Leslie Massey
In recent years, spruce and Austrian pine trees in northern Illinois have been dying due to several factors. The non-native Colorado blue spruce, a traditional favorite, has been affected by fatal fungal diseases. Similarly, Austrian pines, which are also non-native to Illinois, have been stressed since the drought of 2012, making them more susceptible to a fungal disease called Diplodia Tip Blight, which kills new growth. Other factors, such as frigid winter weather, pests, and soil conditions, can also contribute to the decline of these tree species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Illinois |
| Tree Species | Spruces, Austrian Pines |
| Cause of Death | Fungal Diseases, Spider Mite Infestations, Pests, Weather Conditions, Pine Wilt, Nematodes |
| Symptoms | Browning/Yellowing Needles, Loss of Needles, Branches, and Tree Tops |
| Prevention and Treatment | Watering, Mulching, Pruning, Anti-Desiccant Spray, Fungicide Spray |
| Tree Species Affected | Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Red Pine, Jack Pine |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrian pines are susceptible to fungal diseases like Diplodia Tip Blight
- Older Austrian pines may not recover, even with treatment
- Spruces are also affected by fungal diseases and pests
- Frigid winters and sunscald can cause pine and spruce treetops to turn brown
- Spider mites can weaken Norway spruces, making them susceptible to other harm
Austrian pines are susceptible to fungal diseases like Diplodia Tip Blight
The decline of Austrian pines in northern Illinois can be attributed, in part, to their susceptibility to fungal diseases, notably Diplodia Tip Blight. This disease, caused by the fungus Diplodia pinea, poses a significant threat to Austrian pines, as well as other pine species.
Diplodia Tip Blight primarily affects pines with needles in bunches of two or three, and Austrian pines fall squarely into this category. The disease causes needles at the tips of branches to die, starting from the lower half of the tree and gradually moving upwards. The new needles become stunted, turn yellow, and eventually take on a tan or brown hue. This discolouration is a telltale sign of the disease's progression.
The Diplodia fungus is adept at exploiting weakened or stressed trees. Stressors such as improper planting, compacted soils, and drought can compromise a tree's defences, making it more vulnerable to infection. Once the fungus takes hold, it can spread rapidly, infecting larger twigs, branches, and even the trunk, resulting in the formation of cankers and branch death.
To prevent and manage Diplodia Tip Blight, it is crucial to prioritise tree health and minimise stress. Proper watering, mulching, and fertilisation are essential. Pruning tools should be disinfected between cuts to avoid spreading the fungus. Infected cones, branches, and needles should be removed and destroyed during dry weather to reduce the presence of fungal spores. Additionally, fungicides can be applied to protect young needles and shoots from infection, with the first treatment ideally administered before bud break.
While Diplodia Tip Blight predominantly affects pines, it can occasionally infect other conifers, including spruces. However, the impact on spruces is generally less severe. The focus should be on maintaining tree health and taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
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Older Austrian pines may not recover, even with treatment
The Austrian Pine is not native to Illinois, but to western Europe and Asia. While these pines can tolerate Illinois' weather patterns when young, they become more stressed as they age. The drought of 2012 put additional stress on the Austrian Pines in the region, and a fungal disease called Diplodia Tip Blight has hit them hard in the years since. Diplodia attacks new growth, killing it before it has a chance to expand. The disease results in the loss of entire branches as it progresses and can be identified by small black picnidia, the fruiting bodies of the fungus, on the needles and cones.
Younger Austrian Pines can be protected by preventing stress, which goes a long way in preventing the fungal disease. This can be achieved by watering during dry periods and using mulch to conserve soil moisture and keep the ground cooler. Once the disease is present in older Austrian Pines, it is critical to remove any dead wood and prune diseased branches, branch tips, and cones to prevent the disease from spreading further in future years.
However, even with treatment, older Austrian pines may not recover. For this reason, it is essential to plan ahead for the following year if the disease is already present. Fungicide spray treatments should be applied three times during the spring, with specific timing depending on the stage of bud and needle development. The first two sprays should be timed based on the pine's progression from bud swell to emerging needles, and the third spray should be administered 10 to 14 days after the second spray.
While treatment can help manage the disease, older Austrian pines that have been severely affected may not be saved. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider removing and replacing the trees to restore the landscape's health and beauty. This is a challenging situation, especially for those who value the presence of these majestic trees in their environment.
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Spruces are also affected by fungal diseases and pests
Spruces are susceptible to several fungal infections and pests. The most common fungal disease is Cytospora canker, caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei (also known as Valsa kunzei var. piceae). This disease affects Norway and Colorado blue spruces, as well as Douglas-fir, hemlock, and larch trees. It usually starts on the lowest branches, turning needles purple or brown before they drop, and progresses upwards over several years. The disease rarely affects trees younger than 15-20 years old and typically does not kill the tree. Spruce trees are also susceptible to Rhizosphaera needle cast, a common foliar disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, which causes needles to change colour and foliage to thin. Stigmina needle cast, Phomopsis canker, and Diplodia tip blight are other fungal diseases that can affect spruces, causing branch dieback and discolouration.
In addition to fungal infections, spruces are impacted by insect pests. Adelgids, similar to aphids, infest spruce trees and produce tiny pineapple-shaped galls. Spider mites, though nearly invisible to the naked eye, can cause significant damage by weakening the trees and making them more susceptible to other harm. White pine weevils lay their eggs on the main branches of spruce trees in the spring. While these pests and diseases are common in Northeast Ohio, they may also be present in Northern Illinois.
To prevent and manage spruce tree diseases and pests, proper care and maintenance are essential. This includes ensuring adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients, especially during extended droughts, through deep-root fertilization. Minimizing stress on established trees by avoiding injury to the root system and improving soil quality with organic mulch can also help reduce the risk of infection. Infected branches should be removed, and pruning tools should be cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
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Frigid winters and sunscald can cause pine and spruce treetops to turn brown
Pine and spruce trees in northern Illinois are susceptible to damage from frigid winter weather, especially in their treetops. The crowns of these trees are vulnerable to harsh winds and sunscald, which can cause the needles to turn brown or purple at the end of winter or beginning of spring.
Sunscald is a physiological problem caused by the death of bark tissues due to high temperatures. In winter, the south or southwest side of the trunk may be heated by the sun, causing frozen tissue to thaw and then rapidly refreeze as clouds block the sun exposure. These rapid temperature fluctuations can lead to sunscald, resulting in brown or purple needles on pine and spruce trees.
To prevent winter injury, it is recommended to treat trees with an anti-desiccant spray in the fall and ensure they are well-watered throughout the year. Maintaining proper hydration levels can help reduce stress and make the trees less susceptible to damage. Additionally, keeping the trees adequately watered can help mitigate the effects of moisture stress, which has been associated with tissue death in sunscald-affected trees.
While sunscald is more commonly associated with young, thin-barked ornamental and fruit trees, it can also affect pine and spruce trees in northern Illinois during periods of extreme winter weather. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures, homeowners can help protect their trees from the damaging effects of frigid winters and sunscald.
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Spider mites can weaken Norway spruces, making them susceptible to other harm
While the Norway spruce is a hardy tree, it is susceptible to pests such as spider mites. Spider mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on the needles of Norway spruces, causing them to turn yellow or bronze and eventually fall off. The tree's health may deteriorate, and foliage may be lost due to severe infestations. Spider mites do not kill Norway spruces directly, but they can weaken them, making them more vulnerable to other harm.
Spruce spider mites (Oligonychus ununguis) are most active during the cooler spring and fall months. The females lay their eggs during the winter on the bark and needles, and the eggs hatch in April or May. The adult mites are extremely tiny, only about 0.5 millimeters long, and are dark green with eight legs.
To treat spider mites on Norway spruce trees, several methods can be employed:
- Spray the infested trees with miticides such as clofentazine, bifenazate, hexygon, or horticultural oil.
- Apply dormant horticultural oils in the winter to kill the overwintering eggs and adult spider mites.
- Plant flowers around the Norway spruce to attract natural predators of spider mites, such as lacewings, lady beetles, and predatory midges.
- Feed the tree with a low-nitrogen tree fertilizer to strengthen its ability to endure mite damage.
- Water the trees deeply to soak the soil around the root area once a week when rainfall is insufficient.
By following these treatments, it is possible to manage spider mite infestations and prevent further harm to Norway spruces.
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Frequently asked questions
Since the drought of 2012, Austrian pines have been stressed, and a fungal disease called Diplodia Tip Blight has been affecting them. The disease kills new growth and results in the loss of entire branches.
The newly killed needles will have a bright tan or straw color, and the older needles will be covered with small black picnidia, the fruiting bodies of the fungus.
Fungicide spray should be applied three times during the spring: once when the buds are swelling, once when the new needles begin to emerge, and a third time 10 to 14 days later.
Yes, pine and spruce treetops are susceptible to harsh winter weather, wind, and sunscald, which can turn needles brown or purple. Pests and other diseases can also cause pine and spruce treetops to turn brown.
Your pine tree may be turning yellow, losing its needles, and/or exhibiting signs of needle drop.
