You've recently been worried about the needles on your pine tree? After turning brown, are the leaves finally falling? These symptoms are not uncommon and do not necessarily have to be worrying. Nevertheless, care errors or illnesses cannot be ruled out. You can find out here how you can identify the cause of needle shedding in your jaws and what treatment options are available.
Why is my pine tree losing needles?
If a pine tree loses needles, this can be due to natural leaf change, incorrect care, the location, the soil, snowless winter months, pests or diseases such as pine dieback. Adapted care or treatment of pests and diseases can help stop needle shedding.
The most common causes
There are usually three different factors to consider when losing needles in a pine tree:
- natural needle shedding
- incorrect care
- Pest or disease infestation
Interpret symptoms and identify causes
Here you will find a list of different triggers for loss of needles in your jaw:
Natural leaf change
Although the pine is an evergreen conifer, it sheds its old needles from the age of three. These periods occur unevenly, may occur every two years or as late as a decade. Beforehand, the needles change color because the pine pulls its nutrients back inside to preserve them. Be patient, new shoots will appear soon.
Transplanting
If your pine tree is over five years old, it will be difficult for you to change location. To move the conifer, you have to damage its roots, which can lead to a lack of nutrients. A possible solution is to transplant the pine trees in stages. The new location should be watered urgently - even on rainy days.
The Floor
Impermeable soil prevents the roots from receiving sufficient oxygen. Also keep in mind that over time the pine tree forms a deep taproot. If it encounters compacted soil in the ground, its growth is inhibited. Mulch and compost, as well as regular loosening of the soil surface, provide relief. An unfavorable pH value could also be to blame for the needle dropping. Ideally this is 5.5 - 6.5. If necessary, help with conifer fertilizer and only use soft water for watering.
Snowless winter
Pines also lose moisture in winter. If the ground is frozen but free of snow, the conifer will not be able to compensate for the water loss. Here you can help with heavy watering.
Pests
The most common pests of pine trees are
- the frost moth, a species of butterfly
- and the pine chute, a type of mushroom
You can get rid of pine moth with a treatment of neem or rapeseed oil; radical removal of all affected parts of the plant helps against pine moth.
The dying pine trees
It is considered one of the most dangerous diseases that is unfortunately spreading across Europe. The only way to prevent pine tree dieback is to completely remove all affected branches.
