Question
Hi David,  We have a ponderosa pine in our back yard that's about 30 years old.  It has been healthy all this time.  But in the past month we have noticed the needles are turning brown in the mid section of the tree.  We don't want to lose it.  It's a beautiful 25' tree.  What can we do to save it?  Not many needles are brown yet.  But in the surrounding towns I have noticed a lot of ponderosa's that are in the same condition and much worse.  Please help us!  Thank you so much,  T. Kaye Jensen

Answer
Pines will drop needles twice per year. once in spring and once in the fall.  If it has been extremely dry and hot the past couple of months, it may be that the tree is getting ready to drop those needles.  The only thing you can do is make sure that the tree has plenty of water during dry periods.  Otherwise, there is not much else that can be done.  I wish you good luck.