Pruning/care assistance, please...for an evergreen

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usaveteran Bensalem, PA(Zone 6b) Apr 13, 2010

Along with the Japanese Maple issues I just posted, I have another to discuss. It's an evergreen that seems to have some brown areas. This is the first year that I've noticed this on my plants. How to care for this small tree?

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usaveteran Bensalem, PA(Zone 6b) Apr 13, 2010

Some additional pictures....

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usaveteran Bensalem, PA(Zone 6b) Apr 13, 2010

One more....

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Apr 14, 2010

Drought, cold and too much water can all cause dieback in evergreens like junipers. Usually trimming back the affected areas takes care of the problem. Here is some info on disease, etc

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/pubs/Conifer-Dieback.pdf

http://www.plantsolutionsnj.com/juniper_tip.htm

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/pdf/hgic2056.pdf

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usaveteran Bensalem, PA(Zone 6b) Apr 14, 2010

Thanks, themoonhowl. Your information was appreciated.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Apr 14, 2010

You are too welcome. A good idea would be to check with your local county agent or Master gardener program. They can give you more specific advice on your problem. Good Luck, Moon

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leisure500 Indianapolis, IN Apr 23, 2010

The evergreen in your picture is Dwarf Alberta Spruce.

Unfortunately, these are not very reliable and often develop the brown-out
spots that yours do. Other than cut away the affected areas, I don't know
what else you can do. Unfortunately, the damage will probably happen again,
so you really want to start thinking about some other shrub for that area.

Options might be boxwood (which you shape similarly) or upright yew.

http://www.gapphotos.com/imagedetails.asp?imageno=78652

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floatingfeather Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) May 21, 2010

We have those same alberta spruces and our brown spots turned out to be spider mites. If you stick a white sheet of paper into the branches and shake them lighly and bring it out and run your hand over the paper and if you see smears of a red hue, you have spider mites.

We simply purchased a spray at Lowes that states specifically for spider mites and treated them, then followed up a couple weeks later to get any hatchlings.

Hope this helps. Ever since, we are very watchful of these. Also treat your spruces with the evergreen stakes, to help promote a healthy regrowth.

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