Does anyone know how to stop a baby pine tree (approx. 3 years old) from dying? The tree still has a lot of green, but it's getting brown spots and that's telling me it's starting to die.

It's not planted in the ground, but rather in a terra cotta pot. The pot is bigger than the tree.

Can anyone help me?

There is an infection called 'Brown-spot disease' and I think it is like a fungus. So maybe an anti fungal spray might help. Had you thought of showing it (or its photo) to you local garden centre or park management people.? Just a thought. Since they are in your area they might know what it is.

Thanks Ren! I'll be sure to do that!

I have had the tree since Christmas time, when it was half the size it is now, and it survived the winter. I don't want to lose him. My sister named him Percy the Pine tree...it fits.

The fact that it survived the cold winter points even more to a virus or something doesnt it?Sounds like an expert should see it
Surely there is a tree doc at FT somewhere?

Agnes,
It could be just normal dessication that a pine goes through, salinization from chemicals in your water bringing out too many salts, and yes, a fungus of some kind that can be treated if you catch it quickly. Pine trees, like miniature Norways, that are grown in pots are very prone to all these. I would take either a picture or, better yet, a cut portion of the tree to your local nursery and have them look at it.

My sister found someone that she works with that knows about trees/flowers/plants.

The over-sized terracotta pot has a water catcher, and that is what is causing Percy to turn brown. So, we removed the water catcher a few minutes ago. Have to say that the water was very stagnant.

Pine trees have a water tap, so the water catcher on the pot was causing Percy to retain too much water and thus drowning slowly on stagnant water.

Oh great news! I do hope he now survives. Good on yer Perce!

Can we have a follow up on Percy at Christmas time - and perhaps a picture.

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Can we have a follow up on Percy at Christmas time - and perhaps a picture.

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Definitely! Percy will be decked out in full Christmas style (providing that we got to him in time! Fingers crossed!).

I am so glad to hear Percy is hopefully on the mend! This will give him time to spruce up and look good for his decorating ceremony.

I am bringing this one up as I need to know how Percy is doing? I hope the prognosis is good.

ren,
If I'm not mistaken, I believe Percy did not make it. Will have to wait for Agnes to confirm his demise though.

Oh no!!! I hope I haven't opened up sad memories for Agnes. Trust me to put my foot in it.

Some house plants also suffer, if they have water catchers. I water my plants in the sink, (small;) and let them drain there. Then the catcher only gets a few drips, and no standing water.

The original Percy has long since been gone, unfortunately.

However, in his honour, we have two new Percys...Percy Jr., and Percy III. We have had them since about a week after the original Percy passed on to that great pine tree heaven.

The youngsters are doing very well! We will have to take photos of them when the snow thaws a bit more, and post them in the photo a day for you Ren...you will love how nice they both look!

Well I look forward to it, XX
Auntie Ren