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Norway Spruce
Picea abies
51.7915, -114.09
Field Notes
Description:
Many dead, needle-less, branches on the west side of the plant. Mostly on the underside, but a few extending up.
Grass growing out of the top of and around the plant. Two dandelions are growing at the base, on the same side as the dead branches.
Habitat:
Neighboring Norway Spruce shrubs are growing with the same dead branches. They do not have any grass or dandelions growing in them.
Just east of the plant are several large spruce trees that would provide shade to it more than it's neighbors.
Notes:
After reviewing this article from the university of Illinois: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/downloads/Plant%20Clinic%…
I don't think it is caused by any of the describe pests or afflictions. The closest would be SNEED (sudden needle drop, page 4). However the branches still lost their needles on the branch tips, and there were no block spots present.
It may be caused by cytospora canker, also referenced in that article but is also referenced here by a professional home landscaper: http://www.treeboss.net/Cytospora_blue-spruce.htm
However both affliction's associated symptoms, black spots or a white resin respectively were not present. Because of this my conclusion is that the grass and dandelions are choking out the Spruce. I recommend weeding the shrub, according to the school's policies, prior to spring since the spruce will continue to thrive in winter while the grass and weeds will die off.
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