Problem with White Spruce

Question: I have a young white spruce that is doing poorly and I'm trying to figure out why. I planted it in 2022 but moved it early this spring because I thought it might help resolve the issues if I made sure it was in the right place at the right depth, etc. It is planted it in well-drained, sandy soil where it gets full sun.  Unfortunately, I'm afraid I didn't help and might even have made the situation worse.  

It was looking pretty good through May, although its leader was drooping badly. I splinted it to straighten it up.  I also made sure to water it regularly through the heatwave in June.  However, since then the inside needles have turned brown and fallen off. I was afraid that I might have mulched it too excessively, so just last weekend I spread the mulch out more thinly.  Today, while watering it, I noticed some ants congregating on a few branches. I blasted them with water and saw what looks like a canker on one of the branches.  Oh no!  My question is, are the problems I'm seeing here cultural or disease related?  

I looked at the needles under a magnifying glass and don't see any fungal spores, but I did have an old blue spruce removed from my  front yard this spring that was dying from needlecast and cytospora. Could that be afflicting this tree as well? 

I also wonder if I have been underwatering it.  I haven't given it much extra water in July since we've received and inch or more of rain pretty consistently each week. But maybe drought stress caused earlier is continuing to cause problems now?  

I also noticed todat that there is some new growth coming off the trunk, so that gives me a bit of hope that this tree still has a shot.  I really want to do whatever I can to help this spruce thrive and appreciate any insight or suggestions you can offer. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 12:24 AM EDT
response: Hi Carly, Thanks for the question.  It really doesn't look like this is disease related but it would be hard to tell from the pictures, the oozing wound could be a canker so removal of the limb would be the safe thing to do. Look for vascular staining in the cutting. The needle drop can be a result of heat stress due to the unseasonably hot spring and early summer. Cytospora can be a possibility down the line. It can come from rain, wind, people, and birds. The ants are most likely getting honeydew from aphids, soft scale, or adelgids. Once identified, consider treating. Take a look to determine what may be the source   Sooty mold which grows on the honeydew could also indicate where the ants are feeding.  This tree has had a tough life being planted and replanted.  The needles on the tree appear to be healthy.  It can take some time before the tree has developed a substantial root system.  It is important to continue watering.  In the spring, fertilizer can help.   Needle shedding in conifers - MSU Extension I hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and the link to the needle shedding article.  That is very helpful. After I submitted my question, I did find aphids on 3 branches, so I will treat those with insecticidal soap asap.  I will also remove the wounded branch out of caution since I have other conifer seedlings growing nearby.  My only follow-up question is whether top dressing with a little bit of compost would be helpful. It did get a couple inches of Dairy Doo Tree and Shrub when I replanted it in early spring. I know we don't want to encourage tender new growth that will be susceptible to freeze damage, so is it too late in the year to top dress?   I'm not going to give up on this fella yet, and hopefully everything I've learned from its struggles will make me a better conifer gardener.    Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.    On Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 12:24 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
response: Hi again, If I am correct the "Dairy Doo" does have fertilizer in it.  We are past mid-July, (a rather arbitrary deadline), so caution is the key.  Compost, if applied, should only be a thin layer. It would be better to add it in the spring.  Keep it watered into late fall will help the tree with a limited root system to take up the water it needs.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 5:19 PM EDT
response: Okay, thanks again. I'll keep it watered and apply compost in spring.   On Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 2:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: