42+ Pine Tree Needles Turning Brown. Browning, falling needles on pine trees may be a natural occurrence, depending on the species and age of the pine tree. Pine needles may turn brown and fall off as a result of pollution.
Needles turn brown from the tip down, needle base often remains green;
Needles at the tip of the branch are more severely discolored than those close to the trunk; Pines are evergreen trees, which means a healthy pine should stay green all year long. Dothistroma needle blight is caused by the fungus mycosphaerella pini. Browning, falling needles on pine trees may be a natural occurrence, depending on the species and age of the pine tree.