In 2012, we saw a huge increase in needle blight on spruce trees. Here is the latest information on spruce tree blight:
Sirococcus shoot blight of spruce causes branch tips to turn brown and needles to drop off leaving infected brach tips bare. One year old growth may also turn reddish brown and cast needles. Small black fruiting bodies can be seen on infected shoots. To manage this disease on young trees, apply chlorothalonil in May, when new shoots are one half to two inches long, and repeat the application 3-4 weeks later.
