Italian Cypress Turning Yellow in Wet Washington: Spider Mites

Diagnosis

Light green needles, brittle yellow tips, grayish inner coating = spruce spider mites (cool-weather mites). Peak in spring/fall; cause stippling, bronzing, webbing.

Treatment

• Miticides (not regular insecticides): Kelthane (dicofol), or Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 (insect, disease, mite).
• Tap branches over white paper to confirm mites.
• Avoid excess nitrogen; water adequately.

Gray “ash” is likely mite webbing, not powdery mildew.