Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Spruce

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Spruce—Picea spp.

Plant Identification

Picea spp. are coniferous evergreen shrubs or trees. Some large trees bear cones and appear pyramidal in shape. Many dwarf varieties can be planted in containers or in rock gardens.

Optimum conditions for growth

Spruce can adapt to various climatic zones. Dwarf forms do best in cool areas. Spruce generally prefers full sun to partial shade. They can be grown in various soil types, but require consistent irrigation and good drainage.

Colorado blue spruce

Pests and disorders of *Picea* spp.
Invertebrates Adelgids Cooley spruce gall adelgid Aphids Giant conifer aphid Spruce aphid Armored scales Hemlock scale Juniper scale Pine needle scale Bark beetles Engraver beetles Red turpentine beetle Foliage-feeding caterpillars Douglas-fir tussock moth Silver-spotted tiger moth Spruce budworm Webworms Mealybugs Ground mealybugs	Invertebrates(cont.) Pine weevils White pine weevil Pinewood nematode Pitch moths Douglas-fir pitch moth Sawflies Conifer sawflies Spider mites Spruce spider mite Spittlebugs Western pine spittlebug Diseases Collar, root, and crown rots Crown gall Needle cast fungi Rusts Wood decay Environmental disorders Mineral deficiencies Nutrient and mineral excesses Poor water management Weeds Vertebrates

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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Spruce—Picea spp.

Plant Identification

Optimum conditions for growth

Invertebrates

Invertebrates(cont.)

Diseases

Environmental disorders

Weeds

Vertebrates