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pencil pines have brown patches would like to fix the problem is it from under watering or a disease
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Annad20. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tree care.
From what I can see, the sporadic browning on your pencil pines is quite typical of a few common issues. One of the most likely causes is cypress canker, a fungal disease that enters through wounds in the tree and causes entire branches to brown and die off. If you look closely at the base of the browned sections and notice cracked bark or oozing sap, that’s a strong indicator. Affected branches should be pruned well below the damaged area and disposed of — just be sure to sterilise your tools between cuts to avoid spreading the infection.
Another possibility is root stress caused by poor drainage. Since your pines are planted in a raised bed, water might not be draining properly, especially if there’s compacted or clay soil underneath. Inconsistent moisture can affect root health and cause dieback in parts of the tree. It’s also worth checking for pests like spider mites or cypress aphids, which can damage foliage and cause browning. Mites are hard to spot, but you can try tapping a branch over white paper to see if tiny moving dots appear.
Given the extent and pattern of browning you're seeing — especially if it's progressively getting worse — there's definitely a risk of losing the tree if the underlying issue isn't addressed soon. While it could still be something treatable like cypress canker or root stress, it’s best not to leave it to guesswork at this point.
I’d strongly recommend reaching out to a qualified arborist (often referred to as a “tree doctor”). They can properly assess the health of the tree, identify any diseases or pests, and advise on whether treatment is possible or if removal is the safer option. Arborists can also check the structural integrity of the tree to ensure it doesn’t become a hazard if it continues to decline.
It’s a good move to act early — treating the problem while the tree is still mostly healthy gives you the best chance of saving it.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
