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Check these first
- Examine the undersides of the needles for tiny black dots.
- Check if the spots are only on the older, lower needles.
- Look for signs of wind damage on the side facing the wind.
Likely causes
Rhizosphaera needle cast
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny black dots arranged in rows on the undersides of the needles. The needles eventually turn purple or brown and drop off.
What to do: Prune away and destroy any infected branches to stop the spread. Apply a copper fungicide in the spring when new needles are half grown and again 3 to 4 weeks later.
Winter burn
PossibleHow to tell: The needles turn brown or develop spots after a harsh, windy winter. This usually happens on the side of the tree facing the prevailing wind.
What to do: Water the tree deeply in the fall before the ground freezes to ensure it is hydrated. You can also install a burlap screen to protect the tree from drying winter winds.
Find out what's wrong with your norway spruce
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is serious if the needle drop is spreading upward from the bottom of the tree. Minor spots on a few old needles are normal as the tree sheds its oldest growth.
Stopping it coming back
Improve air circulation around the tree by not planting it too close to other structures or trees. Keep the area under the tree clean of fallen, infected needles.
Norway spruce: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your norway spruce and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Should I fertilize the tree to help it recover?
- Avoid heavy fertilizing while the tree is stressed by fungus. Focus on proper watering and removing infected debris instead.
- Will the fungus kill my tree?
- It rarely kills a healthy tree, but it can make it look very thin and sparse over several years. Early treatment is key to keeping the tree full.
More problems with Norway spruce
Back to the Norway spruce guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.