Evergreens Turning Brown Inside: Don't Panic!

[@ralucaiosifescu1502]

Hey there ! :) Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for your channel ! Sounds really reasonable for conifers to shed some needles without nothing wrong going on. I recently had a really nasty experience with brown needles, and wish to share that, maybe it helps you or others. I lost 2 spruces - one last fall, another one this spring. They suddenly turned brown, no new growth appeared, and they were dead. I assumed it was some fungus, since they died during spring and autumn - cold and wet weather. So I decided to try and spray the other surviving spruces. After furiously spraying a few of them with Copper Hydroxide and Serenade (Bacillus Subtilis), I finally saw the light and had the idea to make the "shake/paper" test on one of the spruces. Aaaand they were all crawling with spider mites :( The spider mites affect last year's growth the most - this is the point where you can confuse the problem with a fungal disease or a normal needle shedding Then they start dining on the fresh growth, they start making webbings, they go dormant for a few hot months during summer, and then continue destroying the tree during the wet and cold season (autumn and next spring). And they seem to be spreading like crazy, the biggest number of spider mites on the sheet of paper are the ones nearest to the place where the other dead spruces have been. Now I have to wait a bit after the copper to hit them with Spinosad. It's gonna be a hard wait :) So please check your conifers for mites also :(

[@GardenSanity]

Thank you so much Raluca for sharing this! I'm going to pin this comment to the top as this is a helpful story you shared! I'm sorry about losing those Spruces, however I'm so happy you figured out what it was. 👍🌲

[@LifeOnTheRox]

I’ve lost 3 already and it makes so much sense. I have a crazy amount of spiders here in Ocala Florida. Thank you so much for sharing

[@CarolynYanik]

Thank you so much, I freaked out when I observed my arborvitaes suddenly turn brown on the inside and the needles easily dropped off. Calmer now.

[@GardenSanity]

So glad to help provide calm, Carolyn! ❤ The first time seeing the yellow needles is definitely jarring!

[@newnanlady653]

Thank you so much! I have been searching, and this is the first glimmer of hope I have been given for my 10--and 5-year-old Green Giants.

[@GardenSanity]

My pleasure - I'm glad to help! 🌲🌲🌲

[@CB-jz2dn]

Thank you so so much for the recommendations to maintain healthy tree growth. This is super helpful. Re: excerpt..... "Plant-tone by Espoma in the Spring, and adding composted cow manure (Black Kow is a brand I like) around the base of the trees, put on top of the soil or worked into the mulch. Anything that enriches the soil will then in turn nourish your plant to grow fuller. "

[@GardenSanity]

You're very welcome, and I'm so glad you found this information helpful! 🌲

[@lindalee3822]

You are delightful! Thank you! We were panicking!

[@GardenSanity]

My pleasure Linda -- I definitely don't want anyone panicking! Only garden sanity for everyone! ❤🌲

[@50hellkat2]

I use a long handled sprayer and the needles all dropped off effortlessly and the tree seemed to love it. No flying needles ...they just dropped to the bottom of the base of tree and you can use them for mulch.

[@GardenSanity]

Absolutely perfect way of quickly removing those needles! 👍🌲

[@crazykittenvideos855]

Thank you! Great video. I have a large conifer tree in the centre of the front garden and it is green on the outside and brown on the inside with lots of shed needles. Now I am less concerned. I’m ff to give it a haircut before winter now!

[@GardenSanity]

Very happy I could help! And also happy that you no longer need to worry about why those needles are there! I bet your conifer tree looks much better now and will be so pretty during the Winter season! 🌲😃

[@tjslavishvacations3561]

Thank you so much! Your assurance has helped me relax!

[@GardenSanity]

Very glad to hear it, and happy to help remove any concerns! 😃🌲

[@ellenkno5233]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I looked at my row or 13 Arbor Vitae this morning and yes, freaked out. Yes, it was like overnight almost. SO happy to find your informative video! :)

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Ellen -- and you're SO right: it definitely seems like it happens overnight! My beloved (and still small) Boulevard Cypress was fine one day, and two days later looked like a dog pee'ed on it wit the brown needles.😬 And unfortunately (for me) this variety is prone to more brown needles than other evergreens so now I have literally seen with my own eyes what I'm in for each year with this particular shrub/tree! 🙄🙂 Your Arborvitaes should be fine -- just make sure they continue to get enough water, whether from rain/snow or you until the ground freezes. Then hopefully they receive occasional moisture during the Winter season to be fresh for Spring. 🌲😀

[@CB-jz2dn]

🎉🎉🎉🎉👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank you soooo much. I have 13 tall cypress & was alarmed thinking I may have had to cut them all down. They're 38+ years old.

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome! Wow -- 38+ years old trees sound wonderful! If this is the first year you're seeing the brown needles, maybe have a certified arborist take a look at them for you to confirm they are ok. However, if these are the same brown needles you see every year -- and the trees look wonderful the rest of the year -- then the trees are fine. (But when in doubt, always consult with an arborist: it's worth the money!)

[@CB-jz2dn]

@@GardenSanity Will do. I live on the West Coast, within 1+ miles of the ocean. We've had rain but nothing significant that would damage the CYPRESS. There are 13. My gardner said they may have suffered infection, but as described they are brown in the middle, w/ large patches of brown on the outer branches. The trunks are thick & have no leaves on the lower portion of the tree. I trim the Cypress down every 2 years. This is the first year I've noticed such significant browning.

[@GardenSanity]

@@CB-jz2dn How are your trees looking now after the Summer season?

[@berthapardave]

You describe the information so clear , I love your voice 👍 Sounded like a tv show Thanks so much

[@GardenSanity]

Why thank you so much! 😊 I’m glad the video was helpful to you! 🌲🪴

[@kimspangler8755]

Thank you so much. What a relief. I freaked out also.

[@eddyflo2978]

What a great video, you should keep updating these sort of topics

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for the suggestion! What are some of the topics you’d like to see updates on? Feedback always helps me plan future videos!

[@bkakar]

Thank you, although I didn't know what to do, I did do it with my gloves. Now I will not panic after watching your video 👍❤️

[@GardenSanity]

You did exactly the right thing to remove those needles! 👍 And yes -- no more panic! 😃❤

[@dianamourer5244]

Thank you so much for this video. My arborvitaes all have way more brown than normal this year, but also so do all the ones in our neighborhood. I was afraid it was fungus. Your video helped me relax!

[@ellenkno5233]

Mine have never looked like they do right now, and they are 5 years old.

[@GardenSanity]

@Diana Mourer No worries Diana! After the brutal Summer heat most of us experienced, it's not surprising that our evergreens were impacted just a bit too. In some cases, like I mentioned in the video, I'm out there trimming and removing them if they easily fall off. In other cases, I'll leave it for nature...and the Springtime cleanup! 😀🌲

[@GardenSanity]

@@ellenkno5233 I can relate: even our row of Arborvitaes in our backyard that we planted back in 2009-ish have some brown peeking out. I don't want to look closer because there are so many birds that have turned them into an apartment complex, which is wonderful to see! 🤣 Come next Spring, I know they will be fine, but I'll clip anything out that looks bad if needed. Keep me posted next Spring!

[@ellenkno5233]

@@GardenSanity Love the "apartment complex", so true! And will do. Thanks again. :)

[@GardenSanity]

@@ellenkno5233 You're welcome Ellen -- and I thought of you the other day, as I was gently picking out some leaves that had fallen onto some of the Arborvitaes...I was being so careful in case those leaves were attached to bird's nests!

[@Silent.Gardener]

Garden Sanity, you give sane advice! This was great😊

[@GardenSanity]

Why thank you! That's the goal, right? Keep it simple...and (hopefully) keep our sanity! 😀💚

[@normneeb9809]

I used a wide attachment on my shop vac. It diminished the suction strength and did nt seem to do any damage on healthy needles. Just FYI

[@GardenSanity]

By the way, this is a great idea and an easy way to clean them up at the same time! 👍 (And glad you mentioned decreasing the suction too!)

[@ricd93]

Good info! I have 30 arborvitaes that are all doing this that I don’t want to lose.

[@GardenSanity]

Glad to help Ric! We have almost as many, and same thing: it's a brief panic when first spotted! Just keep them watered until the ground freezes (if they're not getting any rain). Once Winter sets in, they should be fine as long as there is occasional rain or snow. Next Spring, you should see the brown come right off for the majority of the brown. Keep me posted next Spring. 🌲👍

[@50hellkat2]

when you use a leaf blower you start at the top and point it to the base of the tree so the needles do not go all over the place and they are just left at the bottom for mulch. Use the low setting or medium setting on leaf blower as you really do not need to get very aggressive. They just fall off.

[@GardenSanity]

Excellent tip! Thanks for sharing! 👍 (Even when I'm doing it by hand, I always start at the top, since I'll end up possibly cleaning up a mess on lower branches - depending on the evergreen I'm working on of course.)

[@ettietti8533]

Thank you in the end of the summer I do removes those dry Leafe with a stiff brush, it is a lot of work, but I notice the emerald green get stronger and new Leafe coming in the next spring, I use the strow as a mulch 😊

[@GardenSanity]

Sounds like you have a great way of taking care of those needles plus using them as mulch! 👍 Make sure when you're using the stiff brush that you don't accidentally remove any of the tiny new needles that are forming on the inside of the evergreens as sometimes they aren't as visible until you look for them among the brown needles. 🌲💚

[@ettietti8533]

@@GardenSanity thank you for the tip

[@GardenSanity]

@@ettietti8533 You're welcome!

[@patriciamccormack8269]

Many thanks for your advice.What a relief 😱😄

[@GardenSanity]

Always glad to provide relief Patricia! 😃💛

[@twatts1523]

I’m down with the blower technique. These evergreens need strong winds once in a while to get their circulation going.

[@jakefriesenjake]

Yuppers. Last year I took a blower to my row of 35 cedars and I was amazed how clean I got it. I then raked up the mess a bit and then ran it over with my lawn mower mulcher. I thought I was good for many years. I should do it again now. Lol I heard years ago that trees and plants indoors need a good shaking every once in a while, to simulate the wind that is normal outside. Also, if you don't blow out all the brown leaves, once it rains, it'll stay wet way longer on the branches and could cause a rot or mold problem. Best to clear it all out I would think.

[@GardenSanity]

It is a great technique to quickly removing needles -- especially if you have many evergreens! 🌲🌲🌲And yes, a good wind and circulation always benefits evergreens. 👍

[@GardenSanity]

@@jakefriesenjake Wow -- 35 cedars -- I'm envious of that many cedars! You're right that you'll probably need to do this yearly, but you've got a great technique to mulch them up which is smart. 👍🌲👍🌲

[@rayunger9189]

Great and informative video, I was getting kinda worried until I saw your video

[@GardenSanity]

Glad to put your mind at ease Ray! It can be startling to see it -- as I just had that experience again this week, when I noticed one of my newer evergreen shrubs starting to get the brown needles on the inside. It's a relief to realize that it's normal! 😀🌲

[@CB-jz2dn]

Thank you for asking. I noticed the cypress are slowly returning green. Do you have any recommendations for plant food I might buy at Home Depot to enhance growth and lushness of the tree?

[@GardenSanity]

I use Plant-tone by Espoma in the Spring, and also add composted cow manure (Black Kow is a brand I like) around the base of the trees, put on top of the soil or worked into the mulch. Anything that enriches the soil will then in turn nourish your plant to grow fuller. I hope this helps!

[@abbate2137]

Very helpful thank you so much for this information

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome and thank you very much for your feedback! 🌲💚

[@AA-cp8ry]

I use a shop-vac to vacuum the dead needles out.

[@GardenSanity]

An easy way to remove the dead needles! 👍

[@Yorkie285]

What to if a Blue Point Juniper cypress tree is turning brown on the inside?

[@GardenSanity]

The same concept applies for your Blue Point Juniper. You can remove those needles in the Fall and they will look beautiful for the Winter season! 👍

[@pink9polly9]

Hello, How often do you water your arborvitae's in fall? I have been watering twice a week, I planted them in June this year.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi there! You're doing the right thing with watering, as they are new trees. Currently, I'm watering my "newest" row of Arborvitaes once a week with a good soaking. These newest ones were planted only two years ago (not seen in this video) and we've been in a horrible drought for almost 2 months. The other Arborvitaes planted years ago (that you see in this video) haven't needed any extra watering because their roots are very established. But you're definitely doing the right thing, so they don't dry out!

[@pink9polly9]

@@GardenSanity Thank you very much for your response!

[@WaweruG]

My Italian cypress had this condition on the top tip of the trees, all along have been thinking it's due to clogged water underneath on a compacted soil (poor drainage) thus affecting the roots.

[@GardenSanity]

It's always a good idea to know what the soil is like underneath the garden, and using a slow-release organic fertilizer in the Spring can help improve drainage if that is an issue. However, as you said -- hopefully the needles turning brown are just an annual thing you see on your Italian Cypress. 🙂

[@WaweruG]

@@GardenSanity true, kind of shedding of leaves to the normal leaves, now they have picked up, new buds & as healthy as before.

[@GardenSanity]

That's wonderful news indeed! 🌲

[@GDSavingThePast]

Great info, thanks for sharing it. What is the name of that variegated shrub behind you

[@GardenSanity]

My pleasure! That shrub is a Silver King Euonymus, hardy in zones 6 - 9. 👍 It's truly an easy-care shrub and can be pruned any time of year. However, be aware that it has a different "shedding season" being also evergreen. All euonymus shed their oldest leaves in the Spring -- and it can be messy, but if you place these behind other plants it isn't as noticeable until you get around to cleaning them up! 😄

[@hipporage18]

Great video! Thank you. I was starting to freak out

[@GardenSanity]

🙂🙃🙂 You’re welcome and glad you are no longer freaking out! 🌲

[@Ncourtney1981]

Does the needles that fall off on the inside of the emerald green arborvitae tree come back or do they stay gone and the tree looks more bare?

[@chrisregpick]

Bare naked. lol

[@Ncourtney1981]

@@chrisregpick lol

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Nicole -- Look at minute 4:12 in this video above, and you'll see an example of how new growth can also be found on the insides of evergreens right next to the old needles. This is true for all types of arborvitaes - Emerald Green included - so when you look inside the arborvitae, pay close attention and you'll see some tiny green needles forming. So yes, it may not look as full after you remove the yellow, but soon new green growth will take over! (And then of course the cycle renews!) 😄

[@Ncourtney1981]

@@GardenSanity thank you so so much!! ❤️

[@GardenSanity]

@@Ncourtney1981 My pleasure Nicole! ❤

[@williamlucas1738]

What about Green Giants to they have the same effect as fall rolls around?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi William -- yes they will. All arborvitaes go through this shedding process. 👍

[@A.C.71]

I have one of ten thuja green giant that started turning brown at the top portion during the hot summer..the rest are bright green and healthy looking..any idea as to if it's dying or what I need to do?

[@GardenSanity]

My guess is that somehow it got a bit too much sun -- nothing more than that -- especially if it is just at the top of the tree. I apologize for my delay in replying sooner. Can you remove the brown needles from that top area to see what is left? I'm hoping there is some new tiny green growth in the center on the main trunk(s) or close to the trunk on the stems. If it was me, I would remove those brown needles and look for new growth which would be a great sign, and then I would spray that entire area and the tree with Neem Oil just to be on the safe side. Is the rest of that particular arborvitae also healthy looking? Fingers crossed that it is! 🤞

[@kellyyork3898]

My cedars are doing this browning and shedding thing right now in the spring in Atlanta. ???? Help.

[@Foreveralonecuuuh]

It’s too hot outside

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Kelly, and apologies for my delay in responding! The brown needles you saw in the Spring could be (what the other comment suggested) because Atlanta was having a hot spell at that time, or more than likely it could be some dried needles from the Winter season. If evergreen trees don't get enough water in the Winter time, they will begin to have some browning on them and some of the needles will die and drop off. If there's not enough rain or snow during the Winter season, and it's above freezing, sometimes it helps to give your evergreens a drink of water. The browning you saw in the Spring is temporary and usually corrects itself once water is more regular with rain or hand-watering. I hope this helps!

[@willaerley7140]

We should also discuss how improper pruning will lead to evergreens becoming totally dead on the inside with just a shell of live growth. If you always shear the outside with a hedge trimmer, the outer edges will get fuller and fuller until no light hits the inner branches. I’m no expert, but I think you have to cut out entire branches that are crowded to open it up. My boxwood hedge and dwarf Alberta Spruce are beyond hope, though.

[@GardenSanity]

I know exactly what you're talking about Will, as I had that happen with a Rheingold Arborvitae years ago. And then I decided to cut out all of the dead growth and ended up with a giant hole. But I was so satisfied to have removed all of the dead stuff. 🤣 With the Devon Cream, I'll remove all of that dead growth more into the late Winter. That shrub/tree is already pretty open...which is good unless you're like me and don't want to "see" all of the brown needle loveliness every year! 😀

[@markmelville6670]

I have 18 giant green arborvitae trees in a row. One died two years ago...now the one next to it is dying. Any ideas? They are now 15-20 feet tall. The one that is dying is turning a duller green color and many needles are turning brown. Same as the one two years ago did.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Mark -- It's impossible to know from this end, unfortunately, but I can provide a few ideas. Even in a row of arborvitaes -- all planted in the same area -- there will be fluctuations in how much water each one of them gets as well as how much sun. If the rest of them look healthy, it could be that more water is needed where those dying ones are planted. Sometimes water drains unevenly underneath the ground, without us knowing this is happening. 🙃Usually one of the first signs are browning leaves or needles, and more water is usually the solution. Even though we are knee-deep into the Autumn season right now, make sure they don't dry out before Winter sets in. So if rain is lacking, perhaps give them a good drink from the hose once or twice before the Winter. It isn't the right time to fertilize, but when the Spring rolls around -- give them a good amount of fertilizer and work it into the soil around each tree. I don't think it is a disease because that would have affected more of them and more quickly too. 'm not sure you can save the one that's dying -- but you can try and hope that you see some new growth in Spring. If you look into the inside of the dying one -- are you seeing any brighter tiny needles growing from either the main trunk(s) or close to the trunk on the stems? Maybe look inside the other ones that are doing well to see examples of those tiny new needles -- they are in there! My fingers are crossed that you do! 🤞🌲

[@healthquest2536]

how about vacuuming the needles off?

[@GardenSanity]

Hmmm... I supposed you could try, but I would worry that healthy needles will end up getting vacuumed off by accident too, resulting in a thinned-out evergreen. The reason I suggest removing them by hand is because many times there's new tiny green growth starting where the brown needles are. You don't want to accidentally remove the new growth starting out. Some people use leaf blowers to make quick work of it, which might be an option for you. Yes, the result is a bit messy!

[@Pascallios]

Well i still kinda freak out with my topiary conifers, because the brown stuff doesnt grow back with most conifers so ill be left with open holes right?

[@GardenSanity]

Do you mean that you have dead areas within the topiary designs? The brown needles are meant to be shed off -- it's a naturally occurring process that most conifers go through annually. If you have dead areas from other issues like watering or Winter dieback, you can carefully prune those out and depending on the conifer it is possible they will grow back. But every conifer variety is different, so some research and perhaps consulting your local garden nursery may help. 👍🙂

[@lifemindfactek]

Thanks for this video!!!

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome! Hope it helps!

[@renee2005]

Thanks for sharing

[@GardenSanity]

My pleasure! 🌲

[@yume816]

How far apart are you arborvitae row center to center? The look lovely.

[@GardenSanity]

I just noticed I never answered this question for you. My arborvitaes along the back fence in our backyard are planted approximately 3 feet apart so they could fill in over time. I hope this helps!

[@dd911]

Thank you…..very helpful. I am a glove and glove and snipper girl….lol But I did kinda freak out when I first saw it

[@GardenSanity]

Cheers to another glove and snipper girl! 🙂 I agree: seeing those brown needles the first time made my stomach lurch, thinking my shrubs were dying!

[@AA-ds1mr]

Great video. I'm assuming this happens through the fall/winter.

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks Al! 🙂 Yes, depending on the evergreen variety and age of the evergreen, some of them begin shedding needles in the early Fall, and some later into the Winter season. Over time, just by watching them closely -- or taking photos every so often -- it becomes easier to get to "know" your particular evergreen varieties and when they shed their needles. Just yesterday one of my newest evergreens had brown needles and I did a double-take before realizing it's part of the natural process. It can be jarring to see at first! 🌲

[@mmaurece7762]

Does the shedding hold true for Tater Tot Arborvitae as well? Please help. New plants planted this year. Thanks so much for any help you may offer!!!

[@GardenSanity]

Yes it does. All Arborvitaes (whether tree size or small shrubs) take awhile to become established once planted. The first season in the ground will have a bit of brown during the Summer, and there will also be the “annual” bit of brown you’ll see each year - mostly on the inner parts of Tater Tots. I hope this helps!

[@mmaurece7762]

@@GardenSanity Thanks so very much for your reply!!! I have wanted some of these plants for many years and decided to give them a try this year. .... and was very concerned when the centers (not tips) began to turn brown.

[@GardenSanity]

@@mmaurece7762 I know the feeling -- as I had that feeling the first time we planted our small (now huge) Arborvitaes years ago. Such a relief to know they're just doing normal things. Just keep making sure they get enough water and they should be fine!

[@randyweisbaum7562]

Good Morning, I wish I watched your Video first ,as I was wakening up my yard from winter I noticed that one of my Arborvitaes had completely turned brown on one side. I panicked and cut off about 2 branches low to the Trunk .Now my Evergreen looks Disfigured! Is this a total loss or will it come back in time? Any help would be Appreciated.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Randy, Your arborvitae will grow back, but it will be slow. 👍 You can fertilize it with a good organic fertilizer like Plant-tone (by Espoma) or something similar but don't use chemicals that promise to push out fast growth -- arborvitaes don't need it as they do grow well even without fertilizer. The brown branches after Winter could be from a sudden drop in temps during the Winter or from a bit of drought during the Winter if there wasn't any rain or snow for awhile. If the rest of your arborvitaes look healthy, then just be patient with that section. The new growth will come from inside of the tree nearest the main trunk(s). It will start small as tiny little green needles but will grow in time. I hope this helps! 🌲 (I'm editing a new video about caring for Emerald Green Arborvitaes as I type this, so it's coming up soon!) 🙂

[@catsrus-es9eu]

I planted some perennials in spring. I think i planted too low or they sunk because they are noticeably sunken. Should i dig up and replant higher now that fall is almost here? 🤔

[@GardenSanity]

Yes, I think that's a great idea to replant them a bit higher. 👍Just make sure you wait to do so once it's cooler temperature-wise. If you're in a hot area that's been having heat waves, it might be best to wait just a bit. Fall is an excellent time for planting and transplanting -- even if you're technically transplanting in the same spot. 😊I hope this helps!

[@catsrus-es9eu]

@@GardenSanity thank you!

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome!

[@jasonwoods3711]

Browning is caused by a combination of inadequate airflow ( excessive damp ) , lack of sunlight , and sudden temperature drop .... all the above except the latter mainly caused by lack of pruning and pruning in autumn / winter ! To resolve requireds patience over time . ( approx 3 to 5 years ) . You would need to remove all the brown leaf slowly one part at a time starting at the bottom end of May , but try not to remove all at once ! . When pruning the outside , only cut back one and a half more it's usual yearly growth . End of June remove some more but never all and preferably above any signs of new growth . Year 2 start from the top of brown leaf... this way allows the tree to recover ! Evergreens are hardy specimens but extreamily delicate to wounding especially between July to may.. The slower one prunes an evergreen the better the result with the exception of conifers . From my experience any ways.

[@GardenSanity]

Great points and much appreciated Jason! I have a Devon Cream Cypress that I've been working on very slowly -- I show it in the video -- over a few years. This Winter it finally looks fantastic! It definitely takes time, but I hope everyone is relieved to know it isn't "just them" and that it happens! Thanks for your tips! 👍

[@shinecam1]

Thanks for the information. I have a browning topiary due to birds nesting in it. What can I do? It's in the from of my home and looks unsightly 😢.

[@GardenSanity]

Hmmm.... are the birds still in it? If not, then you can remove the nest and begin trimming some of the brown off the topiary. Make sure it's getting enough water and add some good slow-release organic fertilizer around the base of the topiary, watering it into the soil. As the topiary grows, you can remove more and more of the brown so that new green growth will begin taking over.

[@mattmiller3870]

Great video, I really hope that is the case w our mature yew tree! Any idea? It’s about 12 feet tall and a real beauty. I am hoping for the best. We are located in the Niagara Region and it didn’t shed last year (our first in the house) so maybe it sheds every 3-5?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Matt, and apologies for my delay in responding. For Yew trees, they usually drop their needles in the Spring or Summer, which is quite different than the majority of needled evergreens which have their primary drop in the Fall. I hope your tree is doing well - it sounds wonderful!

[@luca846806]

Thank you so much for this !

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Lucas! 🌲

[@TownGirl04]

Yes. All over my rug, every yr., from neighbours tree.

[@GardenSanity]

An indoor rug? I sympathize!

[@dorcaslibner9889]

Thank you!

[@GardenSanity]

You're most welcome Dorcas! 🌲

[@maureenzimerman6288]

Should I fertilize mine after removing the inner brown?

[@GardenSanity]

Apologies Maureen for my delay in responding. You can fertilize your evergreens in the Spring, that's the best time. Don't fertilize in the Fall, when most browning needles are being removed, as that fertilizer will encourage the trees to push out new growth just before the dormant season and some of that new growth might not be hardy enough to survive the Winter (depending on your zone) and could freeze and die off. Hope this helps!

[@KafirIrani]

Oh god i totally panicked and start cutting some of the inside brownies. 😅

[@GardenSanity]

That's OK -- no worries you did anything wrong! Many gardeners do like to remove the brown needles -- me included if they are really visible. But knowing it's part of the natural process of evergreens helps, instead of there being something wrong. 😀🌲

[@thingsmadenew8352]

Great to know others use a leaf blower to clear out the brown insides. I can’t reach up that high so the blower helps but I do wear safety glasses.

[@GardenSanity]

Great idea to wear safety glasses when blowing out the brown needles! That is definitely a great tip! 👍🙂🌲

[@catsrus-es9eu]

If it's happening on a newly planted green emerald in july that's a problem?

[@GardenSanity]

Thanks for the good question! 👍 When arborvitaes are newly planted, it isn't uncommon for them to go through some stress during their first season in the ground. In fact, I mention this in the latest video I'm currently editing: We planted a row of arborvitaes in our backyard about 12 or 13 years ago. That first Summer, we had to water them SO much. They were getting brown needles and it was definitely from how hot it was. Arborvitaes have many shallow roots, so it takes them awhile to get established with a mix of deep and shallow roots. If those shallow roots get dry, some heat stress sets in which results in the brown needles you're seeing. My advice is to hang in there because we no longer have to water our Arborvitaes at all. It's been many years since we've had to even think about watering them. They remain green and healthy year-round, other than the occasional brown needles that are shed naturally. 👍 So: water them a lot on a regular basis. Water them deeply a few times a week, versus watering a little bit daily. The deeper the water goes down, the more it encourages some of the roots to grow down into the soil too. The first year with Arborvitaes can be very frustrating. Maybe I should do a video on them... 🙂

[@catsrus-es9eu]

@@GardenSanity thank you so much!

[@GardenSanity]

@@catsrus-es9eu You’re welcome! 🙂

[@JohnandNancyTselepis]

Very interesting ! Our Sea Holly is so unique that passersby ask about it a lot. In our xeriscape (mostly),bunny-resistant garden,it is a standout for sure. Tried a "Knockout Rose in a tall container,but,oh my,full of disease even though it bloomed its little head off ! Do not wish to spray it Q 2 wks.,so out it went. Any advice on a different choice ? Thks. so much,Laura. 🌞

[@GardenSanity]

I walk over to my Sea Holly every day to enjoy those flowers! 💙 Knockout Roses can be very tough with black spot. It personally drives me nuts when it happens. So I don’t blame you on wanting something more disease resistant. For containers, Drift Roses are beautiful! I have a few videos about them, showing my Peach Drift Roses and my Popcorn Drift Roses. Deadheading isn’t necessary (though I occasionally do it), and they bloom early in the season and keep going. They are shorter plants. The leaves seem much healthier than Knockouts, though I will spray mine occasionally with Neem Oil as a precaution. I really love them for their minimal care. 👍

[@benwright6930]

On my junipers every single needle is brown inside. (But you can't see it from the outside.) Is that still normal? Thank you.

[@GardenSanity]

Yes Ben, it is. It's the typical die-off (if that's a word) that occurs with evergreens. If you gently remove some of that inside growth, it's very possible you'll notice tiny green juniper "buds" starting to come out from the central stem or trunk. And sometimes, removing some (if not all) of the brown needles allows more light into the juniper so that those tiny juniper buds develop nicely. It isn't necessary to remove those needles, as nature will eventually take care of them, but it an help. 🌲 👍

[@genacat4599]

Mine is shedding all of them 😔 but there's only like 3 few green ones poking threw. Iam worried. 99% is brown and falling. 😢

[@GardenSanity]

Hmmmm.... it sounds like perhaps they dried out during the Winter? Several questions: How long ago did you plant them? What kind of Winter did you have, i.e. are you in a zone where it stays warm, or do you experience cold Winters?

[@davepane7306]

My Hollywood junipers are one of the few that don't shed much at all.

[@GardenSanity]

That's great to hear Dave! I love those trees -- the shapes they take on as they grow make them look like living sculptures! 😃

[@cesarl98]

Thanks geez I was super depressed thinking they where dying on me they where so green and then I look close one day and so brown on the inside . Is there anything you recommend to do over the harsh winter that can help I’m in Chicago IL. Thanks in advance

[@GardenSanity]

No worries, and I still find it surprising when I see it too. 😮😄 Three things you can do for your evergreens to help them get through the Winter: 1) Make sure they don't dry out, so keep up with regular watering (if no rain is in the forecast) until the ground freezes. You want to make sure they can continue to stay hydrated, so to speak. 2) If you get severe Winter winds, sometimes that can dry out evergreen shrubs during the Winter. In colder zones, many gardeners will wrap their evergreens in burlap fabric (loosely), to provide a barrier to those harsh winds. 3) If/when it snows, make sure to go out and knock any heavy snow off of your evergreens, to avoid having that snow weigh down and break branches off. 👍 I hope these tips help you!

[@thingsmadenew8352]

Have you ever used protective mesh netting? I just read about it. I’ve been told to tie the center branches together to keep it growing straight up??

[@GardenSanity]

@Things Made New - I know that the mesh netting will help prevent deer from grazing on shrubs they might like to eat, but hadn’t heard about trying it for Winter protection from the elements. I’m unfamiliar with tying the center branches together, as I wonder how long to leave the twine or string in place to not cut into the stems over time. I suppose if a tall arborvitae is in a very windy location, it will need some type of support, but as they mature they will get stronger. Interesting ideas! 🙂

[@deejustdee4752]

How do I tell if my Emerald Green Arborvitae trees have brown needles due to natural shedding or is it from lack of water. The brownness is on the insides and the back sides (which gets no direct sunlight)? Looking forward to your video on Emerald Green Arborvitaes. I worry about mine so much. They cost me so much money and I'd hate to lose even one. I have 8 in a row, that I hope SOMEDAY will provide privacy, but it is slow going and that disappoints me to no end. I wonder if I should have made a different species selection but I have limited space, and limited patience too. I put in fertilizing tree spikes, especially for evergreens, to each tree just a week ago, that is when I noticed the browning. Are you saying I don't even need to do that?

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Dee -- When did you plant the Arborvitaes? All that's needed in the Spring is to sprinkle some slow-release organic fertilizer around them, such as Plant-tone by Espoma. This is a fertilizer that nourishes the soil which then benefits the Arborvitaes as they grow. Although it may seem like your Arborvitaes are growing slowly, they are actually working underground on getting their roots established. Sometimes when adding tree fertilizer spikes or a heavier fertilizer like Miracle-Gro, the roots get a bit shocked and this can show up sometimes on the actual tree above-ground. Since you put in those tree spikes, don't also add the Plant-tone fertilizer because that will be way too much for the trees. Over time, rain will help those tree spikes dilute the fertilizer a bit and all should be fine. As you saw in this video, I explained what the brown needles are on the inside of the Arborvitaes as a natural shedding of needles that occurs every year, just like the way trees shed their leaves every Fall. If you see brown needles on the outside of your Arborvitaes, it can mean more water is needed. If you see needles that are yellowing, that means the Arborvitaes have too much water. (I explain this more in my video on Arborvitaes.) And as for them being slow-growing: before you know it, you'll happily see the trees getting taller and fuller. At first it can seem slow, but remember the roots are getting established first underground. And once they are established, then you'll begin to see more visible growth and you won't need to water them as much either. I hope this helps! 🙂🌲

[@deejustdee4752]

@@GardenSanity We planted them last Spring. I have 8, some are 5 to almost 6ft tall. I think they are doing OK. My bigger concern is the bugs, the spider mites and bag worms. I want to know how to prevent them, in an economical way. We have spent a lot of money on 8 trees to block our view of neighbors back yard pool, and so that we can have privacy. If one or more tree dies it will be devastating and take a long time for it or them to ever get to the height of the other trees. I guess I should have researched these trees better, it seems like a lot of stress and worrisome about whether or not these trees will prosper. I thought I would plug them in the ground and they would grow tall and that would be that, but it seems like I will be waiting a lot of years to see any significant results.

[@GardenSanity]

@@deejustdee4752 Hi Dee -- first of all, my apologies for not replying sooner. If your Emerald Green Arborvitaes are planted where they get good air circulation, I wouldn't be as concerned about spider mites or bag worms taking out the trees, however I do understand your concern -- especially hearing horror stories of what happens (sometimes) to arborvitaes. There are two products you can use if needed. Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew kills both spider mites and bagworms. Neem Oil also works great and can kill spider mites, but I don't think works on bagworms. These come in concentrate form as well as spray bottles, so you can save money by mixing your own and applying to your arborvitaes versus using a spray bottle and killing your hand by constantly pumping the trigger! (Been there done that!) 😅 Planting a mono-planting of just one species looks beautiful but yes, there is always a down side that if you lose one tree, you might not be happy with trying to replace a similar sized tree -- and that's true no matter which type of evergreen you choose. Emerald Green Arborvitaes -- and most arborvitaes -- don't grow quickly, although they do put out new growth (taller) each year. There is a Green Giant variety, but that is way too large for most landscapes, growing fast up to 60 feet at maturity. 🌲I hope you don't get discouraged, because your arborvitaes will hopefully surprise you and grow beautifully! Let me know how they did this year through the Summer season! And here is the video you mentioned you were looking forward to watching, just in case you haven't seen it yet, all about arborvitaes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33Mk4ian9VqhJYsi=r5PuWcXFnUZWVjf3 Hang in there! ❤

[@aquietmind223]

Great videos, thank you

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Mrs. G! Thanks for watching!

[@jabe8841]

Thanks for the info

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome John!

[@nadeemsyed3329]

My spruce tree turns pale.. please help

[@GardenSanity]

I'm not familiar with spruce trees Nadeem. I think your best bet is to contact a professional arborist. Arborists specialize in trees and will be able to diagnose the issue and provide suggestions to improve your spruce tree. I hops this helps! 🌲

[@KizhoKidzo]

Mine has same problem they turned brown 😢

[@GardenSanity]

If the entire tree turned brown, then it was from lack of water and increased wind that dries the tree out during the Winter season. If there are just some brown needles, with lots of evergreen healthy needles on the overall tree -- your tree is fine.

[@susanhussein5701]

Hi and thank you for reasurring me that browning from the inside of my 7' tall arborviteas! We just had an unexpected snow storm in the Pacific Northwest and now some of the branches have gone wonky! Our winters are not that severe in the Seattle area, however, I would like to try and tie (or strap around each one) with some type of cord to help them straighten up like they were before the heavy wet snow from last night!! What kind of cord would you suggest that I use?

[@CVenza]

I used natural hemp twine/cord.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Susan, you can wrap your trees in burlap first, and then use any type of twine to keep the burlap secured. That is the best way to prevent damaging snows from impacting the tree branches during the Winter season. However, if you don't want to use burlap, you can use twine to secure the evergreen branches as well. Just start at the bottom and wrap the twine around the tree slowly, going all the way to the top -- and making sure the twine isn't pulled too tight. You don't want the twine to accidentally cut into a branch. I hope this helps. 🙂🌲

[@GardenSanity]

Good suggestion! 👍

[@robertmotion]

great infor. thanks. question - my arbol vitae is brown completely but they are not completely dry. It went from all green to slowly turning the completely brown over the course of the summer. I brought plant in house today, gonna try and nurse it back to health (better watering + artificial light). Do you think this will help? Could it be under watered. I relied on Blunt watering system, but it failed as my leaves are all brown now. Any advice will help. Brown thumb in Brooklyn 😔 /bklyn 👑

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Robert, I realize your Arborvitae may be inside now? And I assume it is in a large pot? The first year of planting Arborvitaes -- whether in the ground or in a large pot -- they need a lot of water. During that first year, the most common thing that happens is not getting enough water and the tree needles turn brown. But hopefully all is not lost. Let me know how your tree is doing now. Arborvitaes in pots don't necessarily need to be moved inside, as they benefit from being outdoors during their dormant season. Also -- what kind of Arborvitae do you have? There are some varieties that actually will turn more brown during the Winter. Let me know the answers to the above, and I hope I can help, so you won't be a brown thumb anymore! 🌲🙂

[@Jaslovesoto]

Thanks

[@GardenSanity]

You're very welcome! 🌲

[@momevelyn07]

omg thank you so much i was so worried!

[@GardenSanity]

You're welcome Tita Evelyn! It's such a relief to know it's just a natural process that evergreens go through each year! 🌲

[@TherapistTamaraHill]

Me too!! Thank you. I thought I killed my tree. One is thriving while the other is browning inside. 🫣

[@GardenSanity]

@TherapistTamaraHill Keep an eye on the browning needles. Trees can dry out during the Winter dormant season with heavy winds, especially if there's lack of rain or decent snowfall to keep the trees hydrated. If there's brown needles but lots of healthy evergreen needles overall -- your tree should recover nicely. 🌲

[@lunch2102]

Looks so much better cleared out

[@GardenSanity]

Glad you agree! 👍

[@mayaportland8805]

No, I think it is a sign of overwatering.

[@GardenSanity]

Hi Maya -- what specifically are you referring to in the video? Brown needles all over the tree can definitely occur from lack of water and heavy winds drying out the needles, which occurs a lot during the Winter season, especially if there's lack of sufficient rainfall or snowfall to keep the trees watered. The opposite is overwatering -- which you mention -- and those needles will be more yellow looking instead of brown. But routine dieback (which is the topic of this video) is a natural shedding process of evergreens (except Larch trees and a handful of other exceptions). I hope this helps! 🌲 💚

[@fatoshi7510]

Get to the point damn

[@boonatuna]

click ahead damn

[@GardenSanity]

HI there! Always remember: video "chapters" are your friend! Handy to use in most video description boxes to jump to the section you want to immediately see. 😃

[@CM-el1dz]

Thank you!

[@GardenSanity]

My pleasure!

[@sumdude4281]

THANK YOU!

[@GardenSanity]

You’re welcome!