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Seasonal Needle Drop on Evergreens

Source: NDSU Extension Service Horticulturists

Contrary to popular belief, evergreens do not keep their needles indefinitely. Older, inner needles, discolor and drop off after one to several years, depending on the evergreen species.

Sometimes the drop occurs slowly. On other occasions, many needles may turn yellow all at once in late summer or early fall. Because weather triggers the condition, many evergreens are likely to show symptoms in the fall. If you are not familiar with this natural process, it could cause you a great deal of concern.

Each species of evergreens usually keeps its needles for a definite length of time.

Ponderosa and Scotch pine usually keep their needles for three years; red pine for four years.

Arborvitae needles usually turn brown rather than yellow when they age. They often remain attached much longer than matured pine needles.

Spruce needles also yellow and drop with age. These evergreens retain needles for several years, so you may not see needle drop unless you look closely on inner branches.

These general patterns of needle drop will vary from tree to tree and from year to year.

For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletin PP-789, "Diseases of Evergreens and Related Problems," which is available at your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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