what is wrong with my pine tree? - Ask Extension
This pine tree is near the seawall on the lake. The needles are turning brown on several lower branches. Any suggestions for helping it?
Knowledgebase
what is wrong with my pine tree? #909274
Asked July 10, 2025, 1:25 PM EDT
This pine tree is near the seawall on the lake. The needles are turning brown on several lower branches. Any suggestions for helping it?
Charlevoix County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
This looks like drought stress. I checked the weather staion in Eastpoint and rain has been rather light except for July 6. If your rainfall has been similar to Eastpoint’s give this tree at least 1 inch irrigation per week. During hot, over 80 degree weather you can give up to 2 inches per week.
Here is a description of the “tuna can” method to help determine what 1 inch of irrigation is for your system.
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/irrigation.html
For a second opinion you may submit your pictures along with the trees’s history( age, soil type, irrigation frequency) to <personal data hidden> The MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab will respond.
This looks like drought stress. I checked the weather staion in Eastpoint and rain has been rather light except for July 6. If your rainfall has been similar to Eastpoint’s give this tree at least 1 inch irrigation per week. During hot, over 80 degree weather you can give up to 2 inches per week.
Here is a description of the “tuna can” method to help determine what 1 inch of irrigation is for your system.
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/irrigation.html
For a second opinion you may submit your pictures along with the trees’s history( age, soil type, irrigation frequency) to <personal data hidden> The MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab will respond.
