Question #1: We live in Muskogee. Could you tell me if my norfolk pine tree could be set outside year round. I bring it in during the winter. It seems to flourish during the warm months outside. But the bottom limbs start drooping really bad and start getting yellow as the top puts on another set of limbs. What kind of fertilizer do I need to use and how often do I need to water? I was told at a nursery here in Muskogee that it was turning yellow because I was not watering it enough and about once a week to pour enough water on the plant that it would run all the way through and soak the plant good.
Answer: Norfolk Island Pine is not cold hardy to Oklahoma winters. It prefers medium to high interior light, but protect from direct sunlight. Keep soil moist and avoid allowing the soil to become excessively dry. Watering the plant thoroughly each time you water, allowing the excess water to drain off, is a good idea. Yellowing and loss of older branches can be due to under watering, poor light , or even overwatering. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 every 6-8 weeks. Be sure to follow label rates and directions.
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