First, the needles turn yellowish to finally take on a brown color. Once they're brown, it won't be long before they fall off. A cause for great concern or is there still help for the Colorado fir, which is one of the popular Christmas trees?
There can be various reasons when the Colorado fir loses its needles
maintenance errors as a cause
Most often, errors in care are the cause of increased needle shedding of the Colorado fir. The most common is dryness. If there is heat in summer combined with prolonged drought, the Colorado fir will suffer if it is not additionally watered. Young specimens in particular should then be watered abundantly.
Furthermore, the following points can be the cause: lack of nutrients, over-fertilization and waterlogging in the root area. In the event of a nutrient deficiency, fertilizing with Epsom salt helps, as this contains magnesium, which is essential for Colorado firs. In case of over-fertilization and waterlogging, you can transplant young specimens. There are no other options in these cases.
Unsuitable location as the cause
Colorado firs prefer to be in a location that offers both light and shade. Therefore, semi-shady locations are ideal for them. In the blazing sun, for example in a sheltered south-facing location, they do not feel comfortable. Young Colorado firs in particular are at risk of sunburn there. The needles turn yellow, brown and eventually fall off.
diseases as a cause
Mistakes in care or an unsuitable location do not always have to be behind the needle drop. It could also be that your Colorado fir is sick. It is usually considered to be less susceptible to disease. But sometimes the following diseases can strike:
- fir crab
- pine needle rust
- gray mold
pests as a cause
In dry periods, woody plants like the Colorado fir tend to be infested with pests. The wood is weakened and its defenses are no longer effective. Check the plant for pest infestation!
Among others, spider mites can make life difficult for the Colorado fir. But the black-spotted wreath weevil also knows how to use its jaws well. On top of that, lice like the pine tree louse or the cinare bark louse can pop up and suck out the needles.
tips
If the cause behind the needle shedding is disease, it is advisable to sweep up the diseased needles and not dispose of them in the compost, but in the household waste!