Old needles on pines and junipers will be turning brown at this time. Remove any brown needles to prevent pests and diseases and to allow more light on the inner buds. Bushier pines can have their previous year’s needles plucked now also. Remember that a bushier tree gives the impression of youth and our aim is to provide the impression of age. A reduction in needles will result in slower water uptake. Check the soil of pines for a couple of weeks and only water when it is sufficiently dry to prevent rotting.