Tree and Shrub Disease

Needle cast can be caused by a variety of fungal diseases on trees. The first visual sign is discoloration of the needle, yellow or light green spots will appear prior to the needle turning red or brown and then dropping prematurely (usually late in the summer). Needles may drop from one or multiple branches at a time leaving the tree unsightly and weakened. The infected needles will develop black tiny spores on the needles which can spread the disease once the spore is air born or transferred in another fashion. Most needle cast symptoms start on the lower branches where favorable moisture conditions are more likely to be met. Needle cast can kill complete branches or the tree if left untreated for many years.

Disease Development Favored by: Cool wet weather Humidity Corrective Measures: Fungicides may be applied in early spring with follow-ups Cleanup and discard fallen needles Plant trees suitable to the site Keep growth near the base of the tree trimmed back to aid air circulation
Rhizosphaera needle cast	lodgepole pine needle cast