Concolor Fir Browning Needles

Question: Hi,

This year I notice that the interior needles of Concolor Fir in my house is browning. The interior needles are browning and shedding. The tree is thinning out. Also, I noticed green fungus like growth on the affected branches. What should I do? Can this blight be halted? Will the tree survive?

Thanks,

Gopi Rao<personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 16, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your inquiry. Your tree does not look healthy, and I'm wondering if it has been well watered, especially in the heat and drought we experienced in September. While you research the problem, I suggest you water the tree so it receives about an inch of water that goes down 5-7" deep in the rootball area. You can lay a trickling garden hose at the base of the tree and let it run for several hours to achieve that goal.   The link below should help you diagnose what may be going on with your concolor fir.   https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/needle_shedding_in_conifers

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 16, 2024, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your prompt response. I figured it could be a watering issue before I contacted you. I have watered thoroughly and deeply last week. How often should I water deeply, now that fall is setting in?That said, is there any blight that you noticed that needs treatment right away? Or wait to see whether the watering alone would resolve the issue?Thanks,Gopi RaoOn Oct 16, 2024, at 3:43 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 17, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
response: It is important that trees and shrubs, especially conifers go into the winter season well hydrated. Because conifers carry their leaves (needles) all winter, transpiration will continue to take place. Once the ground freezes, the tree will be unable to take up moisture through its roots. Once a week would be sufficient until the ground freezes (and maybe not that often if the soil feels moist when you put you fingers down into it).  I just realized that I failed to address your concern about the "green fungus growth" on the limbs of your fir. Those are lichens, and they come in various sizes, shapes and colors. Generally speaking, lichens are an indication of good air quality. They do no harm to whatever they are growing on. In fact lichens directly benefit humans through their ability to absorb everything in their atmosphere, especially pollutants.   If you look closely at your photo of the yellow needles, you will see tiny dark spots on them. Those do appear to be fruiting bodies of some kind of fungal disease, possibly delphinella shoot blight or Phyllosticta. The links below discuss those diseases. It is not advisable to water conifers by overhead sprinkling system as the needles will remain wet for long periods of time, and fungal diseases tend to develop in wet conditions  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/interior_needles_casting_in_concolor_fir  portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/PDIO/Disease-Alerts/Disease-Alert---Delphinella-Shoot-Blight-of-Fir.pdf  If the disease descriptions in the links above seems to fit what you've noticed happening to your fir, you may wish to consult a certified arborist to take a look at the tree. An arborist is a certified and generally insured expert in trees and their problems. He or she can examine your tree and make recommendations regarding the health of the tree, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) any treatment is required. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:   http://www.treesaregood.org/    Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.   Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to keep your beautiful fir tree healthy.    It is safe to remove dead limbs at any time of year. It also would be wise to also rake up and destroy (do not compost) dead needles lying on the ground. Fungal spores can overwinter on them and spread disease next season