Older needles on the inside of evergreen trees are shed each fall after they turn yellow, brown or reddish tan in color. Pine trees can hold their needles for 2-5 or more years, depending on the species. Spruce trees generally hold onto their needles longer than pine trees do, approximately 5-7 years.

Tamarack

As needles age, they become less efficient at producing food for the tree. They also become more shaded by newer needles. For these reasons, old needles finally turn brown and drop off. This doesn’t hurt the tree because several year’s worth of newer needles are always there to replace the old ones.

If your pine tree has developed numerous holes in the trunk or a few larger holes, the tree is decaying from the inside out and will eventually break apart and fall. If you are noticing multiple falling branches, missing bark, or holes in the trunk, your pine tree is dying.

Remove the lower branches of a pine tree that are dead, dying or damaged. This helps reinvigorate the tree. Avoid cutting the limb flush with the trunk so the wound can heal properly. Remove the lower branches of a pine tree that are dead, dying or damaged.

Needles that droop, wilt or appear discolored may indicate overwatering. Your pine tree may begin to lose branches as the needles turn brown, first toward the bottom of the tree, then working upward. Feel the needles to see if they feel brittle and abnormal.

It is normal for pine trees to shed their needles, within reason. As needles age, they become less efficient for the tree and the tree will drop them. Most of these come from the more inner part of the branches. You can leave the needles under the tree, the needles will breakdown and provide nutrients for the tree.

Give the tree 1 to 3 inches of water every week, unless moisture comes in the form of rainfall. Watering deeply once or twice weekly is better than more frequent, shallow irrigation, as deep watering will develop long, healthy roots. Shallow roots will be more prone to damage from drought.

Overwatering causes more damage to pines than droughts, because the needle-like pine leaves protect against water loss. Pines are adapted to dry soils; too much water can kill the tree.

According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt increases the production of chlorophyll and helps plants grow bushier. Use 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for evergreen shrubs, and 2 tablespoons for evergreen trees.

Fertilizing Pines According to University of Minnesota, pine trees should be given a complete fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The nitrogen content should be slightly higher than phosphorus and potassium levels; 10-8-6 is generally recommended for pine trees and shrubs.

Will a homemade pine tree or evergreen tree fertilizer work? Not as well as a product made just for trees! For example, adding coffee grounds or organic matter around your evergreens’ soil is a good place to start if you need to increase your soil’s acidity.

Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed The continuous release formula keeps everything fed for 3 months, ensuring full fertilization for the whole growing season. This fertilizer contains kelp, earthworm castings, bone meal, and feather meal. All these things are perfect for your acid-loving pine trees.

Scientists confirm the trees are producing an unusually large amount of pine cones this year. He says scientists believe it probably has to do with the insect population. Pine trees don’t produce the same amount of cones each year, he says, to throw off the insects that eat the cones.

Bottom line: Many kinds of stress can cause plants to flower–including pine trees, mangos, pineapples, and bougainvillea. When stressed by drought (which is very common in California over the past few years), pine trees will create a “stress-crop” of cones, easily seen on the branches.

Have you ever wondered “why are there so many pinecones this year?” It boils down to survival. Trees have different reactions based on the climate and weather around them. In years with a healthy amount of rain, the tree will focus more on growth and less on seed production.

They’re pretty ubiquitous and unassuming around here, but they possess deep meaning when we take the time to dig into their symbolism. Throughout the span of recorded human history, pinecones have been a symbol of human enlightenment, resurrection, eternal life and regeneration.

It has always been a symbol of luck but also of life force and immortality and in the Sicilian folk tradition it is considered a useful gift to wish good luck and health.

Pine trees are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. They give off gases that react with airborne chemicals — many of which are produced by human activity — creating tiny, invisible particles that muddy the air.

The evergreen trees are usually a symbol of immortality and eternal life. In most cultures, they are celebrated and marveled because of their ability to thrive during the coldest months.

Evergreens can be important landscape elements for birds. When the temps drop and the snow flies, birds need thermal cover—that is, a place to get out of the cold and wind. Birds naturally seek winter cover in evergreen trees, which have dense needles that offer protection from precipitation and wind.

Notice

1. Right Plant, Right Place.
2. Water, Water, Water.
3. Fertilize Lightly.
4. Siting your evergreens properly, watering them regularly, and ensuring that they have the proper nutrients will help your plants stay healthier and less susceptible to common evergreen problems.