Why Evergreens Turn Yellow

Evergreens are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but sometimes they can turn yellow. There are a few different reasons why this can happen, but the most common ones are:

• Natural needle drop. All evergreens shed their needles eventually, even though it's not as noticeable as deciduous trees. Conifers (pine, spruce, fir, or juniper) typically shed their inner needles first, which can make them look yellow.
• Environmental stress. Evergreens can be susceptible to stress from a variety of environmental factors, such as drought, heat, cold, salt, and wind. When evergreens are stressed, they can turn yellow as a way to conserve energy.
• Nutrient deficiencies. Evergreens need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and a deficiency in any one nutrient can cause the needles to turn yellow. Nitrogen is a particularly important nutrient for evergreens, so if your soil is low in nitrogen, your evergreens may turn yellow.
• Pests and diseases. Evergreens can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, some of which can cause the needles to turn yellow. If you notice any pests or diseases on your evergreens, it's important to treat them promptly to prevent further damage.

Here are a few tips:

• Water your evergreens regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Mulch around your evergreens to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat and cold.
• Fertilize your evergreens 4 times a year with a fertilizer  such as our 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food.
• Inspect your evergreens regularly for pests and diseases. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them promptly. We recommend a Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench. One application lasts all year.

If you're not sure why your evergreens are turning yellow, or if you're not sure how to fix the problem, bring a sample branch in a baggie along with a photo of the tree into the Garden Center and we will assist you in diagnosing the problem.

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