Pine Tree Decline

Pine Tree Decline

There are many factors that affect plant health. One thing contributing to decline of Pine Trees is that they do best in well drained, sandy soil. Although this habitat is plentiful in NWI, there is also a lot of clay, compacted soil. Aerating compacted soils is one way to combat this issue and increase drainage. Liquid root zone fertilizers, designed with pH adjustments, are fantastic for this purpose. Plants not in their optimal environment are prone to stress. This stress leaves them more susceptible to biotic disease, like insects and fungal problems. It is almost never one thing that leads to the demise of a tree, typically a tree is under stress leaving it vulnerable to other issues. Choosing the right plants for the environment is critical. 

One way to address the issue is to amend the soil. This is easiest when done while planting. Removing soil that is not optimum and replacing it with soil that correlates with a plant’s preferred medium. This can be done after a tree is established but is costly and requires specialty equipment. Alternatively, soil can be aerated hydraulically, and supplements can be added at the same time through root zone fertilization.   

Pines are susceptible to multiple fungal pathogens. Lack of air flow and high humidity promote these diseases. Increasing air flow is one cultural management practice that can help. Thinning pine trees is the way this is accomplished. It is often not a preferred method as it can take a toll on the aesthetic properties of the tree. Our experience has shown that although this helps, timely fungicide applications are, more often than not, still necessary.

Insects and mites also can be troublesome to pine trees. Nematoides, microscopic worms, are lethal to certain pine varieties. After confirmation and identification of insect pests, a treatment plan can be put in place. Specific insecticides and miticides are often necessary. These do require timely applications.

We have noticed that products that have worked in the past are not always effective. We have also determined that timing of applications can render the service ineffective. In addition, improper identification of disease will not lead to the construction of a successful treatment plan. The Green Advantage has had decades of experience solving these issues. Our ISA Certified Arborists are here to help!!!

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