Knowledgebase
Pine needles turning brown #409710
Asked June 25, 2017, 4:30 PM EDT
I have had what I believe is a type of Blue Mound pine tree for around 6 years. It is supposed to get to no more than 8 feet and is now around 5 feet tall. It was green and beautiful in mid-May and now is turning brown. I don't see any insects. Maybe it is a fungus. The tree is small enough that I could treat it myself. What do you think I should do?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello.
I've looked at your
excellent photos and don't see signs that indicate a disease but a
closer inspection could change this assessment.
I'm wondering if your tree is
getting too much water. With the abundant rains we've had any
extra watering may not be good for the tree. Pines are very
drought tolerant and if you have clay soil, water may sit around
the roots for longer periods instead of draining away. This
can cause root rot.
If you water only when the soil is
dry during periods of no rain, then maybe you should call a certified
arborist to diagnose the situation or submit a twig sample that
contains some brown and some green needles to the U of Mn Extension
Plant Disease Clinic. Here is the link
to their website that provides information on their service and
pricing.
Good luck!
If it is browning that fast, it may be responding to stresses it has experienced over a number of years. A tree can look fine until the last moment.
First, I suggest that you pull it from the ground to see if the roots have spread out or if they are still in the same shape of the pot or burlapped ball they were in when it was planted. If this is the case, a couple of levered lifts with a shovel close to the tree should pop it out. If you find it difficult to pop out, it may mean the tree's roots have spread out into the surrounding soil and the roots are fine.
Other trees in the area could be doing fine because their roots have thrived. If your tree's roots are still in the original ball or pot shape, it has failed to get all the nutrients it needs to continue thriving above ground.
Another possibility is that the roots are mushy or even in the original pot shape and mushy. It only means that the roots failed to expand and they rotted in place.
Finally, you could submit a twig sample to the U of MN Plant Disease Clinic for a diagnosis of the problem. Here is the link for information about the service and pricing.
I hope this helps.
