Knowledgebase
Pine tree tops dying #198596
Asked July 11, 2014, 5:53 PM EDT
HI there,
I appreciate your help on this matter of my pine trees. Thanks in advance.
I have several pine trees that have the tops dying off. What might be causing this and what might be the cure? Pesticides or what type of tree spray for the insect of fungus if one? 3 pictures are attached. I have 6 different trees that look to have the same issue, sizes from 2 feet tall younger ones to 8 feet tall. I have had at least one tree completely killed from a year or more ago when it started. One of these trees is known to be a Blue Spruce, others are some other green pine tree - picture attached of the green tree. Another picture attached of the very top as a close up of the green pine tree. Also a picture of the tree that died over the last year.
- What might be causing this?
- Can the disease or bug be killed/removed?
- What might remedy the problem?
- At what point may the tree be too far gone from this that it is not worth trying and better off to remove and replant the tree?
- Is this something that I can purchase and apply or must it be done by a chemical company?
- Is this the same issue that has been killing off trees in the Colorado forests?
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
The first picture of the spruce looks like winter desiccation injury.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2129.html
The hard winter is the cause. Be sure to water trees throughout the winter. That helps.http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07211.html
The third picture looks like woodpecker holes probably because there were insects of some kind. Insects get started when the tree is stressed. Improper watering is a major cause of stress in Colorado trees.
I would remove the dead tree. Insects may spread to other trees.
No. This is not the pine beetle found in the trees in the mountain areas.
You may remove dead branches or tips of branches, but I would not remove the top that is dead.
Your best solution is good tree care and watering.
