Dying Pines

Question: What is wrong with pine tree if all needles become limp an droop?  Too much water?  Too little? Disease?

responder: Mary, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied July 29, 2024, 10:46 PM EDT
response: Dear Peter, Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program with your question.  You did not mention what type of pine but the pictures look like Eastern White Pines. The trees appear young but you did not say when they were planted. You did not describe your pattern of watering the trees. You stated that the needles are drooping. The foliage appears healthy. I do not see browning of needles in the photos, and I do not see evidence of needle drop. Drooping can be seen with heat stress or lack of water. White pines do best in moist, sandy loam soil. A recently planted tree may not have developed an adequate root system to tolerate dry conditions. Excessive rain can saturate the soil resulting in a lack of oxygen to the tree roots and impaired root development. This impaired root development can make the tree intolerant to an extended period of dry weather. The affected trees are on the edge of the tree line so they may receive more sun. Their roots could also be subject to trauma from mowing equipment. It is notable that there are mature pines that appear healthy behind the trees in question.  To keep your pines healthy you should water the trees during dry periods. A layer of mulch over the roots can help the soil retain moisture. White pines do best in soil with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5 so use an acidic fertilizer.  I think that the drooping is most likely secondary to heat stress and dry conditions. But if the trees do not improve with adequate hydration or you see additional findings such as browning of the needles and needle drop I would be concerned that you are dealing with another process. Close inspection of the bark of the trunk and the needles may provide clues to additional diagnoses. I should note that from the photos it appears that the trees are planted too close together. Placement of the trees should be based on the expected size at maturity.  https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/when-worry-about-needle-drop-white-pine-trees https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=245&PlantTypeID=7

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 10:06 AM EDT
response: ﻿ Thank you for this detailed response!  My first question is if you are available, for a fee of course, to come and look at the trees?  They were planted 15 months ago by a local tree service.  It was very expensive, so to i sure adequate watering, I had a dedicated line of spray heads installed solely for these pines. Everything went fine up until a couple months ago when the heat waves and heavy rains came.  I don’t water the trees or the lawn on a fixed schedule but rather make a judgement based on how much rain falls.  I tested the soil. It is sandy and had a ph reading within the limits you mention.  (I can repeat this again if needed. I just need to rehydrate and calibrate my sensor)  I have six of these trees, planted in pairs, to block the sight of a development across the street.  I realized too late that they were too close together.   The soil at the base is neither compacted nor wet.     Last: these were “nursery” trees, grown and pruned in a way to make them dense.  Not what I asked for or even knew about—but too late now.  Is it possible that the bottom-most branches should be removed so the water and air gets into the base?  Thanks, again, Peter On Jul 29, 2024, at 10:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Mary, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer  Replied August 01, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
response: Dear Peter, Master Gardeners cannot do house calls. It sounds like you have been watering the trees appropriately and the trees are planted in soil that is a favorable consistency and pH. You said that you have 6 of these trees. It was unclear from your question if all 6 of the trees have the same issue. Trees are a significant investment and I want you to have the best information to keep them healthy. A lot can be learned from viewing the trees and their surrounding environment in person. I recommend that you hire an arborist. You can use the link below to find an arborist in your area.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist If the findings are related to heat stress, hopefully the situation should improve once the temperatures start to trend down.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2024, 8:27 PM EDT
response: Sigh… The “arborist” who supervised the planting was Barretts.  I’d never hire or recommend them again.  I contacted a few “arborists” on that web site: no one has shown up yet. Very discouraged. The six trees and dedicated irrigation cost almost $12,000. Thanks for your response; seems like this will be a do it yourself project. On Aug 1, 2024, at 6:13 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 02, 2024, 9:09 AM EDT
response: Hi Peter:  You could try contacting the Chittenden County Forester and see if they can help you. Or, reach out to a local tree warden. If they can't help, maybe they can recommend someone reputable who can.   Chittenden County Forester Brandon Benedict  111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 Work phone:<personal data hidden> Brandon<personal data hidden> Explain the investment you have made, the help you have tried to get.    We hope you are able to get some positive advice and that the trees perhaps are just under stress from our hot/humid/wet weather we have had. We have seen a lot of stressed trees lately due to weather conditions.    Best of luck to you!