Current-season Needle Necrosis

Current season needle necrosis causes browning and death of new needles as they develop on conifers. You notice red-brown discoloration appearing early in the growing season. The disease affects susceptible conifers and appears stress-related. Proper care and adequate water reduce severity.

Good sanitation is your most effective tool against current-season needle necrosis. Remove and dispose of infected plant material, clean up fallen debris, and sterilize your pruning tools between plants. Reduce leaf wetness by watering at soil level and spacing plants for adequate air movement. These practices reduce the pathogen load in your garden over successive seasons.