Newly planted tree is changing colors - Ask Extension
Hello, last year in August of 2023 I planted a Mountbatten juniper tree. Now I am noticing some of the pine leaves are turning light green and yellow....
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Newly planted tree is changing colors #870109
Asked May 25, 2024, 10:01 PM EDT
Hello, last year in August of 2023 I planted a Mountbatten juniper tree. Now I am noticing some of the pine leaves are turning light green and yellow. It looks like they're dying off. I don't know what is happening. Attached are some pictures of the changing pine leaves. Could you tell me what is going on and if I need to be doing something. Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Actually your juniper looks good. I believe what you are seeing is winter damage. It seems to be mostly toward the ground level. It is possible that mice or rabbits have done some chewing there also. You can clip off the needles that are dead and make sure to water your evergreen on a regular basis as needed. That is especially important in the fall as evergreens loose moisture all winter and cannot take any up as the ground is frozen. You may want to put some temporary fencing up around the base prior to winter and maybe some loose burlap protection. Open the drop down boxes in this link: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter
Thank you so much for the advice and information! Greatly appreciated : )