Hi:
I noticed Pine-Cone Tree which is about 40 years old with about 50 feet tall has a lot of browish needles. Also, some of branches started falling down easily, even with slight wind in the past weeks.

My concern is whether this, browish needles is a sign of age to the point of dieing, although there are many pine-cones at the top part of the tree. When I looked at other Pine-Cone Tree in my neighborhood, there are a lot of greenish Neeles. Only mine has started browish-needles which fall in my front yard.

In the case of a sign of dieing, how to prevent of slowing-down, ... even keeps alive this, majestic old Pine-Cone Tree?

Any helps and suggestions on this, above would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

 

You need to look the trunk of this tree over very closely for bore holes.This sounds like it could be damage from borers which are fairly common issues for pine trees.Look for holes and/or small deposits of saw dust.

If there are nearby trees with the same issues this also points to possible borers.

There are various sprays for borers and if you have them you need to start application right away.Even with that it may be too late just depends on how far along this all is.

If you do have borers and it is beyond treeatment this tree will die and you really can't do anything about it.You will need to remove it before it reaches a point of falling or damaging things near it with falling branches etc.

 

Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it.

Today is, as we see DC-Metropolitan Area is very stormy and pounding rain all day long, then I am not able to look at the Pine-Cone tree. However, because of a size of the tree which is about 40 - 50 feet with roughly 3 feet in diameter, we'd better to cut it down completely before winter-weather, that often causes a large-tree falls and power-line damage and etc.

Just wonder how much do they/Tree-Cutting Service would charge? Or, should I wait until next Spring? I want as cheapest route as possible, because only recently we, the family constructed back-roon, then money is tight. According to a friend in my neighborhood, it costs between $2000 - $3000. It that reasonable and fair price for it to cut it down and hauling away?

Thanks for any advice and suggestion on this in advance.

 

I really can't tell you how much tree removal will cost.I would talk to any neighbors who have had any tree work done for referrals and get at least three bids before having it done.I'd get it done sooner rather than later.If the tree is still living you have a little time but if it's all or mostly dead you probably want to get the job done.A tree that large would take awhile to reach a complete failure but may lose large branches sooner.The hurricane may make it hard to get tree work done for a few days or weeks but it looks like DC isn't going to get much wind so once it settles down you might want to start working on this.

 

Thanks for the response again.

This morning when I measured the Pine-Cone Tree, it's actually less than 2 feet, about 18.5 - 19 inches in diameter with 30' - 35' in height. Then, it's a bit bigger than average Pine-Cone trees, since most of Pine-Cone Trees in the forest are quite tall and larger in diameter. Also, its age is about 50 years old.

In the meantime, I look at the Yellow Page and plan to call at least three(3) Tree Services. It's Free. Also, I'm going to ask my neighbors and friends close-by my home.

Thanks again.

 

I'm wondering if you had the tree removed or looked at by someone? The reason i wonder is: ever since reading your post, i've started to notice a good number of pine trees in my area (arkansas) are turning brown and dying in yards and along the tree-lines of wooded areas. I wondered if anyone was able to identify what might have caused your tree to turn brown...thanks...

 

Pine trees are evergreen, but that does not mean they do not shed needles. This is the time of the year that older needles turn brown and shed. If you have had stormy weather and winds, old branches will often get blown out and fall to the ground. My patio is covered with needles a few branches from the most recent storm.
If your tree is in a good location and poses no harm to your home, have it evaluated before considering cutting it down. A small fee to an arborist for and evaluation re: health would certainly cost less than have the tree removed and the stump ground.

 

I agree with Twelvepole that your trees may just be shedding their oldest needles, especially if nothing in the environment has changed such as a flood, drought, landscaping and/or construction. Conifers (trees that have cones) will shed their oldest needles every 2 or 3 years. Have the tree evaluated by a certified arborist, not a guy with a chainsaw and pickup truck. Get references from each one and check them. If they have a license number in the phone book, the lower the number, the longer they have been in business. DO NOT use anyone who comes knocking on your door uninvited.

Newt