Balsam Fir

tactile2 · 4th November 2007, 05:25 AM

Hello!

I planted two 9 foot Balsam firs in my yard last May. They seem to have handled the transition well over the summer months, however, I am now noticing a change in their folliage that I am concerned about. Much of the inner folliage has turned yellow/ orange, and has begun to thin out (fallen off the branches). This seems to be more evident from the mid-section of the tree downwards. Is this normal??

I fertilized and watered the trees regularily throughout the summer months, and have now eased off as the fall approached and more rain began to fall. The soil is primarily clay in my yard, but I did add lots of mulch and good top soil here and there... Should I be concerned?

I have included a few of photos....Any help/ advice would be appreciated. I have really started to enjoy working in the yard this past year...and I look forward to the spring of 2008 to continue adding new specimens to my yard/ garden -> I'd hate for my two main trees to die over the winter months....

Kev

PS: it is now November 3rd. and I live just east of Toronto, Ontario CANADA!

DBS · 4th November 2007, 07:09 AM

Hi there welcome to Tree World.

you might find this to be some interesting reading.

Identify and Manage Needlecast Diseases on Balsam Fir

-Daryl

tactile2 · 4th November 2007, 07:36 AM

Hello...That's very interestng!! However, the needles have gone from Green to tan/orange very quickly...in less than two months....any ideas??

Eric Frei · 4th November 2007, 08:13 PM

I think it's just normal shedding.

Some take a few years to shed, interior gets shaded out and inside most confers it's brown with lots of dead needles.

You're also coming to that cycle of fall.

tactile2 · 5th November 2007, 03:45 AM

....so all firs "shed" in the fall?? Will new needles grow where old ones have fallen off?

Eric Frei · 5th November 2007, 06:22 AM

Generally no, trees grow on the ends and out/up.

You wont really see inside there and new growth will hide it.

Winter browning of evergreens

Evergreen Trees

newguy18 · 5th November 2007, 11:41 AM

Like Ekka said all conifers shade out thier inner and in time as they get larger thier lower limbs.Its nothing to worry about its just the normal growth patterns of conifers btw welcome to tree world.

4th November 2007, 05:25 AM	#1
tactile2 Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 19	Balsam Fir Hello! I planted two 9 foot Balsam firs in my yard last May. They seem to have handled the transition well over the summer months, however, I am now noticing a change in their folliage that I am concerned about. Much of the inner folliage has turned yellow/ orange, and has begun to thin out (fallen off the branches). This seems to be more evident from the mid-section of the tree downwards. Is this normal?? I fertilized and watered the trees regularily throughout the summer months, and have now eased off as the fall approached and more rain began to fall. The soil is primarily clay in my yard, but I did add lots of mulch and good top soil here and there... Should I be concerned? I have included a few of photos....Any help/ advice would be appreciated. I have really started to enjoy working in the yard this past year...and I look forward to the spring of 2008 to continue adding new specimens to my yard/ garden -> I'd hate for my two main trees to die over the winter months.... Kev PS: it is now November 3rd. and I live just east of Toronto, Ontario CANADA! Attached Thumbnails

4th November 2007, 07:09 AM	#2
DBS Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CT USA Posts: 182	Re: Balsam Fir Hi there welcome to Tree World. you might find this to be some interesting reading. Identify and Manage Needlecast Diseases on Balsam Fir -Daryl __________________ Stihl MS 200T Stihl MS 361

4th November 2007, 07:36 AM	#3
tactile2 Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 19	Re: Balsam Fir Hello...That's very interestng!! However, the needles have gone from Green to tan/orange very quickly...in less than two months....any ideas??

4th November 2007, 08:13 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Balsam Fir I think it's just normal shedding. Some take a few years to shed, interior gets shaded out and inside most confers it's brown with lots of dead needles. You're also coming to that cycle of fall. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th November 2007, 03:45 AM	#5
tactile2 Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 19	Re: Balsam Fir ....so all firs "shed" in the fall?? Will new needles grow where old ones have fallen off?

5th November 2007, 06:22 AM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,816	Re: Balsam Fir Generally no, trees grow on the ends and out/up. You wont really see inside there and new growth will hide it. Winter browning of evergreens Evergreen Trees __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th November 2007, 11:41 AM	#7
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Balsam Fir Like Ekka said all conifers shade out thier inner and in time as they get larger thier lower limbs.Its nothing to worry about its just the normal growth patterns of conifers btw welcome to tree world. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

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