Yelowing needles on JBP

[11karma]

Hello, I have 2 Yatsabusa Black Pines, and the needles on both have started to turn a yellowish green color (more yellow than green) on all but the very top section of the candle. From what I have read about this situation a foliar feed may be what they need, any suggestions.
Thank You

 

[Dav4]

You could have a soil and/or watering problem, and maybe a fertilizer issue, as well. Pictures are always a good idea for those here to help diagnose any issues. Also, can you describe the soil you are using? Finally, fill in your user CP with your location...for all we know, you could be in the Southern hemisphere and the tree is just losing older needles, which is normal.

 

[11karma]

More info on Yatsabusa Black Pine

Sorry for the lack of info. I live in San Diego CA.Both pines were re potted this year. They are in a mix i got from a friend who grows pines, and consists lava,pomuce, and fir bark. not exactly sure what % of each but it is a very nice mix. They are both in full sun and are watered everyday at this point in the season. The fertilizer is a Japanese pellet type that I have used on my other pines and they love it.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

YIKES! It looks like the tree completely dried out at one point, but that is a guess.
Protect that new growth...

 

[11karma]

I bought the trees about 4mths ago and they had some discolor in the old needles but they were only $35 each, so I figured I would take chance. A friend suggested taking all the old yellow needles of because there are a lot of latent buds closer to the trunk, and that would allow more sun in. What do you think?

 

[Adair M]

Well, the yellow/brown needles are dead. I'm with Brian. They look like they had been completely dried out at some point. Did you notice anything unusual with the roots when you repotted? (Your repotting may have saved the trees.)

At this point, you want to keep them watered, but not over-watered. Do not decandle.

I wouldn't remove the dead needles just yet, they'll fall off on their own pretty soon, I suspect.

It wouldn't hurt to spray with Daconil.

Don't worry about interior buds or any styling at this point. Maybe next year. At this point, these trees are on life support.

 

[11karma]

Thanks for the help guys. I new I was taking a chance with the trees when I bought them but $35 for a 20-25yo Yatsabusa I was willing to take a chance. They both looked like they had been a little neglected, the soil was really old and there was already some discoloring of the old needles. One of them is over a rock