Eastern White Pine + Drought = Problems

Eastern white pine is native to our region.  It is best grown in an area that consists of moist and well-drained soils (not clay); however it can be found in extremes such as dry soils, rocky areas, and wet sphagnum bogs.  It does prefer to have plenty of light, but will tolerate some shade.  It can be susceptible to heavy winds and branches can be lost during storms.  It had also been found to be resistant to pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide and salts.  It can also develop chlorosis in soils that have a high pH.  (Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr)

According the Jay Hayek, University of Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist, "even though eastern white pine is native to Illinois, this species is endemic only to the northern parts of the state on coarse textured soils with relatively low soil pH. Eastern white pine grows best on soils with good internal drainage (i.e., coarse loamy to fine loamy texture soils) and they are adapted to more acidic soils."

In a normal year, when we see a white pine decline, we have attributed it to "white pine decline".  For additional information, refer to this link:   http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/pastpest/200613a.html

So, why are we seeing so many white pines decline now in Illinois?  The main reason is DROUGHT.  However, I am seeing secondary pests/diseases on trees that have experienced drought and other stresses such as:  wet or poorly drained sites, girdling roots, deep planting or mounded mulch, alkaline soil, flooding (not this year), past hot conditions, and possibly involvement of secondary root invading fungi.

Another example of stress is trees planted too closely or incorrectly in a windbreak.  For additional information on planting windbreaks in Illinois, please refer to the Illinois Windbreak Manual:  http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/iwm_complete.pdf

The eastern white pine is one of the first trees to show decline symptoms, when it is under stress.  Once the tree is under stress, it is vulnerable to various secondary disease/pest problems such as: 

Suspect Cytospora canker on Eastern white pine

Does this look familiar?  Yes, this disease is very common on spruce, but Eastern white pine can be a host for this disease.  Cytospora is confirmed by the gummy exudate on the branches, especially near the trunk.  Cytospora canker development is aided by environmental stress and wounding, which allow the Cytospora fungus to invade the tree. Fungicides are not effective. You need to help tree vitality by pruning out dead wood now, watering in periods of drought lasting two weeks, and fertilizing in the fall or early spring with a balanced tree fertilizer. If you can determine the cause of stress, of course, correct that as well.

Secondary borer hole on Eastern white pine

Often, when homeowners go out to investigate why their pine is declining, they are alarmed when they see borer holes.  Many times, these borers are not the main issue.  These secondary borers attack stressed trees and contribute to their decline.  There is not usually is not any management recommendations for these secondary borers.  If possible, reduce the stress to the tree.

Pine engraver beetle (Ips pini) holes

Pine engraver beetle (Ips pini)

We have had several reports this summer of bark beetle damage to Eastern white pine. According to Phil Nixon, University of Illinois Extension Entomologist, when a pine tree goes into decline, it is commonly attacked by bark beetles. A declining tree emits chemical compounds that the bark beetles can detect, and they fly to the tree. However, bark beetles that attack pines commonly attack the healthy trees on either side of the one in decline. In the process, they transmit blue stain fungi to the healthy trees which can cause those trees to die. In stepwise fashion, the bark beetles and fungi can kill an entire row of trees after several years. For that reason, it is commonly suggested that a pine tree in decline in a row be removed promptly to help keep the trees on either side from being attacked. Bark beetle adults emerge through pinhead-sized holes from March to October. There are usually three to four generations per year. If the tree shows symptoms of decline between March and October, one can assume that the healthy trees on either side were attacked and removing them is usually a good practice. Spraying for bark beetles is tenuous at best. They are difficult to control because they emerge at various times through the growing season. That would require several sprays per year, with limited likelihood of success.

Blue stain fungus seen in an Eastern white pine

“Blue Stain is also very common in softwoods such as Red and White Pine.  Like hardwoods,  conifers are susceptible to fungal spores floating in the air, but conifers may also become infected by bark beetles. After penetrating the bark of these trees, the beetles move into the sapwood. Here, fungal spores that have “hitchhiked” on their bodies come into contactwith the rich growing environment found there. As the staining fungi grow, discolored wood results.”-taken from http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/bluestain.pdf

Unfortunately, there are no cures for these declining trees. If possible, try to provide water in periods of drought, fertilizing with an acidic fertilizer (not during drought), and waiting to see whether the tree will respond.  If you see insects on the declining trees, get some help with identification of the species to determine whether treatment is recommended. Once the tree dies, remove it to prevent secondary insect problems that could spread to healthy trees. Consider digging the roots to rule out root boring insects, girdling roots, and other problems.