We've all seen the dreaded rust colored pine needles appear on one pine tree or another in our area. It can be alarming to think the tree could be dying. No one wants to lose a pine tree - they are a highly valued member of our landscapes and environment. Replacing them is costly and they grow so.... slow...
According to Tagawa Gardens' website, seasonal needle shed (also called needle drop) shows up on the oldest needles - the ones usually on the part of the bark closest to the trunk. Old needles are also found further out on a branch, however.
According to Tagawa Gardens' website, seasonal needle shed (also called needle drop) shows up on the oldest needles - the ones usually on the part of the bark closest to the trunk. Old needles are also found further out on a branch, however.
Conifers drop those inner needles primarily because they’re old and heavily shaded. Their job is done. The tree will grow new needles to do their work.
According to the article, "It helps to remember that the needles on conifers serve the same purpose as leaves on deciduous trees, which are the trees that drop their leaves every fall. Like broader leaves, conifer needles capture sunlight and convert it into food for that tree or shrub. They also tolerate cold and ice, and the waxy coating on conifer needles helps conserve moisture. That makes many conifers especially suited for colder climates."
Older faded needles may hang on until a strong wind blows them off. You can grab a clump of these interior needles and give a tug. If they come off in a clump, but near-by green needles stay put, you’re almost certainly dealing with a shed.If you do see any of those symptoms or suspect other issues, grab you smart phone, take your best wide- and tight-shots of the problem and bring those pictures to Dick’s Corner at Tagawa for a diagnosis. In the meantime, take a deep breath. Your conifers may simply be doing what conifers do.
Here's the full article with excellent pictures showing exactly what needle shed looks like on a conifer.
Photo and article credit: Tagawa Gardens
Older faded needles may hang on until a strong wind blows them off. You can grab a clump of these interior needles and give a tug. If they come off in a clump, but near-by green needles stay put, you’re almost certainly dealing with a shed.If you do see any of those symptoms or suspect other issues, grab you smart phone, take your best wide- and tight-shots of the problem and bring those pictures to Dick’s Corner at Tagawa for a diagnosis. In the meantime, take a deep breath. Your conifers may simply be doing what conifers do.
Here's the full article with excellent pictures showing exactly what needle shed looks like on a conifer.
Photo and article credit: Tagawa Gardens