What You Should Know About Rhizosphaera Needle Cast

Spruce trees remain a favorite addition to the landscape design of Minnesota homes. You could even say they help spruce up the look of your property even further. While beautiful and sturdy, conifers like spruce trees do suffer from needle cast, a broad group of fungal diseases. One of the most common types of needle cast is Rhizosphaera, which can cause the needles of your spruce trees to turn brown and fall off. 

But what’s exactly causing this problem and how do you deal with it? Backyard Reflections, the premier landscaping specialist in the area, shares more of what you need to know. 

Why Rhizosphaera Needle Cast Occurs

The warning signs of Rhizosphaera needle cast in your spruce trees are fairly recognizable. A faint yellow band may appear on the needles, with the affected cluster gradually expanding and changing colors from yellow to brown. Rhizosphaera needle cast is caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, which produces spores in late March to May. Said spores spread by rain and can infect all needles, whether they’re new or not. 

What types of spruce trees have you incorporated into your landscape? You’ll have a difficult time with needle cast if you chose Colorado blue, which is the most susceptible to the disease. White spruce, meanwhile, is moderately resistant against the Rhizosphaera needle cast, while Norway spruce is impervious to it. You might want to pick the latter two to reduce the likelihood of needle cast occurring.

How to Deal with Rhizosphaera Needle Cast

The treatment of Rhizosphaera needle cast involves the use of fungicides. Your spruce trees should be sprayed every year to keep them safe and healthy from the disease. The timing of this task, however, is crucial. That’s why you should leave the solution to a professional like Backyard Reflections. Aside from the treatment of Rhizosphaera needle cast, we can recommend and perform solutions that prevent the disease from developing in the first place.

Get in Touch With Us

From innovative landscape design to customized outdoor living solutions, Backyard Reflections has got you covered. With our skilled and experienced landscaping professionals, we’ll help you keep your spruce trees healthy and beautiful. Call us today at (320) 274-6336 or at (218) 454-1065. You may also schedule a consultation by filling out this contact form. We proudly serve the areas in and around Annandale and Pequot Lakes, MN.