Spruce trees are getting a lot of attention this fall. Their inner needles are turning yellow or brown and dropping off.
To put your mind at ease, it’s not unusual for these conifers to shed interior needles beginning in late summer and continuing well into fall. This is normal evergreen behavior.
In fact, all conifers (“evergreens”) including spruce, pine, fir, juniper and arborvitae lose their oldest needles every year. Contrary to what the name implies, “evergreens” are not really green forever. Their needles generally have a 2–4 year life span, although spruce tree needles live about 5-7 years.
While needle loss occurs every year, the process is usually gradual, over a period of several weeks or even months, depending on species and weather. It’s so gradual, that you might not even notice the needle drop.
Some species can shed needles in a fairly short period of time, making it look as though they’re in serious trouble. And environmental problems, like drought, can make needle drop happen more quickly than it would if the tree was healthier.
That’s what’s wrong with the spruce this year. August and September were low moisture months, with most Denver metro locations receiving only a trace of precipitation after early August. These dry conditions stressed conifers, particularly spruce, which prefer moister conditions than we experienced.
There is no need to treat evergreens for the condition. This fall and winter, ensure all evergreens are irrigated monthly in the absence of rain or snowmelt. Apply water so it reaches the absorbing roots. For established plants, these are located a distance of two to three times the height of the plant away from it. For newly planted trees, apply water to the planting hole and just outside it. Always irrigate when the soil is unfrozen and able to absorb the water.
Studies show that fall-applied water has great benefit. Roots are still active and can absorb water as long as soil temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If evergreen needle drop is occurring on outer needles or both inner and outer needles, a closer look is needed. Branch samples may be brought to the Jefferson County Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic, located on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, for diagnosis. Jefferson County residents will be charged a $7 fee, non-Jefferson county, $10.