This fungal disease causes weak places in the trunk, making the tree more likely to break in windstorms. Fusiform swellings look like indentations on the trunk. Sometimes a boring insect gets in these indentations. As it bores, pine pitch, a sticky material, oozes out. Usually, it is best to remove trees with fusiform rust.
Pines also have several insect problems.
The most serious is the pine bark beetle, which usually invades weakened trees or those stressed by drought. For more information on this insect, refer to HGIC 2010, Pine Bark Beetles . Most people get upset when the needles turn yellow and begin dropping off. In the fall, the dropping of interior needles is natural. But if yellowing occurs, have the tree checked by an expert.