Spruce Tree

Description:

This spruce trees stands approximately 15ft high and is situated in the center of the botanic garden. A big portion of this tree has lost its needles and other needles are visibly brown. Overall the rest of the tree seems to be in fair condition.

Habitat:

This needled evergreen lives next to a large pond in a bed of mulch shared with an identical spruce tree. Except for minimal shade from its sister tree this spruce grows in full sun.

Notes:

There was no indication of pests or disease present. Spruce trees often drop foliage and that is normal. Needle fall only occurs near the center of the tree and also happens on older branches. Also these evergreens prefer full sun and well draining soil to maintain the best health. They do not do well in Clay soils. Even packed down mulch can cause drainage problems leading to wet and rotting roots and eventual slow death. Another point to consider is the possibility that there may be some competition between the sister trees for water. It is hard to define what exactly is going on here which is why we should do a follow up in the near future