Question
Colorado Blue Spruce
I think that I scorched my 10 year old 20'Colorado spruce with Volck spray last fall trying to get rid of a bad spider mite problem. We are in Wyoming and I know I used too high of an application rate since I read the instructions inaccurately. Now I know for a fact that the rate of application was way too high. My tree turned completely brown within a matter of 3 to 4 days. This spring it has some new green growth but it is very sparse. When I scratch the limbs of the tree, the branches are still very green and the limbs are very much alive. It's just that the tree is 95% brown and all the new buds from last fall are scorched. Is there any possibility of saving this tree?
AnswerSome plants are sensitive to oil sprays especially if the rate is higher than normal. Be sure to read the label for specific plant species and varieties. If in doubt, do not spray! For example, do not spray Colorado blue spruce with oil as it will remove the glaucus (blue) bloom! If you experiment on several plants, be sure to make notes on weather conditions, plant variety and/or species, and application rate. About all that you can do is water it if does not rain. Over time it should be ok.
