Browning of Evergreen Needles

1. Why are the evergreen needles turning brown?

Usually this is a result of damage caused during the winter.  The reflection of the sun off the snow will cause evergreen needles to turn brown. When they run short of moisture in late winter--early spring, the needles will also turn brown. This browning will continues into late spring even after the frost has gone out of the ground.

2. What should be done now?

We can't do anything until the frost goes out of the ground. With the amount of snow we've had this winter they should receive adequate moisture from the snow melt. Don't over react and do a lot of watering if the plants don't need it. Only water if they seem dry. Wait to see what happens when the new growth comes out. If the new growth comes out green and healthy, you may be able to prune off some of the brown.

3. Can anything be done to green up evergreens which are yellowed or brown?

Applying a foliar spray of Miracid seems to help green up evergreens which are yellow or an off green in color. Since it's a foliar spray you may want to repeat the application several times at two seek intervals. Nothing can be done to make brown dead needles turn green.

4. What can be done to prevent the evergreens from browning again next winter?

Water your evergreens very well just before the ground freezes in the fall. This allows the roots to take up the maximum amount of water and hopefully provide enough moisture to last through the winter.

Dale L. Siebert
Extension Agent/Cropping Systems
Richland County Extension
418 2nd Avenue N.
Wahpeton, ND 58075
701-642-7793
dsiebert@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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