True Fir: Interior needle blight

categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases

revision date: 2023-02-07 12:00

Interior needles of fir bow are brown, dead or dying.
Interior needle blight
Photo by: G.A. Chastanger

Biology

Interior needle blight is found primarily on noble fir in Christmas tree plantings, but may also occur in the landscape. While a fungus has been associated with the disease, other factors may also be involved. Needles on the lower branches turn brown, but remain attached to the branches. Affected needles are dropped by spring, resulting in minor to severe defoliation. Affected Christmas trees may be unmarketable, but damage to landscape trees is most likely only aesthetic unless the problem becomes very severe.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Provide proper culture. Healthy trees are more resistant to stress and disease.
  • Clear weeds from around trees, and maintain good air circulation in plantings. This reduces many fungal infections, and may be useful.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

  • None recommended