Sometime during the last month or about this time of year is when many gardeners think their evergreens- spruce, pines and arborvitaes are dying. Well, they do look a little sickly for about 3 weeks or so and it is because they are molting or shedding their 2 or 3 year old leaves or in this case needles. Yes, as strange as it may seem evergreens do shed their needles but many people do not notice this happening. That’s because evergreens do not drop 100% of their needles at the same time like deciduous trees such as maples or other trees we find in wooded areas.
If you look closely at the end of one branch of your pine or spruce tree you will notice where the newest growth stops and starts on each branch for the past few years. The newest growth that the needles are attached to, on the end of the branch, will be a lighter color. On some evergreens when you go back one more year’s growth you will see these needles are still on the tree just like the current year’s needles are. Now if you go back another ‘whorl’ of needles, this will be the growth from 2 or 3 years ago. These needles will likely be turning yellow or brown and will be falling off just like they should be in the fall when leaves fall off other trees. This is normal and are visible for about a month until we get a good rain or strong wind that removes these 2 or 3 year old (leaves) needles. That is when the phone stops ringing and everyone is happy again with the appearance of their evergreens.
There are exceptions to the rule, some evergreens like yews (Taxus) will drop their previous year’s needles in the spring. Arborvitae foliage is likely to turn brown instead of the yellow like some of the other evergreens.
If you have questions and are not sure if your plants are doing well you can attach a photo to an email and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will help you determine what is causing the discoloration of the foliage on your plants.
The time for concern is when the newest growth is turning yellow or brown. This is not a good thing to see and may be the result of a serious problem with the root system due to poor drainage. If the plant has yellowing or browning new growth after being recently planted then it is likely to be a situation where the plant is lacking in moisture because the root ball is drying out and the plant is dying. Always check the moisture in the root ball to determine if the plant is lacking in water.
Go to meadowview.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your question or comments.
32 years of local growing
Meadow View Growers
www.meadowview.com
