Pine tree issue ( spruce tree)

Question: Hello, entering my second issue due to limited pictures allowed.  I don't know what type of pine this is, its over 30 years old and now looking really shabby. I noticed a couple years ago a tremendous effort in producing small pine cones primarily at the top of the tree. More and more branches now ragged.  Got some new growth this year in spots. Fertilizing with slow release 10-10-10 granular a few times this year, just tossing handfulls around drip line. Pics attached, thanks, Nancy

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 24, 2023, 12:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, I removed your last name and location from your question. We don’t need this info, and we ask that you don’t enter it for your own privacy. I will send this along with your first question— here are instructions for adding more pictures to your original question— for next time! Thank you- Laura S Ask Extension administrator   To add pictures, click the link in your email and go into your question on the website. Click the “Drop files here or choose them” below the response box to attach them.  You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf.  NOTE- each picture must be 8mb or less.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 24, 2023, 12:15 PM EDT
response: Hello again, I see your other question was on hemlock trees. Different diseases will be involved on hemlock vs pines vs spruce.  So you need a question for each type of tree.  ( I removed your personal i fo in your first question, too.) Regards,  Laura S.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: OH, and thanks for removing my name on the public post.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 12:15 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pine tree issue (#0112217)

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 2:30 PM EDT
response: Hello! Yes, I entered two separate messages.  One was specific to the pine and the other to the Canadian Hemlocks.  Will I get an email when they have been responded to?   IT seems there was a limit on how large the file containing pictures could be.  When I got to three and tried to add more I got the message the file was too large. Thanks, Nancy     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 12:15 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pine tree issue (#0112217)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 26, 2023, 2:05 PM EDT
response: Hello Nancy,   So sorry about your trees…  I am responding to your concern about your conifer tree…I understand that you also have a question about a hemlock, that I believe was sent to another responder.  From your photos the tree appears to be a Norway spruce, and yes, it appears to be in distress. It looks as those it has a a needle cast disease, which is a fungal disease. If you look closely at the needles you will see black dots/bumps which are the fungal spores. Definitive diagnosis must be done through a lab and I am including the link to the MSU diagnostic lab, as well as information on the disease. So sorry this is happening to this beautiful tree!  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 4:24 PM EDT
response: OH, thank you! If it turns out to be that fungus, is it treatable?   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 2:06 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pine tree issue ( spruce tree) (#0112217)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied July 26, 2023, 8:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy,  Several other fungi result in symptoms very similar to Rhizosphaera. There are fungicides that will treat this with some success. Confirming the diagnosis is important! Please send a lab sample to the MSU diagnostic lab to confirm that Rhizosphaera is responsible for the damage.”  There are treatments for this disease if this proves to be the case and the lab will advise.  It is important that good air circulation is maintained. Remove the bottommost branches from the trunk to help increase circulation and clean any debris around the bottom of the tree. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2023, 6:53 PM EDT
response: I did send samples along with the appropriate form to the address you gave me in the link. I tracked the package and it was delivered Weds, the 3rd at 8am. I also sent an emails (<personal data hidden>) with description and pics either thurs or Friday. How long before one typically hears back?    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 7:04:10 PM To: Nancy E Vogrin <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pine tree issue ( spruce tree) (#0112217)

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied August 07, 2023, 7:01 AM EDT
response: Hi Nancy, Generally, responses take less than a couple of weeks. However, an increase in volume of samples or other work related factors may affect responses. Hopefully, you will get a response soon!