Seasonal needle drop

Every fall, people look forward to the fall colors as deciduous tree leaves change colors and drop in preparation of winter. We expect the leaves of deciduous trees to change colors. What many people are unaware of, though, is that most conifers also drop their needles at this time.

Every fall, conifers shed some of their needles. This is a natural process known as Seasonal Needle Drop. The amount of needle-loss is dependent on species and environmental conditions. The occurrence of seasonal needle drop is often mistaken for disease or insect damage.

Seasonal needle drop typically consists of...