Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> Trees

Dead Lower Branches on Ponderosa Pine: Natural Shade Shedding

Self-Pruning Is Normal for Pines

Lower limbs die from lack of light as canopy closes. Dead branches with brown "moss" (likely lichens) are normal. Prune them off for aesthetics and fire safety.

Thinning Advice

Need on-site evaluation. Contact WA DNR Forestry (dnr.wa.gov) for a free forester visit to assess density and recommend thinning.

Trees: Car Fire Heat Damage to Trees: Scratch Test Recovery; What Trees Produce Peat Moss? Understanding Peat Formation; Ponderosa Pine Die-Off in Horse Pasture: Soil Compaction + Beetles; Spanish Moss on Pecans: Epiphyte, Not Parasite; Fruit Tree Selection for Central New Hampshire; Spanish Moss Control on Silver Maple: Copper Sulfate Application; Understanding Natural Cone Production Cycles in Ponderosa Pine; Using Roundup Near Young Trees Safely; Tree vs. Bush: Understanding the Difference Beyond Height; Tree Identification Resources: Website and Book for Georgia

Garden Articles

Spectracide Herbicide & Neighbor's Dying Trees: Identifying the Active Ingredient

Afghan Pines Browning in Desert: You're Overwatering

Pruning Maple Trees: Timing, Technique, and Wound Care

Spanish Moss on Dogwoods: Chemical and Cultural Control

Caterpillars on Redbud and Bagworms on Cedar: Control Guide

Plum Tree History & Luther Burbank's Hybridization Legacy

Apricot Trees: History, Hybrids (Plumcot, Aprium, Pluot), Growing & Health

Plants

Moss on Tree Stumps and Branches: Dry It Out

Stacking Cordwood Between Trees: Insect/Disease Bridge Risk

Normal Inner Needle Browning in Newly Planted Emerald Cedars

Locust with Webbing on Branch Tips: Fall Webworm Again

Assessing Ficus Tree Survival After Arizona Frost

Bare Root Trees: Pros, Cons & Best Species for Winter Planting

Why Water Oaks Drop Branches and Leaves in Early Summer