A serious needle disease of pines, arborvitae, and spruce is not "running rampant" across the state. This is the time of year when the oldest needles of evergreens turn yellow or brown and fall from the tree. This normal senescence is often mistaken for a disease problem. Environmental stresses can influence the timing of needle drop. Seasonal needle drop is usually most noticeable on white pine and arborvitae.

This article originally appeared in the October 11, 1996 issue, p. 162.