Needle Blight

Needle blight shows up as tan to pink discoloration on new spring needles, beginning at the needle base and sometimes extending into the twig itself. Look for these blighted needles in late spring; by early summer, needles turn brown and shoot tips may die back slightly. The disease is most obvious during years with prolonged wet, cool springs when humidity remains high during the critical period of new needle expansion. On cedars and larch in the Puget Sound area, you'll notice the problem clusters on the newest growth.

The fungi causing needle blight disperse via water splash and thrive when temperatures stay between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during new growth. Overwintering fungal structures persist in dead shoots, so removing and destroying blighted branches removes the disease source. Improve air circulation around trees by thinning lower branches, removing weeds, and avoiding overly dense spacing. Overhead watering during shoot emergence increases disease pressure; if possible, use lower-volume drip irrigation or water only at the base.