Question
QUESTION: We have several Norwegian Pines in our yard and
they are not looking great!  A lot of brown needles.
Trees are about 25 years old.
Location is the North Shore of Lake Erie.

ANSWER: IF the brown needles are not on the ends of the branches than the tree is fine. Pines do drop needles each year the older needles are not on the ends of the branches but further back down the branch. Pines put on new growth on the ends of the branches and the older needles are dropped. From the description I would guess this it what is happening. A picture would help if you are seeing something else besides the older needles dropping. Sorry about all I can do with the information you sent.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are applying 20 year old manure from a local farmer
and lots of water.  Do you think this will help?  Ron

Answer
Old manure will help the over all health of the tree BUT use it sparingly. It is very difficult to determine the fertilizer chemical makeup of manure. Evergreens need little fertilizer but some does seem to help. I would lay off the water. A tree this old does not need additional water unless there is a long drought and then only 1 inch per week. Pines have a tap root that extends deeper into the soil and can get plenty of water. Too much water can damage a pine.