There's no need to Panic!

We commonly call them “evergreens,” conifers such as pine, arborvitae, spruce and cypress lighten their load of old needles (the inner ones) in late summer and fall, with a show of yellowing or browning that can scare a gardener at first. This is a natural, seasonal needle drop as older inner needles turn yellow, brown, and fall off to make way for new growth.

Healthy seasonal needle drop

However, brown needles, especially if they are new growth, can also be a symptom of bark beetles, which cause sawdust and sap to appear on the trunk; drought stress, which causes browning and shedding; or disease, such as brown spot needle blight. 

1. Normal Seasonal Needle Drop (Healthy)

• What to look for: Older, inner needles on the lower or central parts of the tree are turning brown and may be falling off. 

• Why it happens: Most evergreens naturally shed their oldest needles in the fall to conserve energy and make way for new growth, a process called seasonal needle loss. 

• Action: This is normal and does not require action.

2. Drought Stress (Unhealthy)

• What to look for: Needles, especially on the lower parts of the tree, turn yellow, then reddish-orange, and brown before dropping. 

• Why it happens: A lack of water can stress the tree, causing it to shed needles to balance its root system. 

• Action: Increase watering, especially during dry spells, but avoid water logging the roots. 

3. Insect Infestation (Unhealthy)

• What to look for: Browned needles throughout the tree, not just on the inside. You may also see sawdust-like frass on the bark, popcorn-shaped pitch tubes, or evidence of woodpeckers. 

• Why it happens: Pests like bark beetles and white pine weevils damage the tree's vascular system, cutting off nutrient and water flow. 

• Action: Contact our certified arborists for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

4. Disease (Unhealthy)

• What to look for: Browning of new growth, spots on needles, or overall browning. 

• Why it happens: Fungal diseases like brown spot needle blight or pine wilt disease can infect needles and other tissues. 

• Action: Consult our certified arborists for diagnosis and treatment, as diseases may require fungicidal sprays or other interventions. 

When to be concerned

• If new growth or needles on the tips of branches are turning brown.

• If the entire tree is turning brown.

• If you see any signs of bark beetles, such as sawdust or pitch tubes.

• If the tree is experiencing prolonged drought conditions. 

From tree disease diagnosis to tree fertilization and pest treatment, we offer tailored solutions to suit your needs. Our goal is to provide you with cost-effective and environmentally friendly treatments that ensure the vitality and longevity of your trees. Leave the health of your trees in the hands of Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., and watch them flourish for years to come.