2025 Spruce Health Alert
May 19, 2025
Stressors Impacting Spruce Health
The past three years of drought have set up spruce trees to be attacked by a host of insect and mite species. Additionally, dry winters without adequate snow cover to protect the root systems have caused needles to drop in the spring.
Several common landscaping practices can also shorten the life of spruce, or any tree in an urban environment:
- Plastic or fabric liners under mulch can severely restrict tree roots’ access to water and oxygen required for a healthy life.
- Mulch should be made from organic materials such as wood chips and placed directly on the surface of the soil in a layer about 3-4” deep.
- Watering is essential for healthy conifers, but is often done incorrectly, leading to fungal disease.
What Can Homeowners do to Maintain a Healthy Spruce Tree?
- Water properly by using a soaker hose below the branches, applying water to the root zone while keeping needles dry. Water during dry spells when there has been no rain for a week or more.
- Improve soil conditions and water access by replacing rock and landscape fabric under trees with mulch.
- Increase tree resilience with proactive treatments including spider mite protection, fertilizer, and insect and disease defense.
- Learn more about spruce protection.
Proactive management is essential for healthy spruce trees. If you are concerned about the health of your tree, arrange a visit with your Consulting Arborist to assess their condition and develop a management plan.
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