Why does the spruce turn yellow and what to do about it?

After winter, many gardeners observe a depressing picture: the needles of the spruce on the site have turned yellow. A similar ailment occurs quite often and confuses conifer lovers. The reasons why spruce turns yellow in spring or autumn are quite varied.

Spruce belongs to the genus of evergreen conifers of the pine family. These plants are distinguished by their unpretentiousness and longevity. The tree does not like drought and has excellent frost resistance. Spruce is very fond of planting the owners of summer cottages and private houses. Ephedra is also widely used in landscape design. It is generally accepted that ate is practically not susceptible to disease.

It is important to know that such a disease can affect the forest "beauty" transplanted from the forest and acquired in the nursery. So, the reasons for the yellowing and drying of the needles are as follows.

1. Lack of moisture. Seedlings that are in temporary containers are often overdried. Thus, after transplanting into the ground, the tree does not take root due to the death of small roots. Ephedra needles over time begin to turn yellow and fall off.
2. Late boarding. A tree planted in late autumn does not have time to take root in the ground, while the needles continue to evaporate moisture. As a result, the spruce is dehydrated, which leads to sad consequences: young shoots die, the color of the needles becomes brown, and the needles begin to crumble en masse.
3. Burns. A young plant exposed in winter is exposed to the negative effects of direct sunlight. They are reflected from the snow-white "blanket" and practically burn the tender needles of a young tree.
4. Pests. The most dangerous of them is the Sitka spruce aphid. Many varieties of conifers suffer from it. If the owner of the dacha notices that not only the trunk of the spruce is turning yellow, but also the needles, then this signals a pest attack. No less destructive for the forest "beauties" is the urine of four-legged pets. Dogs and cats often mark territory, which leads to disastrous consequences for the plant.
5. Low temperatures. In severe winter, a young tree can freeze, and in spring it "please" the owner of the site with an unusual color of needles. In this case, the tree will go away by itself, and with the onset of heat, the needles will again acquire a beautiful green or blue hue.
6. Lack of minerals. Especially the lack of magnesium affects the color of the needles. The branches and tops of spruce that does not receive enough fertilization can turn yellow in summer, spring or autumn.

In order for the tree to regain its previous appearance, it is necessary to do certain procedures. So, if small yellow "patches" appeared on the ephedra at the end of winter, then it is enough to cover it with a special material.

If the spruce has turned yellow and dried out for reasons other than sunburn, then you need to pay attention to the following recommendations.

1. Do not rush to immediately cut off the yellowed branches. In most cases, shoots with needles of a natural shade reappear on them.
2. Gently cut dry, lifeless twigs with a hacksaw or pruning shears.
3. Treat the spruce tree with an insecticide and fungicide solution that will help get rid of pests.
4. Water the plant abundantly, especially if there is a possibility that you overdid it with mineral fertilizers when planting. In addition, it is necessary to add an ampoule of "Zircon" to the water for irrigation, which will act as a root stimulator.
5. Until young shoots appear, it is better not to feed the plant.
6. In the morning and evening hours, arrange a "shower" for the crown of the ephedra.
7. Treat the plant with an anti-stress drug (Epin Extra) to help the plant recover.
8. As soon as the spruce begins to recover, apply special fertilizer for conifers in late spring. Liquid and granular formulations work best.

Experienced gardeners say that in the fall, the needles also turn yellow and dry from old age. The point is that needles have their own "term". After 5 years, they begin to fall off and are replaced by new ones. In this case, the picture is as follows: the top of the spruce is decorated with lush green branches, and the lower tiers acquire a yellow tint. This is considered normal and does not require any specific intervention. However, it is still advisable to remove dried branches by cutting them off the trunk.

How to treat yellowed conifers, see below.