I have a White Pine ... - Ask Extension
I have a White Pine in my front yard that does not look good. Other White Pines close by look very healthy. I've uploaded photographs. I don't no if i...
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I have a White Pine ... #132431
Asked June 05, 2013, 11:02 PM EDT
I have a White Pine in my front yard that does not look good. Other White Pines close by look very healthy. I've uploaded photographs. I don't no if it's diseased or just lacking fertilization. I can send more photos if needed.
Thank you,
Roger Eriksson County Michigan
Expert Response
I don't think that it is lack of fertilizer or disease or insects. It looks drought damage. This probably got worse last year or this spring. The soil looks very sandy. The tree does not look like it has any mulch around it. When we go months without very much rain, trees suffer. Just because other look fine, be grateful. They were able to make it through. But if this year is the same as last, they may fall on hard times, too.
If you want to water the tree when the soil is dry and mulch it with 3 inches of woodchip mulch, consider getting a soil test. You want the top 12 inches to stay damp. Wait until the top 2-3 inches are dry under the mulch, replace that. Don't wait until more is dry. Water all the way around the tree, not just one side. You can purchase it for $25 at www.msusoiltest.com But if you don't want to water and mulch the tree, save your money. Fertilizer won't fix drought problems.
Asked June 05, 2013, 11:02 PM EDT
I have a White Pine in my front yard that does not look good. Other White Pines close by look very healthy. I've uploaded photographs. I don't no if it's diseased or just lacking fertilization. I can send more photos if needed.
Thank you,
Roger Eriksson
Thank you,
Roger Eriksson
County Michigan
Expert Response
I don't think that it is lack of fertilizer or disease or insects. It looks drought damage. This probably got worse last year or this spring. The soil looks very sandy. The tree does not look like it has any mulch around it. When we go months without very much rain, trees suffer. Just because other look fine, be grateful. They were able to make it through. But if this year is the same as last, they may fall on hard times, too.
If you want to water the tree when the soil is dry and mulch it with 3 inches of woodchip mulch, consider getting a soil test. You want the top 12 inches to stay damp. Wait until the top 2-3 inches are dry under the mulch, replace that. Don't wait until more is dry. Water all the way around the tree, not just one side. You can purchase it for $25 at www.msusoiltest.com But if you don't want to water and mulch the tree, save your money. Fertilizer won't fix drought problems.
If you want to water the tree when the soil is dry and mulch it with 3 inches of woodchip mulch, consider getting a soil test. You want the top 12 inches to stay damp. Wait until the top 2-3 inches are dry under the mulch, replace that. Don't wait until more is dry. Water all the way around the tree, not just one side. You can purchase it for $25 at www.msusoiltest.com But if you don't want to water and mulch the tree, save your money. Fertilizer won't fix drought problems.