Hi,

Yes I can see why this is your favorite tree. It's beautiful. And it will be fine. The Pine is going through its natural progression of dropping older (3-5 years) needles. This time of year (Fall) is when this happens. If there was a lot of growth in a specific year then there will be additional needles dropping from that period. Of course there will be new growth in the spring.

Here is a couple of links to articles that will provide you with additional information about this topic. Thanks for writing.

 http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-trees-7-403/

“Evergreen” refers to trees that normally retain most of their foliage (needles) through the winter. Such trees, however, do not retain all of their needles indefinitely. For example, ponderosa pine drops needles each year that are three years old. These older needles are the innermost ones toward the main trunk. Younger needles, further out on the branch, are retained until they are three years old. This annual browning and drop of innermost, older needles can cause concern, but it is a natural process.

Here is an additional link that you may find helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aULMwoBuybs&index=42&list=PLF923A9DD3BD61E42