Characteristics

• While deciduous trees have leaves, pines have narrow, pointed needles. Pines are members of the Conifera family and Pinus genus. Depending variety, pines may grow more than 100 feet tall. The needles are generally a medium- to deep-green color and form along the branches in groupings of three or more. Pines reproduce through seed formation, producing pinecones near the outer tips of the branches.
  
  

Natural Browning

• Although brown needles can affect your pine trees' appearance, this condition is not always a sign of distress. All pine species go through a natural stage known as fall needle drop. Yellow and brown needles appear in the fall among the older sections of growth close to the inner portions of the boughs. While most of the needles drop in the winter, some trees retain brown needles into the spring and summer. New needles continue forming near the outer portions of the branches, maintaining the evergreen color along the exterior portions of the trees.
  
  

Disorders

• Needles that turn brown in the newer growth along the tips of the boughs are a symptom of a health disorder. Pines are prone to several diseases that cause needles to turn yellow and brown. Blight disorders occur in the presence of fungal diseases, turning the needles various shades of yellow, red and brown. Nematodes and certain pests, such as beetles and moths, also cause the needles to turn brown.
  
  

Care

• Providing the favorable soil, moisture and lighting conditions help your pine withstand pest infestations and disease. Although pine trees vary, most require loose, loamy soils with pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. Moisture near the roots ensures optimal growth, although wet soil increases the fungal disease risk. While natural fall needle drop requires no treatment, fungicides and pesticides help control needle drop due to disease and pests. Trimming damaged growth helps limit the disorder's spread.