Why Are My Evergreens Yellowing?

One of the most common questions we get here in the fall at Van Wilgen’s is, “Why are my pines turning yellow? Are they sick?”

Thankfully, the answer is “no”.

All trees and shrubs renew their foliage annually in the spring and summer, shedding old, unneeded foliage in the fall. This is most apparent with deciduous trees and shrubs, such as maples and hydrangeas, which shed the entirety of their foliage annually.

Needle evergreens like pines, spruces, and firs, and broadleaf evergreens like rhododendron, holly, magnolia, and boxwood also shed as part of their regular life cycle. As a result, we see the older sections in the interiors of these plants changing color before eventually dropping. Most evergreens hold their needles or leaves for two to three years before shedding, so what you are seeing is actually evidence that your tree is growing, thriving, and aging normally. No need to worry!

Needle Evergreens

Broadleaf Evergreens