The only color a Nordmann fir should produce is a rich green. This usually makes them exemplary, but not always. If she goes against her nature and dyes the needle dress brown, we should ask ourselves why she does that. Then the solution is close.
Why does my Nordmann fir have brown needles?
Brown needles on a Nordmann fir can be caused by nutrient deficiency, too much Epsom s alt, compacted soil, soil wetness/dryness, road s alt or pests. Careful root cause research is necessary to effectively treat the problem.
Possible causes at a glance
- Nutrient Deficiency
- too much Epsom s alt
- compacted soil
- Soil wetness/dryness
- Sprinkling s alt
- Pests
Nutrient Deficiency
A Nordmann fir is not a big consumer of nutrients, which is why its owner usually doesn't have to fertilize it. However, if the soil is depleted, it may lack magnesium. A commercial fertilizer makes the tree grow, but does not remove the brown color. In acute cases, the administration of Epsom s alt (€18.00 on Amazon) is helpful, otherwise a special fir fertilizer provides all the necessary elements.
Too much Epsom s alt
Epsom s alt is a proven remedy for brown needles, which is why it is often used as the only fertilizer. But an overdose can also lead to brown needles. The background is that a high amount of magnesium disrupts the absorption of potassium, which is also an essential element.
Compacted soil
The Nordmann fir requires a network of fine roots to supply it with water and nutrients. These can only form with difficulty in compacted soil and cannot fulfill their task adequately.
Soil wetness/dryness
A moist soil without waterlogging is optimal. Both extremes, wet and dry, are harmful. The soil for the Nordmann fir should therefore be sandy rather than loamy. The permeability of the soil may need to be improved before planting. The fir is threatened by drought both in summer and in winter, as it is known to be an evergreen conifer.
Sprinkling s alt
Even wasteful road s alt, which can reach the roots of the fir tree through rainwater or meltwater, can turn the needles brown.
Pests
Lice such as the pine mealybug or the Sitka spruce louse also cause brown-colored needles. This is precisely why it is important to carry out thorough research into the causes of brown needles in order to discover and combat these pests in good time.
