Question From: Milford, Massachusetts, United States
Q: I have a eastern white pine in Weston Ma. Approximate age is 8-10 years on site. At end of driveway slope. This years candles are about 1/3 the size of older needles. Some of the new growth is dying. It is also shedding 2 year old needles. Any thoughts. Discovered with in the last two weeks, so late september, october symptoms appeared.
White pines are under attack from needle cast disease. 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 And Happy Yardening, Nancy
Comment: Nancy, I am a certified arborist? Not the same symptoms as needle cast. These symptoms are on 2nd year needles with stunted new candles. Thanks
Chuck, Sounds like pine needle scale. The white covers (1/8th inch in length or less are only found on needles. Dormant oil can be sprayed when tree is dormant. There and many other insects that go after white pines. Check out the University of Maryland Extension website for other suggestions. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG54_IPM_Series_Pine.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/HG54_IPM_Series_Pine.pdf
