What is it? Cytospora Canker is a tree disease that occurs most commonly in stressed spruce and other conifers causing disfigurment. It is caused by a fungus, initially infecting trees through wounds or dead branches.
Symptoms: Cytospora canker kills branches, particularly lower ones, which will destroy the overall beauty of the tree.
Recommended Treatment: It is best to remove the dead and dying branches as soon as possible, sterilizing with denatured alcohol or a 10% solution of bleach and between each cut. Sterilizing the instruments will help prevent the spreading of disease. Although a fungicide application will not be effective in controlling this disease, we do recommend having trees fertilized in the spring and fall for overall health and vigor.
It is also helpful to avoid mechanical injury to lower limbs of the trees, and continue with proper water practices.