We planted an Austrian Pine about 6 years ago. It is a beautiful tree and has appeared to be doing quite well until a few weeks ago when I noticed quite a bit of yellowing. I have attached a picture. From other threads it appears our yellowing is more on the outside needles than inside needles. The stems seem very pliable. I just hope I am catching this soon enough to fix it.
It does not look that bad for me from these pics. Yes, normally the inside needles change color and fall after a number of years. Too wet a soil and low temperatures could cause needles changing color (actually kind of more rusty than yellow or brown). Happened to some of my potted seedlings, but they recovered in spring. But given yours is in the ground, water logging is not likely, though I see there is a hose there. Spring will tell for sure. For now I would pull gently a pair of outside needles and see how easy they come off (better not). Also the buds should not break if pressed gently.
Winter browning. Time will tell (by spring) how much damage has been done; likely most of the existing foliage is dead, but the buds may well still be OK and leaf out as usual in late spring. But it could be less bad, or could be worse, hard to tell at the moment.
