Diagnosing a Newly Planted Conifer Turning Brown from the Bottom Up

Symptoms and Likely Causes

A 3-foot cone-shaped shrub with soft needles (likely a pine) planted in mid-May looked great until recently. Now browning from bottom up and inside out, with droopy, pale green needles. Heavy recent rains may be a factor.

Primary Suspects

• Transplant Shock: Root system hasn't established.
• Waterlogged Soil: Poor drainage in heavy rain suffocates roots (lack of oxygen).

Immediate Actions

Check for standing water around the root zone. Apply granular fertilizer to stimulate root growth. Survival chance is roughly 60/40. Avoid overwatering. Improve drainage if possible. Monitor for new growth at tips.