Growing white pine does require some management effort. Tree mortality from blister rust and damage from weevil attacks should be expected even if the recommended guidelines are followed. However, high quality trees can be grown and damage minimized with planning and a modest amount of effort. The intensity of both blister rust and weevil varies depending on location. Rust incidence is most severe where late summers are cool and damp.
Weevil attacks cause the greatest damage in more northern locations.
Weevils are almost non-existent in the southern part of the range of white pine. Blister rust incidence is low in Michigan's Lower Peninsula though weevil injury is prevalent there. Even in areas generally considered low risk for blister rust you can find localized problems, therefore the best advice is to ask a Forest Service or state forest pathologist or entomologist for the incidence of both blister rust and weevil in your area. Symptoms White Pine Blister Rust Symptoms vary with different stages of disease development. These cankers can persist for several years before a branch is killed.