White pine tree......yellow needles - Ask Extension
Our white pine tree needles are yellowing at the ends, 1-2 inches. This issue began late last fall but the tree came through the winter fine. Now the ...
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White pine tree......yellow needles #931108
Asked May 08, 2026, 7:51 PM EDT
Our white pine tree needles are yellowing at the ends, 1-2 inches. This issue began late last fall but the tree came through the winter fine. Now the the needles are partially yellow again. Someone suggested that the tree is planted too deep & need to pull back some of the dirt around it. Other suggestions?
Thanks.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
See these web pages
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/pine/needlesolderdiscolored.html
https://csfs.colostate.edu/2015/09/15/yellowing-pine-needles-normal-in-autumn/
Is the tree planted where the root flare is visible? Root flare is the area where the roots are beginning to spread right at ground level. See the planting section of this web page.
https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/pine/needlesolderdiscolored.html
https://csfs.colostate.edu/2015/09/15/yellowing-pine-needles-normal-in-autumn/
Is the tree planted where the root flare is visible? Root flare is the area where the roots are beginning to spread right at ground level. See the planting section of this web page.
https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs
