Yellowing Needles on a Newly Planted Afghan Pine

Is Your Afghan Pine Getting Too Much Water and Fertilizer?

Your three-month-old Afghan pine shows yellow/brown needles on lower inner branches. You’re deep-soaking every four days and applying 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer every three weeks. This is likely overcare.

Adjustments to Make

• Reduce watering: Water no more than once a week. Check soil moisture at 3 inches deep; water only if dry. This encourages deeper root growth.
• Stop fertilizing: First-year fertilization can burn tender roots and cause needle drop. Resume next spring if needed.
• Watch the top: As long as new growth at the tips is healthy, the tree is fine. Inner needle shed is normal for conifers.

Let the tree establish naturally—less intervention often yields better results.