In May of last year I posted that my 5 dwarf Alberta Spruces were browning out in large areas. Yet some new growth was visible. I sprayed for spider mites and also for fungus. They appeared to improve until fall and began to brown out again. They seem even worse after the winter, but again some green seems mixed with the brown. What can I do? They are all 10 ft. or over, mature trees.
Hardiness Zone: 7a
By paul standish from North Branford, CT
We lost a Spruce this year after the cold. For 8 months it was turning brown and crunchy. The local tree farm told me it was Copper Disease. The best we could do was cut it down. (04/17/2009)
By MaryKay
Although we don't have Spruce trees we do have 10 mature Mondale Pines. They all looked healthy one week and than over night turned brown and started dying. I had my husband cut away all of the brown areas and this included the main branch or trunk. (only the dead part..)
I went to our local nursery and told him what was happening and he recommended some fertilizer in a "spike" form. I remembered reading one of those plaques inside a visitors center about how we need trees to burn so that the ashes will fertilize the growing trees naturally, so we took our ashes from our fireplace and firepit and spread them around our trees and bushes.
This was 2 years ago, all 10 of our Mondales look healthy and are getting huge.
I now keep a better eye on them and keep them trimmed all year round.
Good luck. (04/18/2009)
By Laurie
Have you checked for Spruce Budworm? It is very prevalent in Canada and may also be a threat in your area. I would check with your government agency for lands and forests. (04/19/2009)
By Mary Lou
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