2026 Christmas Tree Scouting Report April 23, 2026

Weather Update

Pennsylvania experienced a sharp stretch of spring weather swings from April 16 through April 23 that are already influencing Christmas tree development in the field. Early in the period, unseasonably warm temperatures surged into the 80s and even low 90s in southeastern areas, driving rapid accumulation of growing degree days and pushing aggressive bud swell, bud break, and needle elongation across many species. This quick flush of growth, particularly on Douglas fir and Fraser fir, resulted in soft, succulent new needles that advanced ahead of typical seasonal timing. However, this warm pattern was abruptly interrupted by a strong cold front that dropped temperatures 40 to 50 degrees in some locations, bringing daytime highs back into the 50s and 60s and overnight lows into the 30s and even upper 20s in colder pockets. Frost and freeze conditions developed in parts of the state, creating a high risk of injury to this newly emerged growth, especially in low-lying or sheltered areas where cold air settles.

This sequence of rapid heat followed by a cold snap creates a compounding stress scenario for conifers. The accelerated early growth is now highly vulnerable to frost damage, which may lead to needle distortion, reduced vigor, or uneven development across blocks. At the same time, the combination of fast elongation and recent moisture associated with the frontal system sets up favorable conditions for early season needle cast diseases such as Swiss needle cast and Rhabdocline, particularly since these pathogens infect newly emerging needles. With much of the crop sitting in that critical half-inch to two-inch growth stage, protection timing is especially important. Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to moderate into the 60s and low 70s, but cool nights and localized frost risk may persist for several more days, prolonging the window of vulnerability. Growers should remain focused on protecting new growth, monitoring for uneven development and frost pockets, and maintaining timely fungicide applications while avoiding practices that would push additional tender growth until conditions stabilize.

Pest Information

Douglas Fir Needle Midge

Douglas fir needle midge activity is now underway in Pennsylvania, with adult emergence confirmed on April 17 in Schuylkill County. This is right on track for typical mid April emergence and marks the start of a very short and critical control window. Adult midges are short lived and begin mating and laying eggs almost immediately after emerging from the soil. Eggs hatch within just a few days, and larvae quickly move into newly expanding needles where they remain protected for the rest of the season. Once larvae are inside the needle, insecticide control is no longer effective, making this one of the most timing sensitive sprays of the year.

With emergence confirmed, growers should assume flight is beginning across similar regions and elevations. Insecticide applications should be made as soon as adult activity is detected or within about one week of first emergence. A second application is recommended 7 to 10 days later to account for staggered emergence, especially given the recent pattern of warm temperatures followed by a cold snap, which can spread out adult flight. This two application approach is particularly important in blocks with a history of damage.

Effective control depends on targeting adults before egg laying, so spray coverage should focus on expanding buds and new growth where females are active. Materials such as spinosad based products and other labeled insecticides can provide good control when timed correctly, but success is driven by application timing rather than product choice alone. Poorly timed applications will not control the pest and may disrupt beneficial insects that help naturally suppress midge populations.

At this stage, many Douglas fir blocks are in early needle elongation, typically in the half inch to one inch range, which aligns directly with the window for egg laying. Monitoring with box traps or sticky cards should continue to fine tune timing across farms, as emergence can vary with elevation and microclimate. With current conditions promoting rapid development followed by cooler temperatures, maintaining close observation and staying on schedule with applications will be key to preventing damage this season.

Spider Mites

Spruce spider mite populations have progressed rapidly, with approximately 95 percent or more of eggs now hatched. These populations have been treated, which is well timed as mites are most vulnerable during this early active stage. Growers should continue monitoring, especially on interior foliage and lower branches where pressure tends to build first, and be mindful that populations can rebound quickly if conditions remain favorable.

White Pine Weevil 

White pine weevil activity has also begun, with one adult captured on April 17 and another on April 18 at different locations. In addition to trap captures, feeding damage has already been observed on one to two leaders of white pine and Serbian spruce. This indicates that adults are active and beginning to lay eggs. With soil temperatures now supportive of activity and leaders elongating, this is the window where protection should be in place on susceptible hosts, particularly in blocks with a history of damage.

Bud Break and Elongation Update

In Schuylkill County, From a crop development standpoint, Douglas fir are advancing quickly, with approximately 90 percent bud break on trees under 4 feet and 80 to 90 percent on larger trees. Canaan fir are beginning to swell on mature trees, while Fraser fir are very swollen with about 1 percent bud break observed. White spruce are nearly fully broken at 99 percent bud break, while Norway spruce in the 5 to 7 foot range are about 50 percent broken with significant swelling. Serbian spruce are showing noticeable color change in buds, which is an important indicator for timing additional scouting. For growers managing spruce needle rust, especially on Serbian spruce, bud break often begins on lower branches first, so scouting should be focused there now to catch early infection timing. conditions are moving quickly, and pest activity is lining up tightly with crop stage. Staying on top of scouting, especially as emergence and hatch continue to stagger with recent temperature fluctuations, will be key to making well timed and effective applications.