Fighting Cytospora Canker in Lapeer

For Lapeer residents facing the challenge of Cytospora canker in their Blue Spruces, all is not lost. While there's no cure for this fungal disease, several management strategies can help slow its progress and extend the life of affected trees.

Pruning is a crucial management tool to help trees infected with Cytospora canker. Remove infected branches as soon as you notice them. This can help prevent the disease from spreading to healthy parts of the tree. Always disinfect your pruning tools between each pruning cut to avoid spreading the fungus to other spruce trees or within the same tree.

Improve the tree's growing conditions to reduce stress. This includes:

• Proper watering: Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering. Coiling a soaker hose under the canopy of the tree and letting it run for a couple hours every 2-3 weeks should relieve any drought stress the tree might be experiencing.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch under the canopy of the tree, and out to the edge of the branches will help moderate soil moisture and temperature. Make sure the mulch is not up against the tree trunk.
• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer can help boost the tree's health but avoid over-fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Consider applying a growth retardant as a preventative measure on high-value trees. While it won't cure existing infections, growth retardants have been shown to slow the progress of Cytospora canker in infected trees.

In severe cases of Cytospora infection, removal and replacement might be necessary. If you decide to replant, consider species less susceptible to Cytospora canker and more suited to Lapeer's climate, like Norway spruce, arborvitae or concolor fir trees.

Remember, managing Cytospora canker is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring and care are essential. With diligence and proper management, you can help your Blue Spruces continue to grace your landscape for years to come.