Precisely because the pine is an evergreen plant, the conifer is so popular in your own garden. Even if the wood is extremely robust, it does not always forgive one or the other care mistake. Of course, even the pine is not completely free of pests or diseases. These causes often result in discoloration of the needles. It is important to first identify the exact trigger of the symptoms before you act prematurely. The following guide will help you with this.
Brown needles can have a variety of causes
Reasons for pine needle discoloration
If your jaw gets brown needles, the following causes are conceivable:
- a natural process
- an illness
- a nursing mistake
Identify and fight diseases
The most common triggers from the areas mentioned above are discussed below:
- the natural change of season
- a change of location
- unsuitable soil
- frost-dryness
- calcareous chlorosis
- Pine shedding and dieback
- the pine moth
The natural change of vintage
Although the pine is evergreen, it does not keep its needles forever. It loses its old leaves almost imperceptibly every year. Every two to ten years, however, this process takes place on a particularly large scale, at which the needles turn brown beforehand. In this case, however, there is no need to worry as it is a completely natural process.
A change of location
Pines form an extensive and deep root system that is injured when transplanted. From the age of five, the conifers recover poorly from a change of location. The severed roots can no longer adequately supply the needles, they turn brown. A generous watering helps here.
An unsuitable soil
If the deep taproot encounters encrusted soil, there is a risk of root rot due to waterlogging and undersupply. Therefore, work a layer of compost or mulch into the soil before planting your pine trees.
frost-dryness
Frosty winters take their toll on the pine because it cannot compensate for its moisture loss by absorbing water from the soil. In case of frost, you must provide her with the necessary water.
calcareous chlorosis
Calcium chlorosis is an iron deficiency in your jaws. Use Epsom salts to keep the soil pH at around 5.5-6.5.
Pine shedding and dieback
If the discoloration of the needles is not due to a care error, a fungal infection is a possibility. The complete removal of all affected branches helps against the pine shed and the shoot dieback.
The pine moth
The female pine moth uses the jaws to lay eggs. As a result, the larvae feed on the needles, causing them to turn brown. With a treatment with rapeseed or neem oil, you can put the pests to flight.