| Spruce Tree Care |
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The spruce aphid is a cold weather aphid which is active from November through spring. We recommend control measures be taken in November and in February to prevent damage. The aphid feeds on last year's needles which fall off during the summer months leaving only the new needles generated that year. Often you will see only current year needles and bare branches in the interior of the tree. The spruce mite (which attacks a number of other conifers) is also a cold weather pest and should be treated in April. Mites attack the tender new growth. If the infestation is heavy, at least two treatments about 14 days apart is recommended. The Alberta Spruce is particularly plagued with this mite. Alberta Spruce are also very susceptible to warm weather mites and can need additional treatment in mid to late summer, and sometimes early fall. Other pests of Spruce include Cooley spruce gall adelgid, coneworm, pine needle scale, spruce bud worm, needleminer, white pine weevil, webworm and the Douglas fir tussock moth and Silverspotted tiger moth. Diseases of Spruce include crown gall, Cytospora Canker, Phytophthora Root Rot, Rhizosphaera Needle Cast, rust, tip blight, and Botrytis (gray mold) blight. Of the above mentioned problems, the two most common and devastating problems are aphids and mites APHID FACTS:
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Colorado Blue Spruce and Alberta Spruce are two of the most common spruce trees. Both are valuable additions to the texture and color in the landscape and both need to be protected from Spruce Aphids and Spruce Mites. Deep Root Fertilizing enhances the color of both but especially the blue and is generally recommended for overall health.
There are at least 48 different types of aphids. They range in color from white to red and can produce offspring by live birth. Aphid reproductive potential is 30 to 40 generations per year. Aphids can inject toxins into plants and can carry disease viruses. They leave behind "honey dew," a sticky substance which turns to Sooty Mold. A high ant population can indicate an aphid problem as aphids are farmed by ants for food.