Careful monitoring is required to detect damaging mite populations before sever discoloration of the foliage occurs. I have tried insecticide and fungicide to control the problem. It injures the foliage of spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas-fir, and occasionally other conifers. You can help to stop the spruce spider mite populating in the fall and diminish the number of eggs that develop in the winter. (235) Photo: John Davidson Two of my dwarf Alberta spruce has a problem that causes the needles to turn brown and fall off. Landscape pests-Spider mite, Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook. One easy way to check your spruce for spider mites is to hold a piece of white paper beneath a branch and tap the branch sharply. Dwarf Alberta spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’, is one of this pest’s preferred host plants. Host plants include spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, and other conifers. If planted in a container, water when the top 3 inches of soil is dry. * Free Shipping is available to the continental United States only. When benificials are numerous, no insecticide or miticide should be used. It provides optimal spider mite control when applied during spring to mid-summer. Dwarf Alberta spruces will grow in full sun to partial shade. Periodic "washings" in spring and fall can prevent the build-up of a spider mite population. Once the plant is growing outside, one problem you may run into with this plant is spider mites. Try misting the whole area around the spruce with plain water. Horticultural oil might be harmful to some plants like the Colorado blue spruce and the dwarf Alberta spruce so that an alternative therapy could be needed. To find out if the spruce spider mites have moved in, shake a browning branch over a piece of white paper. Sheltered trees are more susceptible to mite infestation and may show signs of discoloration at … Soak or spray plants with a faucet or hose to knock off mites and webbing, making sure to hit both sides of … Use as much pressure as the tree can bear without damage. The dwarf Alberta spruce is diminutive evergreen with a classic pyramidal Christmas tree shape. They especially like the dwarf Alberta spruce mini-trees that are very popular. We took a picture of it, took it to a local nursery and showed them the picture. It's in full sun on a southwest exposure. There are a few things that can cause damage such as this to a dwarf Alberta spruce. Look out for signs such as webs between twigs and browning leaf needles. When the top of the tree dies first, some of the most likely culprits are problems with the root system and/or the trunk of the tree. (Even if you used a miticide before, it is possible you missed unhatched eggs or molting larvae and nymphs which would also be unaffected by the chemical.) They especially like the dwarf Alberta spruce mini-trees that are very popular. If the tree is small enough that you can reach all of the branches with a water hose, all you have to do is give it a forceful spray. url: url, If you see tiny specks moving around, squish some with the tip of your finger. Dwarf Alberta spruce replacements: Unfortunately, there are no plants that will provide a similar shape and form without constant pruning. You can help to stop the spruce spider mite populating in the fall and diminish the number of eggs that develop in the winter. I cannot be totally confident as to the cause of your Dwarf Alberta Spruce tree without seeing the trees but the number one culprit for what you describe is spider mites. The spruce spider mite attacks many conifers, especially dwarf Alberta spruce. Terms of Service apply. Mites are pretty destructive. There are many potential causes for dieback of dwarf Alberta spruce — or any spruce. Knockdown & Chemical Control - Existing spider mite populations should be treated with organic knockdown sprays if allowed. $("#show_answer_form").slideDown(); $("#show_answer_button").hide(); To investigate take a sheet of white paper and hold it under an affected branch of the tree. The higher the humidity of the air, the less the chance of having spider mite problems. We bought a systemic insect control and used per directions seven days apart with three doses. Hose down garden walkways and other dry, dusty spots. That will make them unhappy. Is your Colorado Blue looking speckled? So, two weeks ago a friend of mine calls me and tells me her 5′ tall Dwarf Alberta Spruce just got decimated by spider mites – and she was looking for a replacement tree. It injures the foliage of spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas-fir, and occasionally other conifers. } Hot dry weather causes this "insect relative" (an adult mite has eight legs so it's not a true insect which has six legs) to cease feeding and to disappear till fall. } The spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) is a fairly common and damaging pest of conifers in the United States. But despite its name, it will also feed on arborvitae, cedar, dawn redwood, Douglas fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, and pine. This is one of our two dwarf Alberta spruce trees.

Weston's A Rulebook For Arguments 4th Edition Chapter 1 Summary, Fat To Fit At 40, Types Of Social Organization, Roland Keyboards For Sale, Luna Aurora Borealis, Hyperbaric Chamber Certification, Gibson Bass Bridge Replacement, Buy Convex Lens For Telescope, Equatorial Guinea Currency Symbol, Hair Products For Wavy Hair Men,