Mugo Pine Issue

Question: Could someone please identify in the issue in the attached photos with our Mugo Pine Trees?
We are wondering if it is treatable, and if it will kill the trees 
Thanks for your help!
Pete Rand

responder: MJ Replied October 18, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
response: Hi Pete, This looks like a serious infestation of pine needle scale. It can be treated in spring when the nymphs hatch under the hard white areas. It can kill plants, especially if they’re already struggling. See these pages: https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/scales/pine-needle-scale https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/insects/scale/pine-needle-scale Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 18, 2024, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help. Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden> Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 18, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 18, 2024, 12:15 PM EDT
response: Would it be a good idea to remove the trees before the insects emerge in the spring? Can they harm a nearby spruce tree?Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden> Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 18, 2024, at 11:03 AM, <personal data hidden> wrote:﻿Thank you for your help. Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden>Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 18, 2024, at 9:22 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied October 21, 2024, 8:48 PM EDT
response: Pete, this is from one of the pages I sent you: "Pine needle scale, Chionaspis pinifoliae, is a common insect pest of pines in Missouri. It is most frequently found on Mugo, Scotch (Scots), and Ponderosa pine but will also infest Austrian, red, or white pine and most spruces. Light infestations often go unnoticed and cause little damage. As the population increases, needles become covered with the white-scale insects, which suck juices from the needles. A heavy infestation can cause whole branches to die, or in severe cases, kill the plants." Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 22, 2024, 10:30 AM EDT
response: Thank you, MJ. Is it possible to have a two minute phone call with you?Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden> Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 21, 2024, at 7:49 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied October 22, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
response: Hi Pete, Sorry, this is an email service. If you want to elaborate or are unclear on anything please add information here and I’ll help as best I can. Thanks.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 22, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT
response: An additional question:The three infected Mugo Pines are completely covered with white spots. Because a Black Hills Spruce is with 12 feet of the Mugo Pines, should they be cut down now or in the spring to protect the Spruce?Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden> Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 22, 2024, at 10:02 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied October 22, 2024, 5:28 PM EDT
response: Pete, this decision is yours. You can treat the mugo pines in the spring (as mentioned in the links) and see what happens, or if you decide saving the spruce is most important and you want to eliminate the disease threat, remove the mugo pines. One thing to consider is how healthy the mugos are. Do they look otherwise healthy? I see dead needles in one of your photos. If the pines are far gone, it’s probably best to remove them. Carefully examine the black spruce for signs of scale. You should watch for future signs of the pest, even if you remove the mugo pines. In early stages it’s easy to treat with oil sprays that are pretty safe to the environment. Keeping plants healthy by watering during dry periods is important, as this pest likes stressed plants. The last six weeks have been very dry, so you should give the spruce a regular drink right up until the ground freezes. If you’re still unsure what to do have a certified arborist inspect the trees in person. You can find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist Hope this helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 22, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your help!Pete RandEmail: <personal data hidden> Ph:<personal data hidden>On Oct 22, 2024, at 4:28 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿