White Pine Needles Are Turning Brown And Dropping And Bark Has Lots Of Tiny Holes And There Is Sawdust Like Substance At Base Of Tree

Question From: B. Shepard - Parkersburg, West Virginia, United States
Q: I have a white pine growing in my back yard. Last month I noticed the needles were turning brown and falling off. The entire tree seems to be dying. There are thousands of little tiny holes in the trunk and the limbs. There is also what looks like saw dust all around the base of the tree and all up it. What is doing this and what can be done about it?

A: You may have more than one issue going on with that tree. If it were my tree and I wanted to save it I would get an onsite inspection from a certified arborist ASAP. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best Nancy