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Pine dropping needles

sarahredshawsarahredshaw Posts: 12
in Problem solving
My pine has lost its needles the past couple of years and I’m not sure why. I know they naturally drop their needles but it looks quite extreme. It is kept in a pot in part sun/shade refresh top with peat free compost mixed with blood and bone in spring and fed every 2 weeks with chempak no4. Not sure if I’m over feeding. Grateful for any advice 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It looks as if it’s died of thirst. The compost looks so bone dry it’s contracted and won’t absorb any moisture. There’s a huge gap all around what looks like a very congested and potbound rootball. 😢 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • sarahredshawsarahredshaw Posts: 12
    Definitely not dry it has a coir mat on top to retain moisture 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Ah I see … the first image was deceptive. 

    However I would still say that the most common cause of the browning and loss of needles this year has been the result of the extreme heat and drought last year. 

    The effects of drought etc are slow to be revealed on conifers. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited May 2023
    The feed you have been using every two weeks contains a high proportion of potash which is good for encouraging flowering in legumes, tomatoes and annuals etc.  It is not really suitable for a conifer and too much can prevent the absorption of other vital nutrients.  Despite the browned leaves which won't return, you may be able encourage the other green growth by giving your plant a thorough watering to wash out any excess feed, then repot in a slightly bigger pot with fresh ericaceous soil based compost, mixed 50/50 with MPC and some added grit for drainage. You could improve the look of the plant by trimming out any interior dead branches and foliage.  I wouldn't apply any feed, there should be enough nutrients in the fresh compost to sustain it for the next growing season. Conifers are not heavy feeders. Some blood fish and bone added as a top dressing in Spring should be sufficient.  Any plant in a pot needs regular watering, the soil should be moist but well drained.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They certainly don't need fed - ever,  but they do need a decent pot and moisture retentive soil - not just compost, as @Plantminded says, and good drainage.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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