Fall Needlecast on Pine and Spruce trees

In the fall, we start receiving calls from our concerned customers about their Pine and Spruce trees “turning brown”. This needle browning occurs every fall and is normal as long as the tissue that is changing color is the older needle tissue and not the current year’s growth. “Fall Needlecast” in Spruce and Pine trees is analogous to the annual leaf drop of deciduous trees but just on a much longer schedule. As needles age and become less productive and efficient, it is necessary for the tree to shed this material before it requires more energy to maintain than it produces.

The timing of the “Fall Needlecast” is also important. Because weather and daylight are the dominant triggers, we expect the vast majority of the trees to show their needle browning at about the same time. Damaged or stressed trees can begin to show needle browning early. Early needle browning and subsequent needle drop is something that deserves a little investigation into what else might be happening. If you have questions or concerns about what is happening to your trees give us a call at 303.232.0666 or contact us online and we can help.