Needle Cast? Overwatering?

[Apex37]

I have this JRP that has been doing well up until about a few weeks ago and the yellowing has gotten worse. It seems mostly on newer needles, but there’s a few older needles here and there that are browning and I’m trying to determine if it’s getting watered too much or if it’s needle cast or what.

If it is overwatering, will the new needles recover?
If its needle cast I could use any advice to help alleviate the problem. This is my only pine, so I’m a noob when it comes to problems with them.

 

[Ply]

I don't see the distinctive bands associated with needle cast, so it doesn't look like needle cast to me.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

The brown and dead needles will not recover.
I'm awesome at over watering and I do recognize some of the signs yours has.
But I've noticed some random tip death in some trees that were handled with nasty scissors. Could be an infection of the fungal kind, but I've never dug any deeper because it affected just a couple branches.

 

[Apex37]

I don't see the distinctive bands associated with needle cast, so it doesn't look like needle cast to me.

Thank you! I was questioning whether it was that as I would be surprised with it being dead of summer in Texas. Also I thought I read somewhere they affect older needles, not needles from that year.

The brown and dead needles will not recover.
I'm awesome at over watering and I do recognize some of the signs yours has.
But I've noticed some random tip death in some trees that were handled with nasty scissors. Could be an infection of the fungal kind, but I've never dug any deeper because it affected just a couple branches.

Yeah I’m definitely one to overwater rather than underwater with how hot it gets here. I just get paranoid. Probably should cut back some as this guy is in a fairly large 6” deep box and I know in the heat of the summer growth can slow down so their water needs are less.

 

[casun]

That doesn’t look like needle cast and your soil looks very well draining so I doubt it’s overwatering. The tree looks fairly healthy, even considering the dead needles. If the tree were mine I wouldn’t worry much about it, yet.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Check substrate for dryness after sitting several hours. Seems that new growth is drying out, buds shriveled up.

 

[Apex37]

Check substrate for dryness after sitting several hours. Seems that new growth is drying out, buds shriveled up.

Here’s the skewer I use to check wetness with.

 

[Apex37]

More photos. Maybe it is needle cast? I’m lost at this point.

 

[Scorpius]

Root issues. Too wet for too long. Not enough gas exchange in the substrate.

 

[Apex37]

Root issues. Too wet for too long. Not enough gas exchange in the substrate.

I’m guessing overwatering? Odd because it’s a 1:1:1 akadama, lava, pumice mix sifted at 1/8-1/4”.

 

[Scorpius]

I’m guessing overwatering? Odd because it’s a 1:1:1 akadama, lava, pumice mix sifted at 1/8-1/4”.

Depends on your weather. I can go every other day in my area this time if year if the humidity and dewpoint are very high even if its hot out.

I suggest you dig deep in the substrate when checking to see if it needs water. Pines like it on the dry side.

Don't feel bad I'm one to overwater myself. Sometimes I have to because I'm at work and I can't water midday so I'd rather have a wet pine than a dead pine.

 

[0soyoung]

I think your tree is in way too big a box and maybe too shallow also.

 

[Apex37]

I think your tree is in way too big a box and maybe too shallow also.

Well I do agree, I think I could have made the box smaller. Another lesson to be learned for a newbie, but I’m not sure on depth. It’s 6” deep, which I feel is pretty decent.

 

[Dav4]

Those needles look heat stressed. Compromised root function will make the issue worse. Along with watching the watering, maybe try to provide some mid/late afternoon shade

 

[Paradox]

Yea, I'm also not seeing healthy buds on those tips. It's something other than fungus

 

[yashu]

Have you done the epsom salt trick? If it’s a nutrient based chlorosis issue you can water with an epsom salt solution (1tsp to 1 gallon???) hopefully someone a little more experienced with this will chime in… but if you get a quick green response you have a nutrient uptake issue. The epsom salt (magnesium) is a band aid, a temporary fix so if the tree responds you’ll need to find out why your soil/fertilizer is out of whack. Just throwing an idea out there, I’m bet a search can turn up more info on this.

 

[Apex37]

Those needles look heat stressed. Compromised root function will make the issue worse. Along with watching the watering, maybe try to provide some mid/late afternoon shade

I had also considered this due to where he sit, it gets sun until about 4/5. I’ll try and move it a little and see if that help.

Have you done the epsom salt trick? If it’s a nutrient based chlorosis issue you can water with an epsom salt solution (1tsp to 1 gallon???) hopefully someone a little more experienced with this will chime in… but if you get a quick green response you have a nutrient uptake issue. The epsom salt (magnesium) is a band aid, a temporary fix so if the tree responds you’ll need to find out why your soil/fertilizer is out of whack. Just throwing an idea out there, I’m bet a search can turn up more info on this.

I have not. From what I was reading, it is 1tbsp to 1gal. I can give that a try this weekend when I go to the store. I’m also due on fertilizing everything in the garden. I’ve moved to every two weeks with how hot it’s been.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Here’s the skewer I use to check wetness with.

Indeed does not appear too dry. Does box have screen bottom or only holes? Either way suggest elevating box 1" or more above bench for air circulation/evaporation. Suggest somewhat less H2O and next repot get rid of crapadama in mix.

You said: "akadama, lava, pumice mix sifted at 1/8-1/4”. "

Also suggest particle size too small. 3/16" very minimum up to 1/4" much better. Small particles too H2O retentive. Needle cast does not appear to be problem you have. Neither does grow box as long as very free draining substrate.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Here's the big question - the soil looks good but what do the roots look like? More specifically - when you moved the tree into that soil did you completely remove all the old soil in the old root ball?

 

[Apex37]

Indeed does not appear too dry. Does box have screen bottom or only holes? Either way suggest elevating box 1" or more above bench for air circulation/evaporation. Suggest somewhat less H2O and next repot get rid of crapadama in mix.

You said: "akadama, lava, pumice mix sifted at 1/8-1/4”. "

Also suggest particle size too small. 3/16" very minimum up to 1/4" much better. Small particles too H2O retentive. Needle cast does not appear to be problem you have. Neither does grow box as long as very free draining substrate.

Here’s a pic of the box I made and repotted into earlier this year.

Here's the big question - the soil looks good but what do the roots look like? More specifically - when you moved the tree into that soil did you completely remove all the old soil in the old root ball?

I tried to be very careful and remove very little old soil and roots as I was super paranoid with it. It pushed new growth that spring really well and I had next to 0 problems until the heat set in. I’m gonna guess not enough oxygen exchange and heat stressed needles based on the things I know, but I could of course be wrong. I think the box was too big, watered a little too long, and it got too much afternoon sun (where it was positioned got sun until about 5). I mean it’s been a hot summer. July was the second hottest we’ve ever had on record.