Spruce Mites?

11 years ago

I planted a 4' tall Picea Omorika recently. Late July to be exact. I know......a bad time to plant a tree but this summer has been a mild and wet one.

I recently noticed some browning on the lower needles. And it seems to be slowly spreading around the skirt of the tree. I've kept up on watering when it doesn't rain. So I'm assuming I'm not over/underwatering.

This leads me to believe that maybe it is some type of mite causing the damage. I posted a picture of the tree, and the mites in question in the second and third pictures. Both of the mites are in the center of the second and third pics.

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Comments (6)

Mike McGarvey
11 years ago
I think some of that damage is the result of handling in the transport and planting of the tree.

Mike
wisconsitom
11 years ago
Nevertheless, I "think" you have found some red spider mites there, aka "red spider". It's all about population levels though. Every spruce tree probably has a few mites on it but it's when populations build that we see problems. FWIW, I think a lot of spruce around here had spider mite issues this year. Started out nice and green and then got duller and duller as the season progressed. I haven't actually diagnosed any but I bet I would if I tried.

In any case, look up mite controls. They range from the incredibly benign, like a strong jet of water, to some of our most toxic pesticides. I always start with the mellow stuff, and usually, that works.

+oM
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
ball and burlap ... field digging damage ...

transport damage ...

perhaps planting damage ...

not the best time to plant as you note ..

and i sure hope there was no lawn spray fert applications ...

its highly stressed... i am not sure i would slather on mite remedies ... other than spraying with water ...

its too localized to the bottom ... to be less than coincidental to all the above .... [boy thats not great english.. lol]

ken
Mike McGarvey
11 years ago
Spider mite damage is kinda 'fuzzy'. Physical damage like a broken or twisted branch is more localized as shown in the pictures. It looks like real rough handling to me.

I'd just cut the damaged branches off at the trunk, mulch a wider circle, and keep it watered as needed. It's not serious and won't spread.

Mike
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
sellers should not sell infected stock...Ag inspections and all

and frankly ... presuming such... i dont see a major infestation to the point of damage... inside 2 months ...

ken
DeanW45
11 years ago
I experienced similar issues with my Serbian spruce this summer. The only needles affected were at the tips of branches near the base of the tree. The tree, otherwise, appears healthy. I planted the spruce last fall, but I chalked the damage up to a still immature root system and a dry, hot summer.

I agree with Ken. I don't mites are causing your problem.