The only color that a Nordmann fir should form is a rich green. This also makes them mostly exemplary, but not always. If she is untrue to her nature and dyes the pin dress brown, we should ask ourselves why she is doing this. Then the solution is near.

A few brown needles are no reason to panic

Possible causes at a glance

  • nutrient deficiency
  • too much Epsom salt
  • compacted soil
  • Soil wetness/dryness
  • road salt
  • pests

nutrient deficiency

A Nordmann fir is not a big consumer of nutrients, which is why its owner usually does not have to fertilize it. However, if the soil is depleted, their magnesium may be lacking. A commercially available fertilizer will make the tree grow, but will not eliminate the brown discoloration. In acute cases, the administration of Epsom salt is helpful, otherwise a special fir fertilizer provides all the necessary elements.

Too much Epsom salt

Epsom salt is a proven remedy for brown needles, which is why it is often used as the only fertilizer. However, 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 existential element.

compacted soil

The Nordmann fir needs a network of fine roots for its supply of water and nutrients. These can only form with difficulty in compacted earth and also insufficiently fulfill their task.

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. If necessary, the permeability of the soil must be improved before planting. The fir is threatened by drought both in summer and in winter, because it is known to be an evergreen conifer.

road salt

Wasteful use of road salt, which can reach the roots of the fir through rainwater or meltwater, can also turn the needles brown.

pests

Lice like the pine cotton lice or the Sitka spruce lice also cause brown colored needles with their action. 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.

Category:

Trees