Blue spruce dropping needles

[Bdel]

I have a well established blue spruce that is dropping needles significantly in the last year or so. I noticed that the needles will sometimes turn pink/purple, then brown before dropping off. I googled this and found a fungus disease called rhizosphaera needle cast. I also went to a local nursery with some pictures and they just told me to water more, even after mentioning the fungus. The soil is very sandy and I am in BC, Canada.

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[oneeye]

I have a well established blue spruce that is dropping needles significantly in the last year or so. I noticed that the needles will sometimes turn pink/purple, then brown before dropping off. I googled this and found a fungus disease called rhizosphaera needle cast. I also went to a local nursery with some pictures and they just told me to water more, even after mentioning the fungus. The soil is very sandy and I am in BC, Canada.

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Your plant needs more water because the sand doesn't hold water. Dig down deep and feel the soil to make sure. You don't have a fungus, but you may need more water.

If the soil is bone dry deep, then water well and mulch about 3 inchs of hardwood or cedar mulch. Adding a little mulch will keep the water from evaporating and keep the roots cooler during the hot Season.

 

[Bdel]

Your plant needs more water because the sand doesn't hold water. Dig down deep and feel the soil to make sure. You don't have a fungus, but you may need more water.

If the soil is bone dry deep, then water well and mulch about 3 inchs of hardwood or cedar mulch. Adding a little mulch will keep the water from evaporating and keep the roots cooler during the hot Season.

Lack of water may be the cause, but the reason that I am thinking that it is something else is because of how big it is and because I have been in the home since 2011. My understanding is that well established trees are more tolerant to drier conditions because they have deeper roots. The tree has received a consistent amount of water through irrigation sprinklers for as long as I have been in the home. If it hasn't been enough, why is it only showing symptoms now? Regardless, I will be giving it more water...