We moved into the house about 7 yrs ago. It has about 25 spruce's and firs lining the 80ft X 160 ft lot. I believe the problem came shortly after we had a very bad storm in Aug. of this year. May have been a tornado. I live in Wisconsin. Shortly after that I noticed 1 spruce completely dead all the way to the top. The spruce's on either side are now about 2/3 dead and has spread to all but 4.Browning starts at the bottom of the spruce or fir and quickly works it's way up the tree.Some of the tips of the bough's are twisted and curled. There are no visible signs of insects. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to post by Kathy, on November 03, 2000 at 23:43:47:


I spray trees in Sheridan County Wyoming. Next Spring I will be buying the business from a very informative man who has been in the tree business for 43 years and has been a great teacher.
In the past few years I have seen what you are describing in different circumstances. One thing you should know is that when a tree is " sick " its immune system is weak. Thus means that this is a invitation to insects. They are attracted to these trees because the tree isnt producing the natural toxins that protect it from any infestations.
One thing you should check is, are the trees getting enough water or mabe too much water?
Has their been any digging around the trees that might of interrupted the roots?
What the problem sounds like also is a fungus problem. In this case you should contact a reptable licensed tree care specialist who can give your trees Microinjections whith a fungiside/insectiside.These injectors are injected around the trunk of the tree about every 6 inches apart. It can be quit costly but it is garenteed to save your trees from a fungus problem.
There are sprays one can spray with that are geared towards fungus also.
Since you have douglas firs and spruce together I should warn you that you have the perfect breeding ground for what is called Spruce Gall Aphid. This insect causes pineapple or cone shaped gall at the end of the new spring growth. The gall consist of swelling of tissue at the tips. It turns purplish as it reaches full size. In August it dries and kills the twig.
On Firs the insect appears as a wooly mass on the needles, but galls are not produced.
This is a complicated insect and it takes up to two years for it to complet a life cycle.
It has been strongly recomended not to plant spruce and firs together because of this problem.
I would suggest for this problem to have the trees sprayed with a insecticide (Systemic-type) in the spring when the buds are starting to open to kill the emerging winged type that will continue the spreading.
The only other thing that comes into mind is to prune off as many galls as possible on new growth.
Good luck.

Reply to post by John, on November 03, 2000 at 23:43:47:

I have found that most conifers are rather problematic in the uptake of pesticides from implants. Has anyone had good results with the wedgle?

Reply to post by John, on November 03, 2000 at 23:43:47:

I'd be very careful about claiming any treatment as "guaranteed", John. Even the best product may not be successful in some circumstances. Injections require the material to be taken into the tree and dispersed throughout the system. that is difficult to achieve under the best conditions. Also, without knowing exactly what the problem is, there is no way to know what treatment should be recommended. We need more information on the problem, and that will probably only come from a site visit.

Reply to post by Kathy, on November 03, 2000 at 23:43:47:

The storm may not have been the problem, but just a coincidence that the trees showed the symptoms at that time.

Have you experienced droughts during the last 3 to 5 years (who hasn't?). I would tend to suspect a root problem from your description. Could be injury or infection that has progressed for a year or more and is just now showing the symptoms. This is typical of many root diseases.

I suggest you locate a qualified arborist in your area to diagnose the problem on site. The American Society of Consulting Arborists can recommend highly qualified arborists and consultants in your area. Their web site and database is at

http://www.asca-consultants.org

or contact the main office at

American Society of Consulting Arborists
15245 Shady Grove Road
Suite 130
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 947-0483

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com

Russ Carlson
Registered Consulting Arborist