Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/13/2004

Question
I recently planted three white pines around my house. I live in the Roanoke VA area and we have a very heavy clay soil. After about a month the needles closest to the center of all three trees have started to yellow and fall off. I used a mix of native soil, compost and peat moss with a little bit of fertilizer for evergreens when planting them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
What you discribe may be normal shedding of the needles. I would suggest you call the Va. Department of Forestry office there in Roanoke and ask one of their Foresters to check the tree. I think the local number is Phone: 540-254-2831. This is a free service. Their web site is http://www.dof.virginia.gov/info/vdof-directory.shtml