What’s wrong with my pine tree?

Question: Our 20+year old pine tree is not looking well. It has majority brown needles, predominantly on the lower part of the tree. 
Is there anything that we can do to help it back to good health?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: We’re concerned that the tree might be dying. The photos that I included were ones that I took of the tree in question. Do you need additional photos?

responder: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Replied June 21, 2023, 10:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Your tree is in decline. Decline generally results from a series of environmental and sometimes biotic stresses. For example, a tree may experience drought stress and seem to recover fine, but the effects of that stress may linger for several years, making the tree more susceptible to other stressors. Your tree is shallow-rooted, making it more susceptible to drought stress. Once stressed, pines may also fall prey to opportunistic pathogens, such as fungal diseases that would not normally affect tree health, but can when they are stressed. You will want to carefully examine your trees for signs of disease, such as cankers on dead branches or pruning sites, and for insect damage, such as small holes in the trunk. White pine trees are also highly sensitive to road salt, and to any changes in their environment, such as construction. Problems may also result from improper planting of a tree, resulting in, for example, circling roots that disrupt the flow of water and nutrients to that tree. As for treatment, try to reduce environmental stress as much as possible. Consider applying 2-3 inches of mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, under the tree starting several inches out from the trunk and extending to the drip line. Mulch will help conserve moisture during dry conditions and reduce temperature swings in the soil. If possible, irrigate deeply (1 inch of water) once per week during prolonged hot, dry conditions—but do not overwater, as this will also stress the tree. You might also consider applying a low rate of nitrogen fertilizer (1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft) under the tree canopy, or spread evenly around the drip line of the tree. Fertilizer should be watered in, or spread before rain is expected. Because visible decline often follows one or more periods of prolonged stress, trees are often well on their way out before treatment is undertaken. Your tree may or may not recover, but by doing everything you reasonably can to reduce stress on the tree, you give your tree its best chance for recovery! If you would like to have a certified arborist look at your trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/ You could consider getting a soil test, which would let you know the soil pH (acidic for pines) and whether there are any nutrients lacking: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/. You may also contact the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab to see whether a plant health analysis may be beneficial in this case.  For more information: Trees and drought Why are my pine trees turning brown?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 1:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you so very much for your expertise. The information is invaluable.FYI, the tree is between condo decks and has never been exposed to road salt. We will take the information to heart and let you know the outcome.Dianne Neihengen  On Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10:49:45 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: