Question

Spruce Tree   I have some kind of spruce tree, and suddenly is is dying. It is about 14 years old and looked great all year then just last week, then I noticed some dead branches on the bottom north side of tree, just 5 days later it has spread to the top of the tree on the north side, and appears to be spreading around very quickly. Not sure why the North side other than maybe lacking a little sun light?? There are no other trees around this tree, and no weeds underneath. We live in Ohio and have had a very mild/cool summer in the upper 70's with a lot of rain, not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. I was going to cut out some of the dead limbs, but it seems to be spreading quickly. Not sure if its worth or possible to save, just seems very fast to me, I thought a diseased tree took years to die off. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks Scott

Answer
Scott:

You may wish to contact your local nursery or county Agricultural Extension office to arrange for a "house call" to see your tree in person.  Difficult to say if there is a bonafide infectious disease issue here or something else.  There are several infectious diseases that can cause twig dieback on these trees.  You are right in that many diseases take some time.  They usually don't wipe out large areas "overnight". Wet weather can aggravate many foliar diseases.  Has there been anything (chemicals etc) applied directly to or under the tree? Best to get an accurate assessment on site OR you can snip off a twig that has both green and brown foliage on the same twig and carrry into your nursery and ask them to have a look.

Regards
Steve