Why Are My Evergreen Bushes Turning Brown

If you’re noticing brown patches or a general decline in your evergreen bushes, it’s a worrying sight. Let’s look at why are my evergreen bushes turning brown and figure out what you can do about it. Evergreens are meant to stay green year-round, so browning is a clear signal they need help. This guide will walk you through the common causes, from simple fixes to more serious issues, so you can diagnose and treat your plants effectively.

Browning isn’t a single problem; it’s a symptom. The pattern of the browning—where it starts and how it spreads—is your best clue. Pay close attention to whether it’s on the inner branches, the outer tips, one side, or the whole plant. This will point you toward the likely culprit.

Environmental Stress and Weather Damage

Often, the cause is not a disease but environmental conditions. Evergreens can be surprisingly sensitive to weather extremes, even if they seem hardy.

Winter Burn: This is a top cause for browning in late winter or early spring. It happens when frozen ground prevents roots from taking up water, but sunshine and wind cause the needles to lose moisture. The foliage dries out and turns brown, usually starting on the south or windward side.
Drought Stress: Evergreens need water year-round. A dry fall or a period without snow cover in winter leaves roots parched. Browning from drought often appears more general or starts at the needle tips.
Salt Damage: Road salt or de-icing products can splash onto foliage or seep into the soil. This draws moisture out of the plant tissues, leading to brown edges or complete browning on the side facing a road or driveway.
Root Damage: Construction, soil compaction, or even digging too close to the plant can sever critical roots. This reduces the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, causing a gradual overall decline and browning.

Watering Problems: Too Much or Too Little

Getting the water balance right is crucial. Both underwatering and overwatering can have similar-looking results.

Underwatering: The needles become dry, brittle, and brown. They may start to drop. New growth is often stunted. The soil will be dry deep down, not just on the surface.
Overwatering and Root Rot: This is a silent killer. Soggy soil suffocates roots, preventing them from absorbing water. Ironically, the plant shows signs of drought—wilting and browning—because its damaged roots can’t drink. Check for constantly wet soil, moss growth, and a foul smell from the roots.

Pest Infestations

Several insects specifically target evergreens, sucking sap or boring into wood. Their damage frequently shows as browning.

Spider Mites: These tiny pests cause stippling (tiny yellow dots) on needles, which then turn brown and fall off. Look for fine webbing, especially on the undersides of needles.
Bagworms: They create distinctive cone-shaped bags from plant material. The larvae feed on needles, causing severe defoliation and browning. If left unchecked, they can kill a shrub.
Scale Insects: These look like small, bumpy shells stuck to stems and needles. They suck sap, weakening the plant and causing yellowing then browning of the foliage.
Bark Beetles: More serious, these beetles bore into the trunk or branches. Look for small holes, sawdust-like frass, and sudden browning of entire sections.

Diseases That Cause Browning

Fungal and bacterial diseases are common culprits, especially in humid or wet conditions.

Needle Blight: Various fungi cause needle blight. It typically starts on the lower, inner branches where air circulation is poor. Needles develop bands or spots before turning completely brown and falling off.
Canker Diseases: These fungi attack stems, causing sunken, discolored areas. The foliage beyond the canker wilts and turns brown because the flow of water is cut off.
Phytophthora Root Rot: This is a water-mold organism that causes a root rot. Symptoms include a general decline, thinning canopy, and browning needles. It’s often fatal and thrives in poorly drained soils.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Evergreens need a balance of nutrients. A lack of certain elements can manifest as discoloration.

Nitrogen Deficiency: Causes an overall pale green or yellowish color that may progress to browning, starting with older needles.
Iron Chlorosis: This is common in alkaline soils. New growth turns yellow between the veins, while the veins stay green. In severe cases, the yellow leaves can turn brown and crisp. It’s often seen on rhododendrons and azaleas.

How to Diagnose and Fix Your Browning Evergreens

Follow these steps to identify and adress the problem.

Step 1: Inspect the Pattern

Overall Browning: Likely a root issue (rot, drought, damage) or severe environmental stress.
Inner Browning: Natural needle drop (older needles shed in fall) or needle blight diseases.
Tip Browning: Often salt damage, drought, or winter burn.
One-Sided Browning: Points to winter burn (south/west side) or salt spray (road side).
Random Patches/Branches: Suggest canker diseases or borer insects.

Step 2: Check the Soil and Roots

Dig a small hole 4-6 inches deep near the drip line. Is the soil dust-dry, nicely moist, or sopping wet? Gently examine a few small roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light-colored. Rotten roots are mushy, brittle, and dark.

Step 3: Look for Pests and Signs of Disease

Examine needles and stems with a magnifying glass for tiny insects, webbing, or unusual spots. Check the base of the plant and main stems for oozing sap, holes, or cracked bark.

Step 4: Apply the Correct Treatment

For Environmental Stress: Water deeply during dry spells, even in fall. Apply anti-desiccant spray in late fall for winter protection. Flush soil in spring to remove salt. Mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots.
For Watering Issues: Adjust your schedule. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Improve drainage for soggy areas by amending soil or even transplanting if necessary.
For Pests: Use a strong spray of water for mites. Hand-pick bagworm bags in winter. Apply horticultural oil for scale. For borers, you may need to prune out infested wood or use a systemic insecticide as a last resort.
For Diseases: Prune out and destroy affected branches. Improve air circulation. For fungal issues, a fungicide may help if applied early. For root rot, improving drainage is critical.
For Nutrient Issues: Get a soil test. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring. For chlorosis, use a chelated iron supplement.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Keeping your evergreens healthy is easier than reviving them. Choose the right plant for your site’s sun, soil, and climate. Plant them properly, not too deep. Mulch with 2-3 inches of organic matter to keep roots cool and moist. Water consistently during the first few years and during any drought. Prune selectively to maintain good air flow within the shrub.

FAQ: Browning Evergreen Bushes

Q: Will brown evergreen branches grow back?
A: No, brown needles will not turn green again. However, if the buds and stems are still alive, the plant may produce new growth from those points. You should prune out the dead brown branches to improve appearance and health.

Q: Is it normal for evergreens to turn brown in the fall?
A> Some inner browning and needle drop in autumn is normal for many evergreens like pines and arborvitae. They shed their older, inner needles to make room for new growth. This is different from browning on the outer tips or entire branches.

Q: Can a brown evergreen be saved?
A: It depends on the cause and the extent of the damage. If the problem is caught early and the roots and main stems are still healthy, recovery is possible with correct treatment. A shrub that is completely brown and brittle is likely dead.

Q: What is the best fertilizer for evergreens that are turning brown?
A: Don’t fertilize a stressed plant without knowing the cause. Fertilizer can burn roots or worsen disease. First, diagnose the issue. If a nutrient deficiency is confirmed, use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or one specific to the lacking nutrient (like iron for chlorosis).

Figuring out why are my evergreen bushes turning brown takes a little detective work. By carefully observing the symptoms and checking the conditions, you can usually pinpoint the issue. Start with the simplest explanations—like watering habits and weather events—before moving to more complex ones like disease. With timely and appropriate action, you can often restore your evergreens to their lush, green glory and prevent the problem from happening again in the future.