Phone calls are coming into the office concerning white pines turning yellow. Every caller assumes the tree is diseased or has an insect problem. What most of them forget is that evergreen needles do not always stay green. Yes, evergreens do lose needles, some more than others depending on the species.

Due to extreme weather conditions this year, many white pines are showing symptoms of stress. This comes after a late April freeze and drought conditions here in southern Illinois. What is happening is these trees are losing older needles due to weather stress. The tree appears to be unhealthy due to its yellow appearance but, this condition is part of the tree's way of trying to survive.

Be sure the tree is not diseased by observing the total interior affected and not just a limb.

There is no prevention for this symptom of needle drop. Plan now to irrigate stressed trees thoroughly before going into winter. White pines in dry soil conditions are more prone to winter injury. So, get out the garden hose to water those white pines and keep an eye on all your plants. Look for problems before they become serious.