Yellowing pines

Franco

I have a pitch pine and a scotts pine both of which I got last year. The pitch pine is an estimated 30 yrs old and the scotts probably not more than 5-6, however, their needles have turned a pale green. They are not dried out and are not falling out. The pitch pine has been in the same pot for 9 years according to the previous owner and I ma planning on doing a repot this Spring. Any comments on the yellowing of the needles? I know some junipers turn a copper color, so I figured this would be the equivalent of a winter pine color.

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Dav4

I think you answered your own question. Any way, you'll know for sure in a few months when the trees begin their break from dormancy.

Dave

BarbaraM

Don't over water. That will turn em yellow before they die.

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bonsaikc

Franco,
It's hard to say precisely because we can't see the trees. I don't think your trees would be turning yellow just because it's cold. If they are healthy and strong, they will keep their color all winter. If you put them in a completely dark storage, they might yellow because of a lack of sun.

Odds are good your trees are a little weak because they have no room for their roots. If you got them both from the same person, odds are also good that the lack of repotting is the same.

Spider mites is another problem that can cause your tree to weaken. The pines turn pale, then a kind of gray color. Check for pests.

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BONSAI_OUTLAW

Couldn't a Mg definciency cause this as well?

Rock Chester

Could be...

Attached Images

mgb_1.jpg (40.5 KB, 13 views)

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Dav4

In my experience, pitch pines have pale green needles to begin with, and cold weather may accentuate this somewhat. I have no experience with Scots pines as bonsai, but do have 7-8 ornamental cultivars growing in my yard. Some of them lose a bit of their vibrant green color in winter, while others become an intense gold or yellow...but again, they are ornamentals that are sought after for their showy winter foliage. I wouldn't worry too much if the color change is minor and not progressive. Watch your watering (shouldn't need much until spring) and re-pot as planned. As always, pictures can help us decide if there really is a problem.


Dave

ps It would also be helpful to know where the trees are being over wintered.

Franco

They are currently in the garage right now and the trees are from different people. I thought the yellowing could be due to the cold weather, so I brought them in the garage about a week ago, and plus temps were goin down into the teens here in NJ. The garage is unheated and maintains a 35 degree F temp. The picture shows the tall bunjin pitch pine, with the small scotts pine at its base. The pitch pines needles are the same color as the scotts, but the pic does not show it as well. There is also a black pine in the background that I just got about 3 weeks ago with vibrant green needles, for comparison. There is no sign of any type of pest either.

Attached Images

yellowing pines.jpg (54.8 KB, 43 views)