Evergreen trees get their name for a reason: they’re supposed to stay lush and green all year long. So when you walk outside and notice patches of brown needles, fading branches, or a tree that suddenly looks half-dead, it’s easy to panic. However, browning evergreens don’t always mean your tree is a goner. But they are trying to tell you something.
Here’s what might be happening:
Winter Burn
One of the most common reasons an evergreen tree loses its color in winter is a condition called winter burn, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Dry, frigid winds sweep across the needles, pulling moisture out faster than the tree can replace it. Because the ground is frozen, the roots can’t hydrate the needles the way they normally would. As a result, parts of the tree literally “burn” from dehydration.
You’ll often see the damage start on the side facing the wind or the afternoon sun, turning needles bronze, reddish, or brown.
Many trees recover from winter burn once spring warmth returns. But if entire sections turn brown from top to bottom, that’s a sign the damage may be permanent.
Salt
If your tree is anywhere near a salted road, driveway, or walkway, there’s a good chance salt is the reason it’s struggling. Salt doesn’t just melt ice, but it also dries out needles, scorches foliage, and seeps into the soil, making it difficult for roots to function. You’ll usually notice the worst browning on the side of the tree closest to the road, almost like a one-sided sunburn.
Pests
Winter might feel like a quiet season for insects, but certain pests absolutely thrive on stressed evergreen trees. Spider mites, bagworms, and adelgids are notorious for attacking trees that are already weakened by cold weather.
The signs are subtle at first. A few tiny speckles of discoloration here, a few bare patches there. But what starts small can spread quickly, so the key here is early detection. Most pest problems are treatable if caught early, but if an infestation spreads through the canopy, trimming or removal may be necessary.
Trouble Below the Soil
Sometimes the browning you see above ground has nothing to do with cold weather, salt, or pests. The real issue may be happening at the roots. Poor soil drainage, compacted ground, construction damage, or hidden root rot can all make evergreen trees decline gradually, with winter stress accelerating the problem.
These situations are harder to diagnose without a professional eye. A tree may look “fine” to a homeowner while its roots are slowly failing beneath the surface. If browning is happening across entire sections, or if the tree leans, feels unstable, or has mushrooms growing at the base, it’s time for a closer look.
Not All Browning Is Bad
Now here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: some browning on evergreens is completely normal. Many species shed their oldest, innermost needles every fall or early winter. It can look alarming, especially when those needles drop all at once, but if the tips and outer growth remain green and full, your tree is simply going through its natural cycle.
How Bergholz’s Tree Experts Can Help
Cold weather is tough on trees, but it doesn’t have to be confusing for homeowners. Our team can diagnose what’s behind your evergreen’s browning, determine whether it’s treatable, and help restore your tree’s health whenever possible. If removal is the safest choice, we’ll walk you through that process too, especially if the tree poses a risk to your home or property.
