Why Is My Evergreen Turning Brown

If you’re noticing brown needles or patches on your evergreen tree or shrub, it’s a natural cause for concern. You might be asking, ‘why is my evergreen turning brown?’ This is a common issue with several possible causes, ranging from simple seasonal changes to more serious problems.

Let’s look at the reasons behind browning and what you can do about it. The good news is that not all browning means your plant is dying. With some careful observation, you can often pinpoint the issue and take corrective action.

Evergreens keep their foliage year-round, but that doesn’t mean individual needles live forever. They go through a natural life cycle and are eventually shed. However, widespread or sudden browning usually signals an environmental stress, pest, or disease. Identifying the pattern and timing of the browning is your first clue.

Environmental and Seasonal Stressors

Often, browning is caused by non-living factors. These are related to weather, planting conditions, or care routines. They are some of the most frequent culprits, especially for newer plants.

Winter Burn (Desiccation)

This is a top cause of browning in late winter or early spring. Evergreens lose moisture through their needles all winter, especially on sunny or windy days. When the ground is frozen, the roots can’t replace that lost water.

Browning appears on the side facing the prevailing wind or afternoon sun.
It often starts at the needle tips and moves inward.
Southwest sides of plants are most vulnerable.

To prevent it, water deeply in fall before the ground freezes. You can also use anti-desiccant sprays or burlap screens for protection.

Drought Stress

Evergreens need consistent moisture, especially in their first few years and during hot, dry spells. Under-watering causes the needles to dry out and turn brown, usually starting at the tips.

Browning may be more uniform than winter burn.
Soil will feel dry several inches down.
New growth may wilt or appear stunted.

Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent sprinkles. It encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Transplant Shock or Improper Planting

If browning occurs on a recently planted evergreen, it may be struggling to establish its roots. Planting too deep is a major, common mistake. The root flare (where trunk widens at the base) should be visible at the soil surface.

Overall decline, not just seasonal browning.
Stunted growth and sparse foliage.

Ensure proper planting depth and keep the root ball consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first full year.

Salt Damage

Road salt and de-icing products can splash onto foliage or seep into the root zone. This draws moisture out of the plant tissues.

Browning on the side closest to a road or driveway.
Similar damage can occur from pet urine.

Flush the soil with fresh water in spring and consider using alternative ice melt products near your garden.

Pests That Cause Browning

Insects can directly damage needles and stems, leading to discoloration and dieback. You’ll often need to look closely to spot these tiny invaders.

Spider Mites

These are tiny arachnids, not insects, that suck sap from needles. They thrive in hot, dusty conditions. Damage often shows up as stippling (tiny yellow dots) before turning brown.

Fine, silky webbing on branches is a telltale sign.
Shake a branch over white paper; look for moving specks.

A strong spray of water can dislodge mites. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils are also effective treatments.

Bagworms

These caterpillars create distinctive spindle-shaped bags that look like small pine cones hanging from branches. They feed on needles, causing severe defoliation.

Brown, straw-like bags hanging from twigs.
Sudden, patchy browning in summer.

The best control is to hand-pick and destroy the bags in winter before eggs hatch. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is an organic spray for young caterpillars.

Bark Beetles

These are serious pests that attack stressed or dying trees. They bore under the bark, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients.

Small holes in the trunk or branches, often with sawdust-like frass.
Browning usually starts at the top of the tree and progresses downward.

Keeping trees healthy is the best prevention. Severely infested trees often need to be removed to protect nearby evergreens.

Diseases Leading to Brown Foliage

Fungal pathogens are common in evergreens, especially during wet, humid weather. Good air circulation and clean gardening practices are key to prevention.

Needle Blight

Various fungi cause needle blights. They typically cause browning or purpling of needles, which then may drop prematurely. Infection often starts on the lower, inner branches where air flow is poor.

Browning begins on older, inner needles first.
You may see black fruiting bodies or spots on infected needles.

Prune out affected branches. Clean up fallen needles. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure in severe cases.

Root Rot

This is a deadly disease caused by fungi in the soil, often in poorly drained areas. Roots suffocate and rot, unable to take up water.

Overall decline, thinning canopy, and browning.
Branches may die back randomly.
The base of the trunk may feel soft or look discolored.

Ensure your evergreen is planted in well-drained soil. There is no cure for advanced root rot; the plant will likely need to be removed.

Canker Diseases

Cankers are sunken, dead areas on branches or the main trunk. They girdle and kill the limb beyond that point.

Localized browning of a single branch or section.
Oozing resin or sunken bark on a stem.

Prune out infected branches several inches below the canker. Sterilize your pruning tools between cuts with a bleach solution.

Step-by-Step: Diagnosing Your Evergreen

Follow this process to figure out what’s going on with your plant.

Check the Pattern: Is browning on inner or outer needles? One side or all over? Current season growth or older growth?
Check the Timing: Did it appear in spring after winter? During a summer drought? Suddenly in fall?
Examine the Plant Closely: Look for bugs, webbing, holes, or unusual spots on needles and stems. Check the base of the trunk.
Consider the Site: Has there been construction, salt use, or extreme weather? Is the soil soggy or bone dry?
Review Your Care: Have you watered enough? Did you fertilize properly? Was it planted correctly?

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Once you have a likely diagnosis, you can take action. Always start with the least invasive method.

Water Wisely: Provide about one inch of water per week, via rainfall or irrigation, during the growing season. Soaker hoses are excellent for delivering water directly to the roots.
Mulch Properly: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the root zone. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Prune Correctly: Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as you see them. Prune in late winter or early spring for shaping. Avoid cutting back into old wood that has no needles.
Fertilize Cautiously: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if a soil test indicates a need. Over-fertilizing can burn roots and cause browning.
Choose Resistant Varieties: When planting new evergreens, select species and cultivars known to be resistant to common diseases in your area.

FAQ: Common Questions About Browning Evergreens

Is it normal for evergreen needles to turn brown and fall off?
Yes! Evergreens naturally shed their older, inner needles every 2-4 years. This typically happens in late summer or fall and is not a cause for alarm if it’s the inner needles browning.

Can a brown evergreen come back to life?
It depends on the cause and extent. If the buds and stems are still green and pliable, it may recover with proper care. If the entire plant is brown and the stems are brittle, it is likely dead.

Should I cut the brown branches off my evergreen?
Yes, you can prune out dead brown branches. This improves appearance and prevents potential disease issues. Make cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).

How often should I water an established evergreen?
Even established evergreens need water during extended dry periods. Provide a deep watering every 2-3 weeks if there’s no significant rain, especially before winter.

What’s the difference between a disease and an insect problem?
Insect damage often shows specific patterns (like notched needles, holes, webbing) and you can usually find the pest. Disease symptoms are more like spots, blights, or overall wilts without visible bugs. Sometimes, you need to look very closely to tell the difference.

Figuring out why your evergreen is turning brown takes a bit of detective work. Start by looking at the pattern and timing. Most often, the issue is related to water—either too much or too little. By understanding the common causes, from winter burn to spider mites, you can take the right steps to help your plant recover and thrive for years to come. Remember, consistent care and good observation are your best tools for a healthy garden.