Pine Needle Drop

Pine trees naturally shed yellow or brown needles, primarily from the lower crown or closest to the trunk, as part of their annual growth cycle. Most of the time, you don’t need to worry as this is not brought on by pests or diseases. However, increased needle shedding may indicate tree stress from drought or root damage. When this happens, needles typically turn yellow, then reddish-orange or brown before falling off, with shedding occurring mainly in September, October, and early November. Variations in needle shed can occur even within the same area, often as part of the natural process.

Learn more from our Colorado State Forest Service.