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Home and Garden > Gardening > Trees > Tree Health on June 18, 2010

Spruce Tree is Dropping Needles and Branches Dying

We have a spruce about 30 feet tall that has been here since we moved in 5 years ago. Recently on the back side (little/no sun) all the needles have fallen off and the branches are brown. Then some of the middle of the tree branches are facing down like the needles are too heavy for the branches too hold up.

We had an arborist look at it, but I'm not convinced and am seeking a second opinion. He states there are no signs of ants or beetles and the tree looks healthy and advised us to cut the dead branches off. I've read online that is a bad idea, that the tree could die. Considering its age it could just be old? If it is dying what should we do? Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

By Brenda from Marlborough, MA

Answers: Spruce Tree is Dropping Needles and Branches Dying

Read answers for this question below.
By
09/28/2010

It does not harm a tree to remove dead branches, only live ones.

By
06/18/2010

I know if you have a fir hedge growing against a solid fence and some years later take out the fence, the hedge will look completely brown and dead on that side although green and live at the front. This was from lack of light. I don't know if the back would regenerate though and a tree is, of course different from a hedge. The Arborist is paid to know though?
Marg from England.

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