Hello!

I've just recently opened my eyes to the world of trees. And noticed that the needles on many sections of the pine trees are turning a golden-brown while still on the tree, dropping later (like right now) to the ground. Am wondering about the cause of this change in color. Is this natural and to be expected? Or, as I've read in a post and elsewhere, is this a signal that the tree is ailing, diseased or dying? Or can it be the result of the recent drought conditions? (Although I seem to remember this same thing happening in the past.) These particular conifers receive some slight shade in the early morning but get full sun at mid-day and afternoon. Being close to the road, they are subject to car exhausts (if these are factors).

I have another question regarding these fallen needles. (If it should be listed in the "mulch' section of the forum, please let me know.) I have read various sites that warn about the combustibility of fresh pine needles. I am assuming that this applies to these brown needles mentioned above, as well as green needles. The sites advise using these brown needles as mulch only at a safe distance from wood structures. But is there a point where these brown needles no longer pose a fire hazard? Does anyone have thoughts about how long I should wait after they've fallen from the trees? In the meantime,should they be left where they fall or can they be raked into a pile and left (at a safe distance, of course). And is there anything I can do to hasten this process? Thanks for any advice.

gary