Evergreen trees are known for their year-round greenery So when the needles start turning brown and dropping from the bottom branches, it can be alarming for any homeowner An evergreen dying from the bottom is often a sign of some underlying issue. In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes and solutions for evergreens declining from the base up.
Common Causes of Evergreen Decline
There are a few main reasons why evergreen trees may show dead branches and needles on the bottom first.
Insufficient Water
Evergreens need consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry weather. If the roots can’t absorb enough water to meet the tree’s needs, it will start dropping older needles on the lower branches first to conserve resources. The solution is to deeply water evergreens every 7-10 days during drought and add mulch around the root zone to maintain soil moisture.
Disease
Fungal diseases like cytospora canker are common in evergreens. Infected branches die at the base of the tree because of the fungal infection, which lets resin leak out and cracks the wood. The solution is to quickly cut off any diseased branches, make the air flow better, and use antifungal sprays.
Pests
Boring bugs like pine bark beetles tunnel into branches and block the flow of nutrients. This makes the needles turn brown and the branches die from the inside out, starting with the lower branches. Getting rid of heavily infested branches or using insecticidal soap can help get rid of pests.
Insufficient Sunlight
Evergreens like pine trees thrive in full sun. Lower branches that are shaded often weaken and die back. By selectively pruning shade trees or replanting them in a sunnier spot, you can give them more sunlight.
Natural Causes
As part of their normal growth cycle, evergreens naturally shed some older interior needles each year. Lower branches also die off gradually when shaded out by upper canopy growth. As long as needle drop is less than 30%, this is normal.
Signs Your Evergreen Is In Decline
Seeing bare branches on the bottom is not necessarily fatal for an evergreen. But other symptoms may signal a tree is in decline and needs help:
- Needle loss exceeds 30%
- Multiple branches dead, not just lower ones
- Noticeable thinning of foliage
- Evidence of pests like bore holes and larval frass
- Oozing sap, fungal growths, needle discoloration
- Significant crown dieback
Trees showing these signs warrant an evaluation by an arborist to determine the causes and treatment options. Acting quickly can potentially save declining evergreens.
How To Restore Evergreen Health
If caught early, there are ways to nurse struggling evergreens back to health:
- Rule out and treat any pests or diseases
- Improve moisture with deep weekly watering and mulching
- Prune out up to 30% of dead needles and branches
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release formula to encourage new growth
- Consider relocating the tree to a sunnier spot
With prompt troubleshooting and adjusted care, many evergreens can recover from early stages of decline. However, if more than 50% of the tree is dead, removal may be the only safe option.
Preventing Evergreen Decline
With proper care, evergreen health issues can be avoided:
- Water evergreens 1-2 times per week during dry periods
- Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the root zone
- Prune lower branches annually for better air circulation
- Monitor weekly for signs of pests and disease
- Fertilize in early spring using a balanced, slow-release formula
- Select planting sites that receive adequate sunlight
- Avoid wounding trunk and roots
- Plant in well-draining soil
By making water, mulch, pruning, pest management, and appropriate site selection a priority, your evergreens will thrive for years.
Call An Arborist for Help
If your best efforts can’t revive a declining evergreen, have an ISA certified arborist assess the tree. They can diagnose causes, determine if the tree can be saved, and provide special treatments to rejuvenate struggling pines, spruces, firs, and other evergreens. Investing in professional care can make a difference in restoring evergreen health.
Evergreen Needle Drop: Is Your Evergreen Dying From the Bottom Up
FAQ
Why is the bottom of my evergreen tree dying?
The dead area below is likely mostly due to lack of sun reaching the bottom of the plants. The plants aren’t getting enough sun because they were pruned in a certain way and the trees are planted too close together. Both of these reduce the amount of sunlight to the bottom branches of the trees.
How do you revive a dying evergreen?
Ensure the tree receives adequate water, especially during dry periods, without overwatering. Prune away dead or diseased branches and remove any affected needles. Consider applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer specific to evergreen trees in the early spring to promote growth.
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Davey Bloghttps://blog.davey.comWhy Your Evergreen is Dying from Bottom Up & How to SaveSep 16, 2021 — In drought-like conditions, evergreens may have trouble getting enough water to all their needles. As a result, bottom needles die to help hydrate t…
