White Pine Tree Lost Center Leader And Needles Turn Brown And Drop

Question From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Q: Hi Nancy. We have a white pine that lost it's center leader in an ice storm, since then the needles have turned brown, drooped and then fall off. Is this the tree responding to the shock or is it dying? There are still some green needles on the tree.

A: The point is, even if it does live, what will it look like? Normally I would recommend you have an onsite inspection from a certified arborist. But it sounds like this poor puppy is in bad shape. Best to thank a mangled tree for it's time and move on. That said, if you want to save it call an arborist. Best Nancy