Rusty pine tree needles - Ask Extension
The pictured pine tree has always shed needles, but this year (within the last three months) the browning seems excessive. Would you please let me k...
Knowledgebase
Rusty pine tree needles #604461
Asked October 27, 2019, 7:18 PM EDT
The pictured pine tree has always shed needles, but this year (within the last three months) the browning seems excessive. Would you please let me know what you think or if I need to do something? Thank you very much.
Broomfield County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Thanks for contacting Extension for your concern about your pine tree. It is normal for pine trees to have needle die back on needles in the back from mid-summer to fall as you have noted on your tree. It looks like that is what is happening from your photos. We did see an increase in heat stress this year with the cool, wet spring and then the change to intense heat with little rain for the rest of summer.
It is always difficult to diagnose from just photos however. I'm attaching a fact sheet with links for you to do a little more investigating. If you still feel like there is more going on with your tree I would suggest having a certified arborist take a look at it, or bring in a sample to our office so we can see if there is anything else going on. From what I see this looks like a normal pine loss. Here is the Plant Talk article with links at the end for more information. https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2123-needle-browning-evergreens/
Hope this helps.
Nancy
Thanks for contacting Extension for your concern about your pine tree. It is normal for pine trees to have needle die back on needles in the back from mid-summer to fall as you have noted on your tree. It looks like that is what is happening from your photos. We did see an increase in heat stress this year with the cool, wet spring and then the change to intense heat with little rain for the rest of summer.
It is always difficult to diagnose from just photos however. I'm attaching a fact sheet with links for you to do a little more investigating. If you still feel like there is more going on with your tree I would suggest having a certified arborist take a look at it, or bring in a sample to our office so we can see if there is anything else going on. From what I see this looks like a normal pine loss. Here is the Plant Talk article with links at the end for more information. https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2123-needle-browning-evergreens/
Hope this helps.
Nancy
Thank you so much - I am much relieved. I also appreciate the detailed explanation. You are also very quick to respond! Regards, Susan
