Hi Mary,

We're seeing this a lot and it's potentially caused by a number of things. I think this looks more environmental than anything else, simply because there is consistency of where the browning is located--at the top of the tree. I suspect this is attributed to the October cold snap/freeze injury. As to what you can do now, I think it's a "wait and see". The new growth hasn't pushed yet and our spring is delayed. I suspect the buds are still viable and the brown needles will just drop. So keep an eye on things and see how it develops over the spring.

But keep up with good cultural practices, such as regular water, mulch, and avoid additional stress.

Follow up to previous question... Three weeks later, we still see the same or worse situation with the brown needles on the Austrian Pine.  See photos.  Is there anything else we can do other than water and mulch?

Hi Mary,

The brown needles are unlikely to green up, so they will continue to brown and fall off over the next season. 

We're still waiting for many pine and spruce to push new growth...our spring is delayed. You can continue to wait and have hope. Are the buds still soft and supple?

If you want to get another opinion, consider having a certified arborist visit and assess the tree in person. You can find an arborist at http://www.treesaregood.com