Dropping spruce needlesmay have various causes. They arise from an inappropriate position, other times from infection or pest infestation. How do we recognize what we are dealing with? How to prevent the spruce from yellowing and losing needles? Learn about the 3 most common causeswhy the spruce loses its needlesand learn how to fight them!
Dropping of spruce needles. Why does spruce lose needles?
1. Falling needles of spruce associated with poor growing conditions
Spruces are usually characterized by high resistance to low temperatures, therefore numerous foreign species can be successfully grown here.Periods of longer-lasting drought are much less tolerated. Thendiscoloration of spruce needles and their lossAn exception in this respect is blue spruce, often found in cultivars with silver-colored needles.
The soil requirements of spruce are also quite high. Spruce trees grow best in fertile, loamy soils, as well as on rocky ground. They also grow satisfactorily in moist soils, but then they develop a shallow root system and are easily knocked over by the wind. They withstand acidic soils perfectly, and even many species thrive in such soils. Spruce does not tolerate residual water. If the site requirements are not met,chlorotic stains and browning may appear on the needlesIn such cases, soil analysis should be performed and the soil should be supplemented with magnesium sulphate in April and June.
2. Spruce loses needles because it suffers from fungal disease
A disease that can cause spruce needles to fall is phytophthora, also called root and base rot of spruce.Spruce needles turn yellow, turn brown and gradually fall off.At the base of the trunk there is a characteristic brown blotch that widens around the circumference and progresses towards the top. Consequently, the plant dies. After noticing the symptoms of a sick spruce, unfortunately it should be removed. Decontaminate the place where it was growing with Magnicur Energy 840 SL or Proplant 722 SL. Also, no more copies should be planted in it. Plants that grew next to the infected spruce should be sprayed with the aforementioned plant protection products. The biological preparation Polyversum WP can also be used to combat phytophthorosis and preventively protect against this disease.
Dropping of the needles also causes spruce needles , the so-called exanthema. Small, round spots appear on the needles of the plant, which gradually turn from yellow to brown and eventually turn black.With a large infection, the plant weakens and may die. When fighting the rash, it is worthwhile to alternate sprays with Topsin M 500 SC and Amistar 250 SC.
Spruce loses needles because it is attacked by pests
Damage caused by aphids canleave discoloration on the spruce needles and cause them to drop .
"The green spruce aphid, as a result of intensive sap on the needles, initially causes the formation of light streaks, and consequentlyleads to browning and dropping of the needlesTrees lose up to 50% of their needles! Aphid eggs hibernate in the bark, and in the second decade of April, larvae hatch from them and feed on the shoots. The greatest number of aphids can be observed in June and then in September. In spring, the spruce must be carefully inspected after the larvae have been observed, and sprayed immediately with Fastac 100 EC. If the number of the pest is small, and we do not want to use chemical spraying, the natural Agrocover preparation can be used."
Anotherpest that causes spruce needles to dropis the pine wood spider mite. It attacks mostly white spruce and its varieties, most often the 'Conica' variety.You can see mosaic stains on the needles, and with time their fallIn winter, you can see amber spider mite eggs on the spruce bark, in April larvae hatch there and feed on them until they reach adulthood. In the fight against the pine tree spider mite, it is very important to thoroughly spray the plants with the Promanal 60 EC or Emulpar 940 EC oil preparation in the spring, and in May to spray them with a spider mite preparation, e.g. Karate Zeon 050 CS.
Protection measures useful in against diseases and pests of spruceyou can order in our store. We guarantee high quality products, low price and fast shipping. To see the availablemeasures for spruce needle drop , press the button below.
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MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
