Cindi,
What is happening to the pine trees? We have lost out big pine tree and have noticed tht the neighbors have lost theirs, driving around town we have seen alot that has turned brown and is dying. The area ours is in brings plenty of water and it has been beautiful for years. The other one is fine has lots of green needles and if you break a piece off it is very moist and green. Anything we can do to bring it back before it is totaly gone?

Patti

WHITE PINE DECLINE

White pines are susceptible to a number of disease and insect pests. Various fungi will cause wilt, rust and needle cast diseases; borers, aphids, sawflies, spittle bugs, pine shoot and pitch moths, weevils, microscopic nematodes, webworms and scale can all be problematic and to top it off, they are susceptible to air pollution. With this impressive list of pests, you’d wonder how a white pine ever survives in our area!

In addition to all these potential pest problems, white pines are susceptible to a condition referred to as “White Pine Decline”. Declining trees will have lighter colored needles than healthy pines, they will have stunted growth, branches may appear shriveled, and needles may be limp.

There are several factors that contribute to the decline of pine trees. The soil conditions play an important role; soils with high pH and high clay content will tend to contribute to Decline. White pine decline appears in areas where trees have been subjected to mechanical injury to root systems by construction, where soils are compacted and where root growth area is restricted.

The best way to control White Pine Decline is through prevention. Only plant white pines where soil conditions are appropriate, i.e. where pH is low, where soils are loamy, and where the tree will have adequate root space. Avoid soil compaction and root injury, and after planting, maintain adequate water, use mulch, and monitor and control insect pests.

Once decline begins, there is really nothing that can be done to effectively stop it. The inevitable can be postponed by taking these measures: adjust soil pH by treating with sulfur, aerate clay soils by vertical mulching, fertilize in fall, and water appropriately.

Pines will root from cuttings, but percentages are low—usually less than 33%. Start a bunch to compensate. Seeds should be stratified for about 60 days.