How to Keep the Needles From Falling From a Fir Tree

Needle drop is part of the life cycle of a fir tree. The amount of needles and the times that they drop vary depending upon the type of tree. Fir trees appear green all year long because they don't lose all their needles at once. Usually the needles on the inside limbs will drop so the needle loss is not noticed. If your tree is losing more needles than it should, there are things you can do to help slow the needle loss to the appropriate levels.

Instructions

- 1
  Water your tree. Fir trees planted under eaves or in more arid climates might not be getting enough water. If the tree dries out, needle loss might be more pronounced.
- 2
  Aerate and fertilize the soil. Use an auger to punch holes in the soil around the tree. This will allow more nutrients to reach the roots. Get fertilizer closer to the roots by using the aeration holes to administer the fertilizer.
- 3
  Use pesticides sparingly around the trees. Pesticides that you use on your lawn, garden and flowers can harm your fir trees. Try to keep the pesticides away from your firs or use less of the pesticide on your lawn around your fir trees.
- 4
  Check for pests. Spider mites can cause fir trees to drop needles. Spider mite infestation is usually accompanied by webs that you can spot. Pine beetles will burrow holes into the tree trunk. Deer and rodents can damage trees by chewing on them or in the case of deer rubbing them with antlers. Attempt to control mites by spraying them off the trees with water every few days. If they persist, try a miticide recommended by a local nursery or plant store. The beetles will leave on their own; cut off any affected parts of the tree and destroy them. Use tree guards to prevent rodent damage. Deer repellent or mesh deer fences help keep deer away.
- 5
  Check for disease. Needle cast causes spores to appear on the needles. Rust causes yellow powdery spores to appear on the trunk and limbs. Scale causes needle to yellow and produces cotton-like growths. Pine decline causes pale, short needles. Most pests and disease can be prevented by keeping your tree healthy. Stressed trees are more susceptible than healthy trees. Cut away damaged parts of the tree and destroy the affected pieces. If you are unsure what to prune, hire an arborist to work on the damaged tree. Most diseases can be controlled by fixing the nutritional and environmental deficiencies.
- 6
  Prune your trees. Trim and remove dead limbs. Dead branches can leave the tree open to pest and disease infestation.

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