Why Is My Evergreen Turning Brown In The Summer

Seeing your evergreen turn brown in the summer is a worrying sight. This article will help you figure out why is my evergreen turning brown in the summer and what you can do about it.

Summer browning is a common issue, but it’s often a symptom, not the disease itself. It means your tree is stressed and needs your help. Let’s look at the main causes, from simple fixes to more serious problems.

Evergreens are built to handle winter, but summer brings its own set of challenges. Browning needles or foliage during the hot months usually points to one thing: the plant is losing water faster than it can take it up. This can happen for several reasons, and identifying the correct one is the first step to saving your plant.

1. Not Enough Water (Drought Stress)

This is the most common cause of summer browning. Evergreens, especially young ones or those recently planted, have wide, shallow root systems. During summer heatwaves and dry spells, the topsoil dries out quickly, and those roots can’t access the moisture they need.

Signs: Browning starts at the tips of needles and progresses inward. It often begins on the side facing the sun or the top of the tree. The soil feels dry and crumbly several inches down.
Solution: Deep, infrequent watering is key. A quick sprinkle won’t help. Water slowly at the base of the tree, allowing moisture to seep deep into the root zone. A soaker hose is ideal for this.

2. Too Much Water (Root Rot)

Yes, the opposite problem can also cause browning. Constantly soggy soil suffocates roots, preventing them from absorbing water and nutrients. This creates a cruel irony: a drowning plant that looks thirsty.

Signs: Overall yellowing or browning, often starting on lower, interior needles. The plant may look wilted despite wet soil. Stems might feel soft at the base.
Solution: Improve drainage immediately. Ensure the planting site isn’t in a low spot where water collects. For container plants, check that drainage holes are clear. In severe cases, you may need to replant in a better location.

3. Heat Stress and Scorch

Intense, direct sun combined with reflected heat from buildings or pavement can literally cook the needles. This is especially common on newly planted evergreens that haven’t fully acclimated.

Signs: Browning or bleaching on the side of the tree facing the intense sun or heat source. Needles may appear dry and brittle.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible using a temporary screen. Ensure adequate watering to help the tree cope with the heat. A layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) helps keep soil cool and moist.

4. Pest Infestations

Certain insects can cause summer browning by feeding on sap or needles. Two common culprits are spider mites and bagworms.

Spider Mites: These tiny pests thrive in hot, dusty conditions. They suck sap, causing stippling (tiny yellow dots) and eventual browning.
How to Check: Hold a white piece of paper under a branch and tap it. If you see moving specks, you have mites. Fine webbing is also a clue.
Bagworms: These caterpillars create cone-shaped bags on branches and devour needles.
How to Check: Look for the distinctive bags, which look like small pine cones hanging from the branches.

5. Fungal Diseases

Several fungal diseases attack evergreens, often encouraged by wet foliage and poor air circulation. Two to look for are needle cast and canker diseases.

Needle Cast: This fungus causes older needles to turn brown, often with distinct bands or spots, before they fall off.
Canker Diseases: These cause sunken, dead areas on branches or the trunk, leading to browning of the foliage above the infection.
Solution: Prune out and destroy affected branches. Improve air flow by thinning surrounding plants. Avoid overhead watering. A fungicide may be needed for severe cases, but correct identification by a professional is crucial first.

6. Soil and Nutrient Problems

Evergreens need specific soil conditions. Compacted soil, incorrect pH, or a lack of key nutrients can all manifest as browning.

pH Imbalance: Many evergreens prefer slightly acidic soil. Alkaline soil can lock up nutrients, causing deficiency.
Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of magnesium or nitrogen can cause yellowing that progresses to browning, often starting with older needles.
Solution: A soil test is the best way to know for sure. You can get a kit from a garden center. It will tell you your pH and nutrient levels so you can amend the soil correctly.

Your Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check the Soil Moisture: Dig down 3-4 inches near the root zone. Is it dust dry or swampy? This tells you if your issue is too much or too little water.
Inspect the Pattern: Where is the browning? Just the tips? One side? Lower branches? This is a major clue to the cause.
Look for Pests and Fungi: Examine needles and branches closely with a magnifying glass if needed. Look for bugs, webbing, unusual spots, or lesions on stems.
Consider Recent Changes: Was the tree planted recently? Has there been construction nearby that could of damaged roots? Have you had an extreme heatwave or drought?
Test the Soil: If other causes are ruled out, get a soil test to check pH and nutrients.

How to Save a Browning Evergreen

Once you’ve identified the likely cause, take action quickly. For drought stress, begin a proper deep-watering schedule immediately. For root rot, let the soil dry and improve drainage. For pests or disease, prune affected areas and treat as recommended.

Remember, brown needles that have already died will not turn green again. Your goal is to save the remaining healthy growth and encourage new growth. Be patient; recovery can take a full season or more.

Prevention is always easier than cure. Mulching, proper planting techniques, and consistent deep watering during dry periods will keep most evergreens healthy and green all year round. Choosing the right evergreen for your specific climate and site conditions is also a huge factor in its long-term success.

FAQ: Summer Evergreen Browning

Q: Can a brown evergreen come back to life?
A: It depends on the cause and extent of the damage. If the buds and stems are still alive, it can often recover with new growth. However, completely brown branches are usually dead and won’t regreen.

Q: Should I cut off the brown parts of my evergreen?
A: Yes, you can prune dead brown branches for appearance and to help the plant focus energy on healthy growth. Make sure you use clean, sharp tools and cut back to healthy wood or a main branch.

Q: How often should I water evergreens in summer?
A: There’s no single schedule. It depends on soil, weather, and the tree’s size. A good rule is to water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. This might be once a week or every few days in extreme heat.

Q: Is it normal for evergreens to lose some needles in summer?
A: Yes, evergreens naturally shed their older inner needles every year, typically in late summer or fall. This is normal and looks different from the browning caused by stress, which often affects newer, outer growth.

Q: Could fertilizer fix my browning evergreen?
A> Only if the browning is caused by a nutrient deficiency, which a soil test can confirm. Fertilizing a tree stressed by drought, root rot, or disease can actually make the problem worse.

Figuring out why your evergreen is browning takes a little detective work, but it’s worth the effort. By systematically checking the common causes—water, heat, pests, and disease—you can diagnose the problem and take the right steps to restore your tree’s health. With careful attention and proper care, you can often reverse the damage and enjoy its green beauty for many seasons to come.