Browning/dying Mugo - Ask Extension
I have a number of Mugo pines that are all dying back. Some have struggled in the past but bounced back. But I have a count of three right now that ar...
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Browning/dying Mugo #922574
Asked December 01, 2025, 4:19 PM EST
I have a number of Mugo pines that are all dying back. Some have struggled in the past but bounced back. But I have a count of three right now that are all showing signs of browning needles and not doing healthy(All through the summer to now). Any ideas what I can do?
I can’t attach a photo because its bigger than 8mb and I don’t know how to change it
Isanti County Minnesota
Expert Response
There are several causes of needle browning.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/brown-spot-needle-blight
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/dothistroma-needle-blight#:~:text=A%20fungal%20disease%20called%20Dothistroma%20needle%20blight,although%20they%20may%20not%20be%20noticed%20immediately.
Environmental causes are also a possibility. Very hot, droughty summers are also very hard on Mugo pines. A lack of water in the fall can also cause needle browning.
Sending a sample to the plant disease clinic at the University can provide an accurate diagnosis but there is a fee.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/brown-spot-needle-blight
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/dothistroma-needle-blight#:~:text=A%20fungal%20disease%20called%20Dothistroma%20needle%20blight,although%20they%20may%20not%20be%20noticed%20immediately.
Environmental causes are also a possibility. Very hot, droughty summers are also very hard on Mugo pines. A lack of water in the fall can also cause needle browning.
Sending a sample to the plant disease clinic at the University can provide an accurate diagnosis but there is a fee.
