Need assistance with Pencil pines - spikey top growths and browning of side growths

[Sal15]

Hi Bunnings team and all ! This forum has been so helpful with the growth of my precious pencil pines. I have noticed recently two issues I wanted to discuss

1. Some growths have browned on their ends (typical in the middle or the bottom of the tree)

2. Some new growths have a spikey-type appearance and that look different to other new growths (typically at the top of tree)

Some extra information 
Fertiliser: Dynamic lifter has been used at start of spring and then again 8 weeks later ; Seasol used every 2 weeks
Watering: 3 x per week , manual, soil moisture is routinely checked to ensure not over watered

Sunlight: Drenched in sunlight for several hours a day Brown EndSpikey GrowthsBrown EndsSpikey Growths

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sal15

Lovely pines you have 'natures jewels' yours look  very healthy at present and I dont think they are at real risk yet as yellowing is not always indicating  a major problem.  My  japanese Black pines suffering a bit too (Sydney) on the afternoon sun side mostly.

There are a whole list of possibilities from pests to diseases but you treating them so well will rule 95% of them out.  So lets  consider the recent weather patterns hot and colder rapid temperature  changes and strong winds possibly  fazzled them a  bit?  If  this is so they might be in for a  tough summer I might be temped to give them some afternoon sun/ wind break shade cloth.

At the same time please continue asking your question at Specialised conifer growers websites might  super charge you knowledge.

[Akanksha]

Hello @Sal15,

Great to see you've received advice from @Jewelleryrescue about your pencil pines. Let me also tag our wonderful garden experts @Noelle and @mich1972 for their thoughts. Our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will also be happy to provide some suggestions as soon as he can. 

In case you haven't already, you might like to read the Bunnings guide How to grow and care for conifers while waiting. 

Akanksha

[Noelle]

Excellent advice for you @Sal15 from @Jewelleryrescue !  Heat and intense sun can cause some tip damage but overall the trees are remarkably healthy. Afternoon protection may be all that is needed.

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sal15 

An additional  comment, keep researching your conifers pest and diseases for the future so you are more skilled than us and you can spot additional problems popping up if and when they occur like you did this time.  Early detection will greatly help in problem control I think you called  out nice and early by the way to get help.