Falling twigs of fir trees and needles with pale yellow/white dots on them

Question From: E. Ashford - Michigan, United States
Q: Nancy, I have a couple fir trees dropping the end of the branches...last years growth. These twigs would be about 5 inches long. there are loads of these little branches littered on the snow. if you shake the branches more will drop off. Some of the little branches look like they have pale yellow almost white patches dotted on the needles. I cant find any information and am wondering if this apparent disease is fatal or not. Please can you shed light on this?

A: Edwin, I don't guess when it comes to problems with trees. However, squirrels are known to go after those tender ends when food is scarce. That said Needle Cast disease also attacks the tips of Firs and it can be fatal. That's one of the problems, you can have more then one issue. I recommend you have an onsite inspection from a certified arborist. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy. 

Comment: Nancy. Thanks you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I apreciative it so much. Have a nice week.

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