Overview
Cytospora Canker is the most common canker disease of Colorado Blue Spruce and other spruce species in Colorado landscapes. It typically attacks trees stressed by drought, injury, or poor site conditions.
Signs & Symptoms
- Needle browning and death on individual branches
- White resin (pitch) flowing from infected areas
- Sunken, discolored cankers on branches or trunk
- Progressive branch dieback from bottom to top
- Bare branches with dead needles clinging
Management
There is no cure for Cytospora Canker. Management focuses on maintaining tree health through proper watering, mulching, and pruning of dead branches. Severely infected trees may need removal.
Prevention
Plant spruce trees in appropriate sites with adequate space, avoid wounding, provide supplemental water during drought, and maintain overall tree vigor through proper care.