Hi there! I have been reading different postings hoping to figure out what is wrong with my Alberta Spruce. I have also had it for 10 years or so but it has been very slowly deteriorating over the years. The back of the tree has almost disappeared and the browning of the needles which was only in the back is now spreading to the front. Do you have any suggestions on how to rejuvenate it's growth? The green house here in Ontario suggested a spider mite spray for the browning of the needles but it didn't seem to do any good. I will try your tip with the white paper and tapping the branch to see if I can see any mites. If I do, is spraying with water the only suggestion or is there something more aggressive I can do? Thank you!!! Jenea from Brampton, Ontario.
If it is sucking bugs - as seems quite likely, considering the type of tree and time of year - try blasting it out with a forceful jet of water every week.
