One side of tree pine needles are brown. - Ask Extension
Hello. We planted three little evergreen trees last fall. Recently we noticed that the south facing part of each tree has brown pine needles. Th...
Knowledgebase
One side of tree pine needles are brown. #826524
Asked April 20, 2023, 9:58 PM EDT
Hello. We planted three little evergreen trees last fall. Recently we noticed that the south facing part of each tree has brown pine needles. They are so brittle that they fall off to the touch. The soil seems moist. We watered during the fall, but not during the winter as we got a lot of snow. What can we do for our trees? Thanks.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
It's great that you watered during the fall - I would recommend that you start watering again. This looks like winter desiccation injury. Because evergreens hold their needles year-round, they are much more likely to get brown from wind, cold, or overall dry conditions.
The biggest thing at this point is to check to see if the buds are still viable - they should be supple and not brittle. If the buds are still alive, the tree will push new growth - but will need regular water to do this. If we don't get moisture tonight and we have some warmer weather this weekend, apply water.
These shrubs are also susceptible to spider mites, which are caused by dry conditions. They can cause injury to needles, and the best way to address them is to provide water.
It's great that you watered during the fall - I would recommend that you start watering again. This looks like winter desiccation injury. Because evergreens hold their needles year-round, they are much more likely to get brown from wind, cold, or overall dry conditions.
The biggest thing at this point is to check to see if the buds are still viable - they should be supple and not brittle. If the buds are still alive, the tree will push new growth - but will need regular water to do this. If we don't get moisture tonight and we have some warmer weather this weekend, apply water.
These shrubs are also susceptible to spider mites, which are caused by dry conditions. They can cause injury to needles, and the best way to address them is to provide water.
