Yellowing pines

 

 

 

Most yellowing needles have served the tree for three-four summers. After windy days the ground under pines is covered by a layer of yellow needles – it is the autumn leaf-fall time, and the leaves of our pines are needle-shaped.

On some branches all needles go yellow, but these wholly yellowing branches have become so shadowed over the years by larger branches in the crown that enough sunshine no longer reaches them.

 

 

Reddish brown branches can be seen on the trees already in summer. These branches have died by some disease or damage

 

The top of the young pine in the photo has been killed by a species of rust fungus:  white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola)