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Pine tree needles half brown #937492

Asked July 01, 2026, 12:46 PM EDT

Hi. Just this year i notice my pine tree needles are half brown. What if anything can i do to help my tree? Could be frim deicing salt but not sure. Seems to be the whole tree. Thanks

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
This appears to be pine needle cast.
 https://extension.umd.edu/resource/needle-cast-diseases-evergreen-trees/
or blight  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dothistroma-needle-blight


You could send a specimen to the Plant Disease Clinics.  https://pdc.umn.edu/
Ultimately you need the assistance of a certified arborist (see signature line).
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 01, 2026, 1:47 PM EDT
Hi. Would the treatment for needle cast and blight be similar?  See attached pics. Looks dead near trunk.  Too far gone? Thanks


On Wed, Jul 1, 2026, 12:47 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT
Thank you for writing back. 
Only an arborist would be capable of making that decision or licensed to apply any treatments. As I noted, you could go to the Plant Disease Center for a definitive diagnosis but treating a plant of this size is outside a homeowner's capacity.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied July 02, 2026, 8:39 AM EDT

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