No they wont cause a problem coniferous trees shed their needles all the time but seem to do more so at this time of year, the heat will have been part of the cause.

The only problem that could be a concern is that pine needles, especially fresh ones, will decrease the pH of the soil if dug in because they are acidic.

If they are on the surface of the veggie plot should be okay Myron. We had a complete fir tree come down in the gales a few years ago into the veggie garden with a huge shed of needles. Once the tree was cleared away we were amazed that there was very little problem from the needles and tiny twigs.

I realize that MG but Jogreen had mentioned digging them into the veg plot. I know that pine needles will become close to pH neutral once they are left to break down naturally or composted, but can create a problem if mixed into the soil fresh from the tree.

I would neither dig them in nor remove them just let them be. As I said had no effect on our veg garden - other than the loss of a few cabbages that got clobbered by the tree itself.

Thanks for all the comments - I'll leave well alone but will probably do a soil test sometime to find out how acidic it is ...meanwhile I have just visited my sister in Somerset where her garden produces fruit and veg like there's no tomorrow - think I'll move south!!