Baby Blue Eyes Spruce Tree - brown at top

Question: I have a Baby Blue Eyes Spruce tree in my Colorado Springs yard.  It was planted in Spring 2018 and has been growing well.  It is on a sprinkler emitter and is watered 3 days per week for two 20 minute cycles each watering day.  Over the past two weeks, I noticed some brown branches at the top of the tree.  The trunk is not weeping and I do not see any bore holes in the trunk.  I watered the tree two evenings this week in addition to its regular watering cycle thinking it may be dry.  The green needles do fall if I pull the branch gently. I have attached photos.  Do I need to increase watering or is there another problem? Thanks, Sandy Dawson Recent RAM graduate!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 10:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Sandy, The curling of the twigs at the top into "shepherd's crooks" suggest that this is almost certainly the work of white pine weevils; insects that attack the tops (and only the tops) of blue spruces in our area.  The injury occurs in the spring, as the tree is growing and when the branches are flexible enough still to curl as they die.   Thankfully, there's little risk to the health of the tree over all and it will be able to establish a new leader (possibly with a little training/pruning help from you.  If more than one new leader develops, choose your favorite and remove the others so that you will have only one trunk in the tree). Insecticides applied in spring are one way to protect your tree from being re-injured in the future.  For details, please see this CSU Fact Sheet: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/white-pine-weevil-5-606/ I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 9:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the quick response.   On Aug 29, 2024, at 8:41 AM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
response: John,   Do these bugs attack Diablo Nine Barks too?  I have a few branches which look bare this year. And, they did not look bare last year.  The Nine barks are about 10-12 feet from the spruce tree.    Thanks, Sandy  On Aug 29, 2024, at 8:41 AM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Hi Sandy, No, they do not attack ninebarks--something else may be at work there.  Look along the bare branches for signs of obvious insect damage (holes, etc); another possibility is vole or rabbit damage near the base, which would appear as removed bark and may include observable teeth marks.   Feel free to send some photos of the ninebarks, too! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 11:54 AM EDT
response: John,   Attached are photos of the ninebarks.  I have one of each side of the yard with the tree in the center.  The right ninebark showed bare branches first then the left ninebark.    Attachments are - The left ninebark (1 photo) and then three photos of the right ninebark.  I'll send the two photos of the distance to the tree in a separate email.   Thanks - I appreciate your quick response and advice.   Sandy         From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 11:31 AM To: Sandy Dawson  Subject: Re: Baby Blue Eyes Spruce Tree - brown at top (#0153292)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 12:16 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  Did those leaf out this year, or have they been bare since spring?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: John,   Attached are photos of when the ninebarks were flowering in late Spring/early summer.   The right ninebark was bare since then.  I believe the left ninebark was not as bare.   Thanks, Sandy   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 12:16 PM To: Sandy Dawson  Subject: Re: Baby Blue Eyes Spruce Tree - brown at top (#0153292)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT
response: Thanks.  From what I can see, I think the shrubs may be losing those branches due to shading, crowding, or even branch age.  You might consider removing about 1/3 of the oldest branches in the shrubs (not counting the dead ones) each year to allow it to continually renew itself as it sends up new branches from the base.  You could remove the dead twigs and branches now or whenever it is convenient for you.  I notice that the shrubs are surrounded by rock beds that look very well kept.  If you ever use herbicides to manage weeds in this area, be sure to stay well clear of the shrubs (and trees) since some herbicides, particularly those advertising prolonged activity, can be damaging to trees and shrubs, which can absorb them through their roots and be damaged. I hope this is helpful! cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT
response: John,   Thank you so much for your prompt responses, advice and guidance.   I really appreciate it.   Enjoy Labor Day weekend!   Sandy   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 4:16 PM To: Sandy Dawson  Subject: Re: Baby Blue Eyes Spruce Tree - brown at top (#0153292)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!