Directions

Despite the name "evergreen", conifers will, in time, drop older needles. This natural process happens at different times for different types of evergreens. 

Our chart (click "View Chart" below) shows the number of years, on average, that the different genera of conifers retain their needles or scales. The autumn season is a typical time of year that conifers will drop their older foliage. For some, this can also happen in hot, summer months, particularly during a drought.

Take note of how and where the needles are yellowing on your tree. Standard needle drop happens from the inside (near the trunk) moving outward. The tree should retain the newer needles, located at the tips of the branches. Needle drop that happens due to environmental or care issues, disease or insects, usually shows patterns of color change different from the natural senescence of needles.

Patchy discoloring, black spots, branches appearing to die from the top of the tree downward, or the bottom progressing upward can be indications of issues that may ultimately harm your tree. Conifers can also be deceptive about their livelihood. Consider cut Christmas trees - they remain green for a long period but are truly dead! That green eventually fades to a "chalky green" and the needles simply shed, or "shatter" from the branches. No yellowing involved!

If you have concerns about your evergreen, we recommend that you contact Cornell Cooperative Extension. They are a great resource for diagnostics.