WHITE PINES ARE SHEDDING THEIR NEEDLES

WHITE PINE IN BACK YARD...

...SHEDDING ITS THIRD YEAR OLD NEEDLES

Saturday, 9:30 AM. 43 degrees F at the ferry dock, 41 on the back porch.  Wind W, gusty at times.  The sky is cloudy but clearing, the humidity 74%.  The barometer is rising, now at 30.19", predicting clearing and warmer weather, with a chance of rain by Tuesday.

   Every year at about this time I get questions about white pines, Pinus strobus,  loosing their needles, which turn goldrn yellow and fall off, often blanketing the ground under a large tree.  Closer examination will reveal that it is only the third year needles that fall, to be replaced by new terminal needle growth next spring.  Needle drop is common to all conifers one way or another, but is exceptionally obvious on white pines.  

   The whole process is quite  noticeable, and ads greatly to the beauty of fall.

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