What Is Rhizophaera?
Rhizosphaera needle cast is caused by the fungus, Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. The disease causes death and casting(dropping) of needles in Spruces. It most commonly affects Colorado Blue Spruce but can infect other Spruce species.
Needle Cast on Spruce trees is generally first evident on the innermost needles in the lower canopy. Infected needles become spotted, some turning yellow and some brown. If allowed to persist it can cause severe needle loss, death of individual branches and eventually to the tree.
Life Cycle
Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii overwinters in infected needles, on the tree or ground and are released from the infected needles in the spring. Spores are dispersed by wind and splashing rainwater and infect newly emerging needles with a soft cuticle as well as mature needles. Once the needles are infected, symptoms may take 12 months or longer to become visible. Prolonged wetness, especially in spring, is your spruces nightmare scenario!
Disease Management
Infections should be sprayed with a proper contact fungicide registered for use against this disease. Treatment occurs when needles are half-elongated and again when fully elongated. A minimum of 3 years of treatment is recommended because of the organism’s life cycle. These treatments will not cure existing infections but will prevent additional infections.
We at ECO Tree Company use only the most effective and environmentally sound treatments applied by Certified Arborists.
Other Strategies
- Select healthy plants and avoid planting Colorado Blue Spruce:
Concolour Fir Is Our favorite alternative! - Remove infected needles and branches:
Prune out diseased branches and rake up fallen needles. Burn or remove the debris. Disinfect pruning tools between cuts. - Avoid excessive watering:
This can promote infection. Spores require moisture to germinate and infect. - Improve air circulation to allow needles to dry more quickly:
Maintain open spacing when planting or by mowing grass or brush. This promotes increased airflow, which is less favorable for infection and disease development.
Our Certified Arborists will advise which approach is suitable on a case-by-case basis.
Have a question about your trees?
We can have one of our certified arborists come out to your home and assess your trees. Whether it is in need of removal, maintenance, or you think it has a disease, we have you covered! Schedule a consultation below!