Pinyon & Mugo Pine Needles Turning Brown - Ask Extension
Our pinyon pine tree has tiny black spots on its needles, some of which are turning yellow/brown in large sections of the tree.
Our mugo pine has ran...
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Pinyon & Mugo Pine Needles Turning Brown #448694
Asked April 20, 2018, 3:18 PM EDT
Our pinyon pine tree has tiny black spots on its needles, some of which are turning yellow/brown in large sections of the tree.
Our mugo pine has random branches that have turned brown interspersed with other branches that appear healthy.
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
You have two issues going on. Since we have had several years of warm winters, the black pineleaf scale is making a huge come back. You will need to treat in May. See controls in this handout. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/scale-insects-affecting-conifers-5-514/
Secondly, since we have been in drought since last year and our winter was very dry, your evergreen is suffering from winter desiccation. Once a month winter watering on evergreens is very important here, especially when we don't get any snow to speak of. Do not over water now as you could make it worse by limiting oxygen. Do deep infrequent water to a depth of 8-12". Follow this handout next winter. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/ Once you have new growth, you may need to cut out some dead on the plant. Good luck.
You have two issues going on. Since we have had several years of warm winters, the black pineleaf scale is making a huge come back. You will need to treat in May. See controls in this handout. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/scale-insects-affecting-conifers-5-514/
Secondly, since we have been in drought since last year and our winter was very dry, your evergreen is suffering from winter desiccation. Once a month winter watering on evergreens is very important here, especially when we don't get any snow to speak of. Do not over water now as you could make it worse by limiting oxygen. Do deep infrequent water to a depth of 8-12". Follow this handout next winter. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/ Once you have new growth, you may need to cut out some dead on the plant. Good luck.
