why yellow needles on white pine this time of year. Within a week they have appeared?

Question

the needls are turning yellow in spots on 6 or 7 mature trees that are 9 yrs old. Usually we get some winter burns in spring.

Answer 1

One of the things that goes wrong with white pines is something that is called simply " white pine decline". It happens to white pines under stress, particularly to trees that have undergone several periods of drought over recent years. ( Not necessarily back-to back years). Other contributing factors include exposure to road salt and air pollution. It is thought that the majority of pines that enter white pine Delcine will not recover. The best thing you can do for your white pines to help them pull through-If this is in fact the problem your tress have- is deep watering at least once a week during any dry spells. Obviously it would be good to give the healthy trees extra attention with water too. No mention was made of any benefit to fertilizing in my source ( see below). Mulching may be beneficial if that's a possibility for you.

Answer 2

It's a natural process at this time of year. Some of the older needles turn brown and drop off. It's not just you, look around and you will see that all pines are doing it. That's why the ground under pine trees is covered with needles.