Sick looking Ponderosa Pines

Question: I am concerned about my Ponderosa Pines. Some have many brown needles. They are about 15-18 yrs old. How can I get a diagnosis on the problem?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: I am disappointed I have not gotten a reply. Can you recommend a good arborist if nothing else. I am concerned that time is of the essence.  Thank you

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 5:20 PM EDT
response: Sorry, I am down a 4-H agent and it is fair time. This looks like winter desiccation.  It was pretty warm, dry and windy this winter.  If possible, we recommend watering once a month when temperatures are warm.  here is the factsheet.   Fall and Winter Watering (colostate.edu)  If this is just in range land, not much you can do. Susan C.  Chaffee County Director

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 6:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for getting back to me. I’m going to hope our wet late spring/early summer helped. RegardsJan Verde Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 19, 2023, at 3:20 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT
response: It certainly should help produce good growth for this year.  Of course the needles that are brown will not recover.  Hopefully some summer monsoon rains will help too. Susan

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 7:27 PM EDT
response: Just one more quick question. Should I remove those dead branches - at least the ones I can reach?Jan Verde Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 19, 2023, at 4:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 7:33 PM EDT
response: Yes, remove the dead branches.  I would also check for any holes just to make sure there is not an insect issue going on as well.    Microsoft Word - 613-PruningCuts.doc (colostate.edu)  Do not cut any live branches until late fall or winter as this does attract insects. Susan

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Ok but please excuse my constant questioning. If I do see holes can anything be done about insects?  If I need an arborist to come evaluate can you recommend one?  Also do you have anything or opinion about pheromone treatment?  I have heard about Verbenone. I apologize for all the questions and I very much appreciate the resources. Jan Verde Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 19, 2023, at 5:33 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 10:26 AM EDT
response: Jan, I can not recommend an arborist.  There is a website with find an arborist.  https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist  You will need to put in location, sometimes you may need to try neighboring counties.  One the pheromone and possible diagnosis of insect issues, you can contact your local Colorado State Forest Service.  Looks like there is an office in Woodland Park,   <personal data hidden>  Best of luck with your trees.  Susan

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you very muchJan Verde Sent from my iPhoneOn Jul 20, 2023, at 8:27 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.