Tree service professionals of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania share tips for trees that are browning.
How Can You Help Your Struggling Evergreen?
This is the time of year that evergreen trees such as firs and pines are meant to take the spotlight. They stand out with their green needles in the barren winter landscape. But what if they start to turn brown as well? This is something that is likely to be concerning to homeowners, especially those who love their plants or have particular desires for their landscaping.
Though there are some natural browning and growth patterns that even trees termed evergreens follow, this is typically a sign that the tree needs a little boost to get healthy again.
What Causes Browning on Evergreen Trees?
As was stated in the opening paragraph, parts of evergreen trees can turn brown as a matter of the natural course of the tree’s life cycle. If your tree is losing needles or they are browning on the inside of lower branches, this is fairly common and is not a problem. Larger patches that affect newer growth is a warning sign. Why does this happen?
The list below will illuminate the factors that contribute to this issue.
- Stress of replanting
- Trunk damage
- Root system damage
- Immature roots
- Too little water
- Winter burn
What Homeowners Can Do to Help?
Often a person just needs to wait on their tree to see if it can recover by itself, but there are a few things that can be done for evergreens either at the time of planting or over the course of the first few years of its life.
- Planting: Make sure you have a tree that does well in your particular type of soil and that it is young enough not to be stressed in the transplanting. Make sure the hole is big enough for the root ball.
- Watering: Newly planted trees need an inch of water every week for the first year.
- Mulching: Mulching helps keep precious moisture locked into the soil so plants and trees can absorb it. Mulching an evergreen about five inches from the trunk and two inches deep and help nourish the soil as well.
- Wrapping: If the winds of winter are particularly harsh, a homeowner may want to wrap their trees in burlap to help protect them.
- Consult an Arborist: The best way to deal with a tree problem is to contact a reputable tree service company. They have the proper training and equipment for tree health care, tree pruning, or in the worst case scenario, tree removal.
Evergreens that Thrive in Pennsylvania Soil
Another thing that a certified arborist can do is advise a homeowner on the types of plants and trees to plant in a certain area. They can analyze the soil and tell you what would work best, solving many problems before they even start. Some good choices for planting in Pittsburgh area include the American Arborvitae, the Douglas Fir, the Frasier Fir, and the Eastern White Pine.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Located in Pittsburgh, PA and offering tree health care in the city and the surrounding areas, Greater Pitt Tree Service has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been around for nearly 30 years. We do both commercial and residential work. Call today for a free quote.