What's eating my gnome spruce?

Gnome Spruce (Picea abies 'Gnome') is a very slow-growing dwarf globe Norway spruce most often damaged by spruce spider mites and eastern spruce gall adelgids. Its small size means even a moderate infestation is disproportionately harmful. Monitor closely each spring; treat early to protect the compact form it takes years to develop.

Needle stippling, bronze discoloration, and webbing; can cause severe foliage loss on this very small plant. Knock mites off with water; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in spring and again in late summer as needed.

Galls at shoot bases disfigure new growth; on a very small plant even a few galls cause noticeable damage. Hand-prune galls before they open; apply dormant oil in early spring before buds swell.

Silk bags shelter larvae that consume needles; small plants can lose entire branches to heavy infestations. Hand-pick bags from fall through early spring; spray Bt on newly hatched larvae in late spring.