Canadian Hemlock issue

Question: Hello, I have two Canadian Hemlocks off my patio and they look to be struggling, actually for years. They get new needles each spring but there seems to be a lot of needle drop and dead/sparse branches.  some are at the outside toward the top but also a lot interspersed. They are at least 30 years old. Pictures attached, hopefully enough to figure it out.  I have thrown some 10-10-10 granular fertilizer around the drip lines of all the trees this year.  thank you, Nancy

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 26, 2023, 10:21 AM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, This looks like fabrella needle blight, which is a fungal disease that results in the loss of hemlock needles. The disease is not fatal unless the tree is under drought stress, which is likely not the case in your yard trees. You can read more about fabrella needle blight at the link below: https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/PDFProvider.ashx?action=PDFStream&docID=1738101&chksum=&revision=0&docName=tHlthFactSheet-FabrellaNeedleBlight&nativeExt=pdf  Sanitation is the recommended practice to limit the effect of the disease. Gather up fallen needles each spring. Trim off affected branches during winter months to increase air flow, which will also limit moist conditions in which fungal diseases can thrive. Keep trees watered in times of drought. The annual application of fertilizer in the fall or spring months is also a good idea.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 12:01 PM EDT
response: Thank you. What type of fertilizer would you recommend?  Picking up these tiny needles from the ground beneath would be virtually impossible.  The area has some mulch and sits in a garden bed with other plants.  Are there any recommended sprays or just the course of treatment you mention below? Thank you, Nancy   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 10:22 AM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Canadian Hemlock issue (#0112214)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied July 26, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, A standard fertilizer applied in the fall is fine. 10-10-10 is very much acceptable.  I understand it may be difficult to gather the needles. Perhaps use a blower to remove them from under the tree? No chemical application is recommended. Trimming out the affected branches will help.  Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 4:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Julie!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 12:08 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Canadian Hemlock issue (#0112214)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT
response: Sorry, one more question . Do I remove branches that are affected but still have some needles or only the ones completely dead?  If I remove those with damage, too, there will be not much left of the tree. Thanks     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 12:08 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Canadian Hemlock issue (#0112214)

responder: Julie Crick  Replied August 01, 2023, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, You should try to remove any branches or twigs that have been affected by the fungal disease. It may also be prudent to treat the new growth next year with a fungicide, which may prevent further infection? The article below explains needle blight and treatment for needle blights, although it does not mention fabella needle blight exclusively. The recommend fungicides and active ingredients in fungicide are listed at the end of the article.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/managing_needle_blights_of_pine Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2023, 3:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you!   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 2:51 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Canadian Hemlock issue (#0112214)