Keep weed trimmers and lawn mowers away from trunks, for example by maintaining a several foot area around trunks free of turf and other vegetation. Protect trunks from other sources of injury, such as from vehicle bumpers. Plant only species that are properly adapted to the area. Certain pines are much less susceptible to sequoia pitch moth. Learn the cultural requirements of pines and provide proper care to maintain vigorous growth.
Appropriate irrigation is especially important to tree health.
Inappropriate watering is probably the most common problem with landscape plants. Trees are damaged by watering too frequently or by inadequate irrigation. When irrigating trees, apply water beneath the outer canopy, not near trunks. Avoid frequent, shallow watering that is often used for lawns. This can be achieved by applying water slowly through drip emitters that run continuously for about 1 to 3 days.