FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do my pine trees needles turn yellow and drop in the early fall?
Pines, Spruce, Firs, Arbs, Hemlocks, etc. are considered conifers (cone producing) and they all shed needles. Most commonly this occurs in late summer into fall. Needles tend to stay active and green on pines for up to three years then turn yellow and shed. This foliage is typically the inner most on the plant (the oldest). So long as the pattern is as such
there is no need to worry.

How do I water new plantings?
This is a very difficult questions to answer because there are so many variables such as:

• Plants Needs and Preferrences
• B&B vs. Container
• Soil Type
• Plant Location
• Other irrigation systems nearby
• Amount of Rainfall
• Time of Year

When planted, the root ball and immediate surrounding area should be soaked with an ample amount of water. After a week or so, plants should be watered again at a slow but soaking rate. Container plants may need to be watered more often due to the soil within dries out more quickly. The water has to reach down into the soil for the roots to benefit. Generally if there is an inch or more of rain during that week, the watering can be skipped. During hot summer months this general guide is important to follow as new plants struggle to develop new stable root systems. Cooler weather may require less watering as well as clay like soils, for they retain greater amounts of water longer than well drained sandy soil. Remember, it is just as harmful to over water and drown plants as it is to let them dry out.

What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) The Integrated pest Management program is a collaboration of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State University. The program uses many sources and affiliations to find the best stratagies for saving plants from disease and pests. IPM weighs the control methods to find the most efficient, yet non-toxic
approach to the situation. For more information see Penn State Universities Cooperative Extension.