Japanese Black Pines

Ronny

Hi I have a Japanese Black Pine seedling, and some of the needles are turning brown, while some remain green. I know that a juniper can stay green months before it is actually dead, is a black pine like this as well, and can u do a scratch test on a JBP? I recieved this tree in Jan 06 and potted it and it has been outside in a greenhouse with some seeds that i planted as well the seeds are doing great. Could this tree just now be going dormant or does this happen to JBP so new needles can grow? They are not falling off just turning brown. Any Ideas?

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ethanopia

They are probably old needles, all pines loose needles that are three seasons old, or there about. So if they are towards the interior of the branch near the trunk then it is a natural thing. That is the branch lignifying ie turning into old wood.

Without seeing it, its hard to be certain. But this question comes up a lot.

Vance Wood

I agree, you don't go scratching for green if you still have a healthy green you can see. Pines do lose needles every year, usually three year old needles, sometimes two year old needles. Sometimes they get a disease called Needle cast but this is not usually fatal and affect only older needles.

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bwaynef

How old is this tree/seedling?