What Causes Needle Drop on Spruce Trees

Rhizosphaera needle cast is a fungal disease of spruce trees that causes needles to turn brown and fall off. Trees stressed from drought, poor planting practices or other factors are more likely to suffer from Rhizosphaera needle cast.

Why are the needles falling off my spruce tree?

Spruce and pine trees can be prone to several fungal infections that can lead to needle discoloration and early drop. … Spruces and pines affected by rhizosphaera needle cast will lose their interior older needles, leaving only the current year’s growth (which has not yet been infected).

Can spruce trees recover from needle cast?

The tree becomes unattractive and may look as though it is dying, but don’t despair. Rhizosphaera and Stigmina, the two most common needle cast diseases of spruce trees, are treatable. You can have your tree looking lush and beautiful again within a few years by following a program of needle cast treatment.