Spruce Aphid Treatment and Prevention

Protecting Sitka Spruce Trees Across Oregon’s Coast

Spruce aphids are a growing threat to Sitka spruce trees throughout the Oregon Coast.

These tiny pests feed on the needles, causing defoliation that weakens the tree’s ability to photosynthesize, absorb water, and grow. Once infested, many trees experience rapid decline—especially when combined with summer heat or drought. Without timely treatment, entire stands of spruce can be lost.

spruce aphid

How Spruce Aphid Infestations Harm Trees

The spruce aphid attacks the needles of Sitka spruce and other spruce species, feeding on the sap and disrupting the tree’s energy production.

Spruce aphid symptoms include

  • Needle loss and thinning crowns
  • Yellowing or browning foliage
  • Reduced new growth
  • Visible clusters of small, greenish aphids on the undersides of needles

Because these insects are most active during cool, mild weather, infestations often go unnoticed until visible damage appears.

Learn more about spruce aphids from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Safe, Effective Spruce Aphid Treatment

Arbor Care Tree Specialists offers professional, environmentally responsible spruce aphid treatments. We use a specialized insecticide injected directly into the soil near the root zone in the fall. The tree absorbs this treatment systemically, providing full protection from the inside out—no broadcast spraying required.

Why homeowners choose this method:

  • Protects both large and small spruce trees
  • Avoids pesticide drift and pollinator exposure
  • Long-lasting systemic protection through the growing season
  • Applied only when bees are inactive

Schedule treatment early in the fall for the best results and year-round protection.

Comprehensive Plant Health Care (PHC)

Spruce aphid prevention is just one part of Arbor Care’s total plant health care program. We provide diagnosis and targeted treatments for a range of issues, including:

Fungicide applications for fruit trees

Treatments for pine needle cast and western pine gall

In-ground fertilization and soil enrichment

Full tree health assessments and ongoing monitoring

protect sitka spruce tree

Schedule Your Spruce Aphid Treatment Today

Early prevention is the key to protecting your spruce trees before visible damage begins. Once symptoms appear, recovery can take years—or may not be possible at all.

Contact Arbor Care Tree Specialists today to schedule your fall injection treatment and protect your Sitka spruce from spruce aphid damage.

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