Hi, I have three of the same pine trees in my front yard in northern illinois. I'm pretty sure they are shortleaf pines. The needles are 4 inches long, grow in clusters of two and the pine cones are 2.5 inches. The branches are very widespread and the trees are rough looking. It's a little pyramidal at the top and the trees are very mature. Problem: I've lived here 6 yrs and during that time the lower limbs have more brown needles than green. And the needles drop like crazy. Seemingly all year. There is some brown spread throughout the trees but mostly the wide outstretched bottom limbs are affected. I never water them as they are very established. Nor have I fertilized. Should I try watering them? And how much? Should I try any specific fertilizer or food? Or do you think they could have a fungus or infection? Thank you so much for your help! Beth

Hi Beth:

If you're in northern Illinois, than This tree is not likely to be shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) if you're located in northern Illinois. My guess is that this tree is likely an Austrian pine (P. nigra).

Attempting to diagnose general tree decline problems over the Web is generally not very productive. Therefore, I would strongly encourage you to contact a certified arborist for an on-site assessment of this tree.

List of Certified Arborists in IL:

http://illinoisarborist.org/services-we-provide/find-an-arborist/

Best, Jay