Evergreens Shed, Really?

Sometime during the last month or about this time of year is when many gardeners think their evergreens- spruce, pines and arborvitaes are dying. Well, they do look a little sickly for about 3 weeks or so and it is because they are molting or shedding their 2 or 3 year old leaves or in this case needles. Yes, as strange as it may seem evergreens do shed their needles but many people do not notice this happening. That's because evergreens do not drop 100% of their needles at the same time like deciduous trees such as maples or other trees we find in wooded areas.

Normal fall evergreen needle shedding

If you look closely at the end of one branch of your pine or spruce tree you will notice where the newest growth stops and starts on each branch for the past few years. The newest growth that the needles are attached to, on the end of the branch, will be a lighter color. On some evergreens when you go back one more year's growth you will see these needles are still on the tree just like the current year's needles are. Now if you go back another 'whorl' of needles, this will be the growth from 2 or 3 years ago. These needles will likely be turning yellow or brown and will be falling off just like they should be in the fall when leaves fall off other trees. This is normal and are visible for about a month until we get a good rain or strong wind that removes these 2 or 3 year old (leaves) needles. That is when the phone stops ringing and everyone is happy again with the appearance of their evergreens.

There are exceptions to the rule, some evergreens like yews (Taxus) will drop their previous year's needles in the spring. Arborvitae foliage is likely to turn brown instead of the yellow like some of the other evergreens.

If you have questions and are not sure if your plants are doing well you can attach a photo to an email and send to info@meadowview.com and we will help you determine what is causing the discoloration of the foliage on your plants.

The time for concern is when the newest growth is turning yellow or brown. This is not a good thing to see and may be the result of a serious problem with the root system due to poor drainage. If the plant has yellowing or browning new growth after being recently planted then it is likely to be a situation where the plant is lacking in moisture because the root ball is drying out and the plant is dying. Always check the moisture in the root ball to determine if the plant is lacking in water.


30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Landscaping/Gardening Information:

Related Articles

Online Garden Seed Exchanges
If you've been gardening for any length of time you have probably realized a couple of things.1: Gardening can be quite expensive2: Finding the plants you really want can be a daunting task.
Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening
Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems in your garden? Then gypsum may be the answer to help loosen the soil structure. It is not considered a miracle substance and you will find that it doesn't work right away, but a 3 year program of applications should help improve the poor soil conditions.
Tractors and Their History
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which prompted me to right this article.The tractor was a John Deere, GT235.
5 Simple Steps to Care For Your Push Reel Mower
Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they do require some basic care and simple maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly. Taking the following steps will ensure you have years of use on your push reel mower.
Christmas Season House Plants
Now that we are into the Christmas season we will see, and maybe even have, one or more of the holiday plants in our home. There are several varieties that most of us will only see at this time of the year. Here are a few of them that are available here in our area: Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Amaryllis and the ever popular Poinsettia. These plants brighten our homes, offices, churches and hospital rooms at this time of the year. They make a fine gift that lasts for weeks if not months.
Using Annuals in Your Perrenial Garden
Annuals in your pernnial garden are something to think about! Annuals give you season long color, easy propogation, they're cost efficient, and provide first season interest.If you're just starting a perennial garden annuals are a great choice to fill in gaps.
How To Choose Water Garden Plants
So. The water garden bug has bitten.
Introduction to Aquaponics
Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except hydroponics requires the addition of fertilizer and there's no fish in the nutrient solution.In aquaponics, plants and fish live a symbiotic life with the fish feeding the plants, and the plants cleaning and filtering the fish's environment.
5 Pieces of Equipment Gardeners Cant Live Without
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it's just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors.
The Basics Of Pruning
The technique of pruning varies with the type of rose and the landscape purpose for which it was planted, whether it's growing in the ground or in a container. Pruning can range from removing unwanted buds to severely excising canes.
Pruning the Backyard Grapevine
Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain vine size, shape, and yield of the grapes. If you don't prune your vines, they will become unruly, tangled messes.
Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home. There are many choices available to someone who is considering it.
Organic Gardening
"Organic gardening is not just the avoidance of chemicals, in the larger view, it is organic living using nature's laws." I read this quote by an unknown person sometime ago and realized that my parents and others like them were organic gardeners long before the current resurrection of these principles.
How and When to Plant Roses
When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is time to start planting your rose garden. Roses have been a cherished aphrodisiac since biblical times.
Garlic: The Stinking Rose
Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries for both cooking and medicinal purposes. Known as the 'stinking rose' and Russian penicillin, its medicinal purposes have been documented for centuries and have always been a popular remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Chives - Allium Schoenoprasum
Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown indoors and out. Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium.
Add Rich Color To Your Garden With Blue Perennial Flowers
Blue flowers are some of the most striking plants around and can add a rich splash of color to any garden. Plant them in a cluster of all blue or mix them in with other flowers for a rainbow of color.
Imagine Your Own Orchid Garden In A Pond
Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing through a very pretty orchid garden in a pond? Yes, this does not have to be only a dream. You can make it a reality.
The Difference Between Large and Small Ponds
If you think that a large pond is simply a small pond that "grewup", you're in for some pond maintenance problems. Let's startoff my defining the terms that we'll be using here.
Landscaping Tips
When you want to create a beautiful and functional landscape, the task may be overwhelming. Before the first shovel of soil is turned, close your eyes and picture your dream garden.