Yellow & Brown Needles on Evergreens Could be Seasonal Needle Drop

Don't panic if the inner needles along the trunk of your evergreen are yellow or brown. This is a common occurrence called seasonal needle drop. 

Most evergreens shed some of their older needles every year in late summer or fall.

Some species like white pines may lose their needles after two or three years, leaving just a tuft of new growth at the tip of each branch.

Spruce and fir tend to hold their needles longer, masking those lost to seasonal needle drop, making it less noticeable.

Arborvitae's inner branchlets turn brown instead of yellow when they age.

Yew's inner needles turn yellow but in late spring or early summer.

Evergreens may lose more needles than normal following a summer drought or other environmental stress.

Proper watering and care will prepare your plants for winter and keep them healthy for seasons to come.

A bit more information: Diseased and insect-infested evergreens typically experience different patterns of yellowing and browning than those with seasonal needle drop. Whole branches, scattered areas or the top of the plant die. Consider hiring a certified arborist if your plant appears to be suffering from a disease or insect infestation.

Tags

trees-shrubs-roses-vines-groundcovers evergreen-needles spruce arborvitae fir eastern-white-pine white-fir colorado-spruce white-spruce

Related

Audio

Witches’ Brooms Lead to New Plant Introductions

Audio

Abnormal Growth on Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Audio

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Sprouts Unusually Large Growth

Audio

An Evergreen Harvest – Cooking with Spruce

Audio

Holiday Gifts for the Whole Family

Audio

Evergreen ID - Look for an Evergreen Day (Dec. 19)

Video

Pine, Spruce or Fir, Their True Identity Really Matters

Article

Inner Needles of Arborvitae Turning Brown

Article

Unusual Stem Growth on Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Article

Planting and Growing False Cypress