First Aid Needed

riprap

On a nishiki pine bonsai that I have cared for over 23+ years, the needles on several branches have over a few weeks' time turned, first yellowish, then brown and dried. Some of the twigs on the affected branches still have turgid terminal buds and one or a few green needles, but others seem dead to the tips.

The distribution of the branches so affected leads me to think they were not getting enough light -- and indeed I had recently moved the plant to a site where it was more shaded than at any time previously. (I planned this to be a temporary move, while some other garden rearrangement took place.) Some major branches on the top and sunny side of the plant seem unaffected.

As a first step, I've moved the tree to where it gets more even light. But what other first aid steps should I take to make sure it doesn't decline further? Any special feeding? Repot? I have not observed any pests on it (above the soil at least).

Any advice appreciated.

Barry

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TreeBay

How recently did you make the move? A pine would probably be green for weeks, even in the dark. But many symptoms can be traced to the roots and what is going on there (over/under water, root rot, etc)

Regards,

Matt

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riprap

Here's a picture of the damage (which is continuing to worsen). Prognosis: not good. I will follow with an image of the soil and roots.

Attached Images

1004_01ad.jpg (39.9 KB, 146 views)

riprap

This is the root ball. Most of the visible roots look healthy enough, especially those turgid, white growing tips. However, much of the soil doesn't contain roots like these -- more like decrepit, black, stringy things that can't be doing the tree much good. The organic component of the media is now fairly black and powdery and there can't have been good air circulation in the pot. The soil tested out at pH 6.6, which might be on the acidic side for this species.

Attached Images

1004_03a.jpg (61.7 KB, 137 views)

TreeBay

It looks like you had a root problem, but the active roots look like a good sign. Keeping the pot warm in the sunshine will help. Q: Again, how recently did you make the move to the shadier environment?

Regards,

Matt

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ripsgreentree

In my neighborhood (Fresno Ca.) you can purchase an insectacide called SEVEN. I have used it on a tip from a Canadian grower. I had the problem of yellowing needles on my pines, the problem would persist until the death of the tree. I finally figured out that I had a microscopic mite that was feeding on the cloraplast cells in the needles. Spray your tree with SEVEN once a week for three weeks to break the reproduction cycle of the mite and then once a month for three months and see if you don't get new buds and green needles.
I hope that you save the tree.

Glenn

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ripsgreentree

It requires an open hand to give and to recieve.

riprap

It was probably there for about two months.

BR

riprap

Thank you, Glenn, I can buy that insecticide in my neighborhood and try what you suggest.

Barry

ripsgreentree

If you follow suggested applications you should be ok!
I do have one bad habbit, I will add three or four drops of dish soap to break down viscosity and improve the sprays penitration.
This is because this little critter likes to live inside of the needle sheath. Any way good luck and let us all know the outcome.

Glenn

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ripsgreentree

It requires an open hand to give and to recieve.