Pinus Sylvestris needle shedding.

[Robsterios]

Hi...could anyone tell me if it's normal for a short needled Scots Pine to shed "a lot" of their needles when about to re-bud...
I'm have a little panic attack atm, as most - almost all of the needles are dropping off. My Scots Pine is quite an old specimen but have not had it for a full season as yet, (purchased early Summer)..It needed a repot desperately and the root mass was pretty much growing in dust. I probably removed approx, 1/3 of the roots early Springtime and it was planted into a smaller pot with a much healthier freely draining mix incl. diatomite & fine scoria along with good quality bonsia mix... The buds look ok but none have opened as yet.. Just seems strange to shed all it's needles at this point...Any advice appreciated...

[treeman]

It does sound a bit strange. You can bet that if there's a problem it will be below ground level. Check the roots if you can. If they have white tips - no problem, if the tips are brown and break away easily - problem.