Why is my Montgomery Blue Spruce changing colors and loosing needles?

Question

I have one tree and 2 bushes (the bushes are Montgomery Blue spruces and the tree is a Fat Albert). On the two bushes there are full branches that have lost all of their needes (~2-3 branches per bush). The needles on the tree (Fat Albert) are turning yellow at the tips, and some are falling off. These are all new plants from this spring. I live in Chicago, and the climate has been a bit unseasonably dry and warm. I am looking for input as to whether or not this is normal, what are some thoughts as to what can be going on, nd if there are any remedies that can be applied. I appreciate your thoughts in advance.

Answer 1

It does sound like dehydration... or heat related. Is their mulch beneath the plants? Wood mulch will help with water retention. No more than 3-4" though.

Monitor the water! keep the plants evenly moist, but not wet.
It's too late for a water soluble fertilizer, but you can apply a spring/ fall fertilizer, such as ESPOMA treetone. That will help them out in the spring (apply to all three).

Some chemicals can cause problems on Colorado spruce (Picea pungens). Obviously weed killers can cause foliage damage. Some oil sprays can cause injury too. I'd investigate those a little too, just to rule them out.

Lastly, as I can't see a sample in person, I would still recommend bringing a fresh sample of the damage to your local independent garden center. They may be able to give you on the spot advice as to the nature of the problem and the solution.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

Stress of moving can leave the plant open to attack by insects or microbes. If the needles dropped very quickly you may have SNEED or Sudden Needle Drop. This does not always occur on every branch. The infectious agent is possibly the fungus Pleosporales Setomelanomma holmii. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=135950
If it is this a fungicide will treat it.

Other disease possibilities include
http://www.mountainhightree.com/newsletters/october/october2006newsletter.htm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/environment/BD500.html
Needle drop signs & symptoms in various species
http://pfc.scf.rncan.gc.ca/diseases/hforest/diagnose/SignHost/needle_d_e.html
http://www.treehelp.com/trees/spruce/spruce-iandd.asp

I went through this a few years ago with a tree that was saved from a demolition site. I had spider mites. It never looked the same but thoughtfull plantings to shield thin patches from view help. I lost the lower branches so had to underplant the tree. I planted a pink rose to complement the color and climb into the thin area.
Good luck