white pine tree

Question

I planted some white pines last spring and a couple are not looking good. I attached pictures. DO you think this is normal, will they survive. Or are they dying

Answer 1

There are several factors that may be affecting your pine. There are several fungal diseases of the needles including white pine blister rust. There is “white pine decline” noticed in many states with no known cause. Then there are environmental stresses. While the tree prefers lots of sun, it doesn’t like lots of wind in an exposed site. The roots have difficulty keeping up with moisture loss. Pine also requires an acidic pH and well-draining soil. Trying to grow in clay will not work. Other potential issues include inadequate watering and incorrect planting. If this was a container plant, there could be encircling roots which will eventually kill the tree. You should have 3 inches of mulch over the drip line but not against the trunk. Check the website of your state’s county extension service (PickYourOwn.org) for information on pine diseases in your region. Extension offices have diagnostic services, sometimes via online pictures, so look into that. Of course, a professional arborist is your best bet for getting an accurate diagnosis and management plan.