I have a bunch of ezo's and never seenthat, kinda looks like needle cast, can you lift the tree from the pot and look at the roots?

 

[D'Angelo]

Ok, so here is what I found after putting under my microscope.

 

[armetisius]

Ok, so here is what I found after putting under my microscope.

Looks like some sort of scale nymphs hunting for a new home to me.
Check with your cooperative extension service about what is recommended
for your species in your area and treat with that. Never hurts to seek
professional advice especially when it is free to ask.
a.

 

[october]

Bring it to or show it to Hitoshi at NE Bonsai Garden.

Rob