Cytospora Canker

Symptoms 

The symptoms of this disease are yellow or orange-brown to black discolored areas on the bark of the trunk and branches. The needles turn brown and the lower branches die back. This is most common on trees over 15 years of age.

What will happen to my landscape? Reddish brown discoloration of the wood and inner bark also may be evident. Dead bark may remain attached to the tree for several years and then fall off in large pieces. The branch eventually dies. Severe cases will eventually kill the entire tree.

What can I do about cytospora canker? No effective chemical control measures are available to control cytospora. The first step of treatment is to improve the growing conditions for the tree. This involves fertilization to promote growth and watering to prevent drought stress. Avoid planting trees on sites with poor growing conditions such as compacted soil. Control insects, mites and especially spruce gall adelgids to reduce stress on the trees. Keeping your trees healthy can minimize the harmful effects of this disease. Prune diseased branches back to the trunk. Disinfect your pruning tool in a bleach solution of one part household bleach to four parts water after each cut.

How can Natural Way help? Although there are no effective fungicides available to control cytospora, we can control insects, mites and especially spruce gall adelgids to reduce stress on the trees. Here at Natural Way we have certified professionals who are used to preventing and controlling these insects. Our 6 Point Protection Program will provide several critically timed sprays to the landscape that will help control all types of insects, extend the life of the your spruce trees and minimize overall damage.

Whatever you decide, the longer your landscape is left untreated, the greater the chance the affected trees and shrubs will undergo unrecoverable damage. Your landscape represents a growing investment worth protecting.