Longleaf pine

Question: Hello! 
Attached are pictures of a long leaf pine we have in our backyard. It’s been in the yard since 2011, and doing fine until about 3 weeks ago. We returned from a two week trip and the leaves were all starting to brown. Any ideas what could cause that kind of sudden change? Does it look like it can be revived? If so, any suggestions?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 30, 2024, 1:52 PM EDT
response: Hi Richard - wow, that's a distressed tree.  We've had some extreme heat lately, so it could be the tree wasn't receiving the water and care it needed while you were away.  It's hard to diagnose, just from pictures - but you could certainly bring in a branch with both alive and dead needles attached for us to diagnose. There is a $7 charge, but it might be worth it. Has there been herbicide-usage in the area? Has the tree been receiving the amount of water it's used to getting?  Our diagnosticians are still accepting samples from 8-4, M-F in our office at 9595 Nelson Rd in Longmont.  You also could just take special care of the tree over the fall and winter, giving it some water throughout until Spring and see if it survives.  Good luck, it's heartbreaking to lose a tree. Deb C.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 30, 2024, 4:56 PM EDT
response: Hello Deb, Thank you for the quick response! The two weeks we were gone were some of the hottest days this summer (last week of July into early the second week of August), so that certainly could be a factor. We do have a drip system for most of our landscaping, but it's possible it needs some maintenance where the tree is located. We will look into it.  As for herbicide-usage, we and/or our landscaper have not used any this summer. The only recent addition was pine bark mulch to the area around the tree. That was done just a week or so before we left. Yes, we could certainly bring over a sample next week. I'm assuming y'all are away on Monday for Labor Day, but we could get you a sample likely on Tuesday. Cheers, Richard

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 04, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Hi Richard,  Just following-up for Deb. Yes, we were closed on Monday. Looking forward to seeing the sample.  Thanks, Jeni

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 04, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT
response: Hello Jeni, Thank you! I dropped off a sample today (9/4/24). Cheers, Richard

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Hi, Richard: The diagnostic team looked at the twig from your long leaf pine and the photos. Unfortunately, this species is native to the southeast US and is not generally grown in landscapes, so it does not appear to be planted in the best spot in your yard and, especially given the narrow spot surrounded by boulders, likely has been stressed by this extremely hot, dry summer. It also needs full sun so the shady area is not ideal. If the tree puts on buds for next year’s growth, it might survive, but you should make sure that soil remains evenly moist – neither too wet nor too dry. See attached materials about irrigating mature trees. 657.pdf (colostate.edu)   Master Gardener Diagnostic Team   From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:57 PM To: Boulder County Parks Master Gardeners  Subject: [EXTERNAL] New response added to your question (#0153406)