White mold on pine tree - Ask Extension
I have a slimy white mold on the trunk and lower branches of my pine tree.I would like to know what it is and whether it is treatable or whether I nee...
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White mold on pine tree #254227
Asked June 15, 2015, 12:47 PM EDT
I have a slimy white mold on the trunk and lower branches of my pine tree.
I would like to know what it is and whether it is treatable or whether I need to remove the tree.
I would like to know what it is and whether it is treatable or whether I need to remove the tree.
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Your picture is crystal clear (I appreciate that). The limb appears to be chopped off at the top. What am I looking at?
Also, can you send me a few more pictures. One of the entire tree, to include a broader picture of the affected area and one of the needles.
Your picture is crystal clear (I appreciate that). The limb appears to be chopped off at the top. What am I looking at?
Also, can you send me a few more pictures. One of the entire tree, to include a broader picture of the affected area and one of the needles.
Kerry,
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Kerry,
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Kerry,
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Yes that is one of the branches I cut off when I was trimming the lower branches. I hope the additional photos help.
Thanks!
Sorry about all the duplicates - my wifi was acting up. I couldn't delete them but hope you can
Thank you for the additional pictures.
This could be the result of a disease caused by insect damage. Without closer examination I cannot diagnose it. I have to be able to see exit and entrance wounds on the tree and possibly identify the beetle/insect. The damage appears to be extensive.
Options:
You can also contact your local El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk and request a home visit (diagnosis) and they can take a closer look. There may be a small fee involved. Their info is:
Phone:<personal data hidden>
Email to: <personal data hidden>
Days/Times: May – September, Monday – Thursday 8-4
Or
Contact a licensed arborist they may be able to tell you exactly what is causing the damage and can determine if it can be saved.
Or
Remove the tree.
If you have infected trees, the best means of control is to remove the trees to prevent further spread of beetles. Chemical control is usually not feasible for all beetles. To prevent beetles from attacking your pines keep them as healthy as possible. Pruning should be done in the winter. Avoid injury to your pines and keep them watered during extended dryness (obviously not at this time as we have had good rain).
This could be the result of a disease caused by insect damage. Without closer examination I cannot diagnose it. I have to be able to see exit and entrance wounds on the tree and possibly identify the beetle/insect. The damage appears to be extensive.
Options:
You can also contact your local El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk and request a home visit (diagnosis) and they can take a closer look. There may be a small fee involved. Their info is:
Phone:<personal data hidden>
Email to: <personal data hidden>
Days/Times: May – September, Monday – Thursday 8-4
Or
Contact a licensed arborist they may be able to tell you exactly what is causing the damage and can determine if it can be saved.
Or
Remove the tree.
If you have infected trees, the best means of control is to remove the trees to prevent further spread of beetles. Chemical control is usually not feasible for all beetles. To prevent beetles from attacking your pines keep them as healthy as possible. Pruning should be done in the winter. Avoid injury to your pines and keep them watered during extended dryness (obviously not at this time as we have had good rain).
