Swiss needlecast is an increasing problem on Douglas fir trees. This fungal disease results in yellow to brown tips of second and third year needles on lower branches. Needles will drop in late summer. Look for fungal fruiting bodies along the stomates on the underside of the needles. Fungicide sprays must be used to control this disease when spores are released in the early spring during wet weather. Spray when new shoots are 1/2 to 1 inch long and spray again two weeks later. Please contact your local Cooperative Extension office for recommendations on specific fungicides to use.
