Eastern White Pine problems - Ask Extension
On our property in Ashtabula County we planted 19 white pine trees in November 2020 that were 4'-5' tall and the roots were balled and wrapped in burl...
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Eastern White Pine problems #879356
Asked July 30, 2024, 12:14 AM EDT
On our property in Ashtabula County we planted 19 white pine trees in November 2020 that were 4'-5' tall and the roots were balled and wrapped in burlap. We also planted 6 Western Red Cedar and 44 Norway spruce. All survived and put on good new growth each spring. The soil has good drainage and all the trees are in full sun. We spaced the trees 20' apart. In the 2nd year we installed a drip irrigation system to all trees. In the late summer or fall of 2023 we did have one of the white pine turn gray then a deathly brown. I removed it. To my untrained eye, I could find no obvious reason for its death. All other trees showed no symptoms of stress or disease. We had the soil tested by PSU in early 2023 and the ph was 6.2. We followed the recommendations for fertilizer and sulphur. This spring the new growth was the best ever. We put a 5'-6' skirt of landscape fabric around each tree and mulched with wood chips. Our weed control has been quite effective.
Yesterday I inspected the trees and found another white pine that is showing signs of a serious problem. The needles are drooping slightly and the color is fading to a gray/green. I suspect this tree will die if not treated ASAP. Perhaps it is already too late. I looked online for an answer and found several possible reasons from pathogens to insects.
Do you have a short list of potential reasons? Will the Ashtabula County extension office inspect trees? Do you have a list of qualified arborists?
All other trees appear to be very healthy.
Ashtabula County Ohio
Expert Response
There are several possibilities for the decline you are observing on your white pines and several items of concern in your description of your plant management. When looking at the provided images the needles seem to be shorter than normal. White pine needles should be 3-5" in length. Reduced needle size is a sign of tree stress. As for tree currently showing symptoms, typically by the time you see serious symptoms of decline in a tree it is too late for treatment.
Did you remove the burlap from your trees at planting? Most modern burlap contains plastic and does not degrade. Thus, the tree's root system is limited to a small soil volume, and as the upper portion of the tree continues to grow, the root system cannot support it. Second, you mentioned the use of landscape fabric and wood mulch. The mulch should not exceed 2" in depth and should be kept 6" from the base of the tree. Tree roots need oxygen to function and mulch in excess of 2" can limit oxygen. You stated that this was a wood mulch. Was this mulch allowed to age and break down or was it green? Green wood mulch would begin the natural decomposition process being colonized by a variety of fungal organisms. If the mulch is thick, the fungal mats that form during decomposition can be very hydrophobic and thus limiting the water available to the tree.
Do you see any evidence of resin on the trunk of the tree? Do the branches appear to be shriveled? Was the tree that you removed last year and the tree expressing symptoms in close proximity to each other?
I have attached two factsheets for your review. Since I don't have your exact location, I can't provide a list of arbortist. You can find a certified arbortist through trees4ohio.org by entering your zip code and under services selecting diagnostics or plant health care. As with hiring any service, ask about the cost prior to making any agreements.
Thank you contacting OSU Extension
Did you remove the burlap from your trees at planting? Most modern burlap contains plastic and does not degrade. Thus, the tree's root system is limited to a small soil volume, and as the upper portion of the tree continues to grow, the root system cannot support it. Second, you mentioned the use of landscape fabric and wood mulch. The mulch should not exceed 2" in depth and should be kept 6" from the base of the tree. Tree roots need oxygen to function and mulch in excess of 2" can limit oxygen. You stated that this was a wood mulch. Was this mulch allowed to age and break down or was it green? Green wood mulch would begin the natural decomposition process being colonized by a variety of fungal organisms. If the mulch is thick, the fungal mats that form during decomposition can be very hydrophobic and thus limiting the water available to the tree.
Do you see any evidence of resin on the trunk of the tree? Do the branches appear to be shriveled? Was the tree that you removed last year and the tree expressing symptoms in close proximity to each other?
I have attached two factsheets for your review. Since I don't have your exact location, I can't provide a list of arbortist. You can find a certified arbortist through trees4ohio.org by entering your zip code and under services selecting diagnostics or plant health care. As with hiring any service, ask about the cost prior to making any agreements.
Thank you contacting OSU Extension
