Hot, dry stretches like the ones the Salt Lake Valley is seeing right now create ideal conditions for spider mites, and Colorado blue spruce and other conifers across the Wasatch Front are showing the effects.
Spider mite damage often looks like a dusty, stippled discoloration on needles, sometimes with fine webbing visible between them on close inspection. Because the damage develops gradually, it's easy to mistake for normal drought stress until a tree's overall color has noticeably faded.
Mite populations explode fastest on trees already under heat or moisture stress, which is why properties in Sandy, Draper, and Herriman with mature conifers are worth checking closely this time of year. Left unaddressed, heavy infestations can cause lasting needle loss.
Catching mite activity early, before a tree's color and density decline significantly, makes treatment far more effective.
#SpiderMites #ConiferHealth #SaltLakeCityTrees #WasatchFront #GreenPointeTreeCare
Authentic job photo preferred: a close-up of stippled or discolored conifer needles, or fine webbing visible on a spruce branch from a real Wasatch Front property. Macro shots of the actual damage perform better here than a wide tree photo.
Canva text suggestion: "Is Something Off With Your Spruce This Summer?" or "Spider Mites Are Active, Check Your Conifers"