QuestionQUESTION: I live in Houston,Texas.
I have two large pine trees that are at least 20 years old.
In less than a week the needles have gone from green to brown.
The entire tree needles except in a few areas has turn brown.
They do not look well.
Can you advise me what might me causing this and is there anything I should do to try to revive them.
I do have plants that circle around the two pine trees in a bedding of mulch. They have also been there for some years and all these plants do look healthy.
Appreciate your help.
ANSWER: If all the needles are brown the tree is dead--I would guess from bark beetles or possibly a root fungi. IF only the enter needles are brown and there is some green on the tips of the branches it could be a severe case of needles cast a fungi that causes the old needles to drop sooner than normal. Pines have two sets of needles on them and the older ones will be shred leaving the green ones near the ends of the branches. I would suggest that you call the Texas Forest Service (state agency) and ask one of their Forester to come take a look. They can after seeing the tree first hand ID the problem and give recommendations for treatment. Their number should be in your local phone book but here is a web link to their contact page. http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?ctrl=20
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QUESTION: Thank you for your feedback.
Hate to lose the trees.
If I do have to cut them down what would you recommend as a replacement tree for my area in Houston, Texas.
About 20 feet from the house.
AnswerAsk the local Forester they can better give you species that will grow well in Houston and in the site near your house. Being 20 feet from the house almost any species would grow without causing a problem to the house. I would lean toward one of the oaks probably Shummard oak, Quercus shumardi. Native to Texas, the Shumard reaches 60 feet and is one of the best oaks for fall color. The Shumard is tolerant of slightly alkaline soil. It likes sun and a moist but well-draining soil.
