Hello James,

I am sorry to hear about your Mugo Pine. Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) prefers deep moist loam in sun or partial shade.

Mugo Pines are subject to rusts, wood rots, fungal diseases such as dothistroma needle blight, borers, sawflies and especially scale. Scale insects usually attack trees that are stressed. Read about Pine needle scale and how to treat it here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/time_to_check_for_possible_pine_needle_scale_problems

If you have not done one, a soil analysis would let you know if there is a problem with the soil which may stress the tree. To obtain a kit, go to: https://shop.msu.edu/products/soil-test-mailer

From the picture, it is difficult to say what could be causing the problem. MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab for analysis and recommend management of the problem. Go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ to learn how to submit pictures and samples.

A certified arborist will be able to assess the tree. Go to: www.treesaregood.org the website of the International Society of Arboriculture to find an arborist in your area.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.