plucking needles: Scotch pine

[michaelt]

Question re: plucking needles on a Scots pine.

I assume that this is an acceptable time of year to pluck last year’s needles on a Scots pine. Correct or incorrect assumption?

If it is an acceptable time to pluck needles, should they be plucked, rather than cut? Or does it matter? If plucked, pluck one needle at a time or both? If cut, leave 1/16th inch or so of needles in the sheath?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Mike Thiedeman
Richmond, IN

[mboatman]

I personally would not pluck the needles. That risks damage to the possible emerging buds underneath the needle. I cut as close as i can without being so close that i risk snipping the branch/trunk. The needles on my pines(not scotch pine) fall off after awhile without help.