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dying pine #929158

Asked April 21, 2026, 6:42 PM EDT

I'm wondering if I can salvage any of the pine tree in the attached photos. I don't know what kind it is. It was fine until this year when most of it has turned brown. The tree was here and at its full size of about 6 ft when I moved in 19 years ago so I don't know how old it is. Some of the needles, especially toward the bottom, are still green. Can I radically remove the brown areas and see if anything grows back, or should I just replace the tree? Thanks.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Afternoon, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Your tree appears to be a dwarf Alberta spruce. There are several issues that could be affecting your tree. We've had hot late summers with little rain the past few summers. Your tree could be suffering from drought if you have not watered it in the summer and fall. This might also be from desiccation of the needles from the cold winter wind. Please click on the following link about protecting trees in winter: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter#brown-or-bleached-out-evergreen-foliage-1264310

When trees are stressed, they are also more susceptible to pests. This may be a case of spruce spider mites: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/insects/mites/spruce-spider-mite#:~:text=Apply%20Neem%20or%20a%20pyrethroid%2Dbased%20pesticide%20late,spray%20in%20mid%2Dwinter%20to%20kill%20overwintering%20eggs.

Your tree will not replace the dead needles. The tree may survive, but not look the way you want it to. It may be beyond salvaging. 

Here is another link about planting trees and shrubs: https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied April 22, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT

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