Identifying potential pest problems should be a part of any good forest management program designed to prevent or minimize economic losses due to pests. One of the major tasks for forest managers is to gather all the information that will help them distinguish between symptoms caused by diseases, insects, and abiotic factors. Once they positively identify a pest problem, forest managers must determine what kind of losses might be expected and what control alternatives are available to prevent or minimize losses. Because red pine is one of our most valuable species, forest managers must consider potential pest problems in their forest management planning in order to prevent economic losses.
Highest productivity occurs on sandy to loamy soils with good moisture and drainage.
Good site preparation before planting and periodic silvicultural treatments after planting are often required to maintain healthy trees. Before seeding or planting, check to see what diseases or insects will or might cause a problem for the trees in the area and develop an integrated pest management action plan to deal quickly with impor-tant pest problems that develop. If serious red pine pests are present in or near the planting area and controls are not economically feasible or available, do not plant red pine, especially on poor sites. Another species may be preferable. Survey plantations annually to detect pest problems early.