Lophodermium fruiting bodies are dark brown specks, and Ploioderma fruiting bodies appear as black lines on the needles. Chemical control is usually not necessary. If trees are shaded, remove any shade-producing structures or plants, where practical, to allow increased light penetration and air movement. This highly destructive problem is a root rot disease, caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi and occurs on shortleaf and loblolly pines. It is most easily recognized in its advanced stages when the foliage is sparse and ragged in appearance.
Needles are only half their normal length and trees die prematurely.
Shade tree appearance can be improved by the application of fertilizer high in nitrogen content. Use strict sanitation to avoid introduction of the fungus and improve drainage. Plant varieties that are less susceptible to littleleaf. Loblolly pine is less susceptible than shortleaf pine. Chemical control of diseases and insects on large trees is usually not feasible since adequate coverage of the foliage with a pesticide cannot be achieved.