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Is needlecast a problem in Indiana?

Answered for Sheridan, Hamilton County.

Effectively endemic on Indiana blue spruce. It is the single most common reason a blue spruce gets removed here. In Sheridan, community Park is singled out in the town's comprehensive plan for its numerous old-growth trees, and the pre-1970 residential grid around it carries matching full-size shade trees. New subdivisions plant only from the UDO's approved street-tree list — columnar Norway and hedge maples, black gum, disease-resistant Asian elm hybrids, European and American hornbeam, male "Autumn Gold" ginkgo and golden rain tree — a list that pointedly contains no ash and no Callery pear. Rhizosphaera needlecast is near-universal on mature blue spruce here.

Sheridan's canopy and what's at risk

Community Park is singled out in the town's comprehensive plan for its numerous old-growth trees, and the pre-1970 residential grid around it carries matching full-size shade trees. New subdivisions plant only from the UDO's approved street-tree list — columnar Norway and hedge maples, black gum, disease-resistant Asian elm hybrids, European and American hornbeam, male "Autumn Gold" ginkgo and golden rain tree — a list that pointedly contains no ash and no Callery pear.

What to look for

Needles browning and dropping from the bottom of the tree upward and from the inside out, leaving bare lower limbs.

Whether the tree can be saved

Rhizosphaera needlecast is near-universal on mature blue spruce here. Fungicide can hold the line on a tree that still has most of its canopy; a spruce that's bare halfway up is not coming back, because spruce doesn't refoliate old wood.

Timing in Hamilton County

Two fungicide applications in spring, repeated for two to three consecutive years. Miss a year and it resets.

Crews near Sheridan

Sorted by distance
Xanderbuilt Tree Care, photo 1 of 3

Xanderbuilt Tree Care

820 E Main St, Westfield, IN 46074

5.047
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +2

We had an issue with a fairly new tree that was planted in the front lawn. The Xanderbuilt staff came out and diagnosed the issue of compacted clay…

David Barrabee · 2 years ago · Google
Circle City Trees, photo 1 of 3Photo author: caleb warren

Circle City Trees

10795 E 300 S, Zionsville, IN 46077

4.8136
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +1

Just got our new tree put in, the process from start to finish was great! When we first visited to pick out our tree, the gentleman (I think Matt? He…

caleb warren · a year ago · Google
Anthony’s Tree Service & Landscape, photo 1 of 3

Anthony’s Tree Service & Landscape

14706 Harvest Dr, Carmel, IN 46032

4.980
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +2

Anthony and his team did an excellent job of removing multiple trees in my back and side yard, along with stump grinding. They also did a bunch of…

Frances Russell · 4 months ago · Google
Rogers Tree Service & Landscaping LLC, photo 1 of 3

Rogers Tree Service & Landscaping LLC

14500 Dublin Dr, Carmel, IN 46033

4.968
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +2

I have no words and I am truly speechless at the work Roger and his crew did on my home! I received a few quotes and not only was Roger competitive…

David M. Johnson · 2 months ago · Google
Tree Of Life Tree Service & Landscaping, photo 1 of 3

Tree Of Life Tree Service & Landscaping

152 Lotus Dr Apt 1, Carmel, IN 46032

4.994
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +2

Romeo and his crew did a fantastic job for us! Trimmed back two large red maple trees that were very overgrown, cut down a pine tree and ground up…

Alex Miller · 2 months ago · Google
SavATree - Tree Service & Lawn Care, photo 1 of 3Photo author: Brian Alfred

SavATree - Tree Service & Lawn Care

4621 E 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033

4.8222
  • Tree Removal
  • Tree Trimming
  • Stump Grinding
  • +2

The entire staff is great to work with and, while they are a bit expensive, they do careful work and are extremely professional. In a previous…

David Morris · a month ago · Google

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