Pine trees dying - Ask Extension
Good morning!I was out at my treeline in Ellicott and noticed the tops and tips are brown. They are Austrian pines and do not have a dripline. My neig...
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Pine trees dying #382647
Asked January 21, 2017, 1:40 PM EST
Good morning!
I was out at my treeline in Ellicott and noticed the tops and tips are brown. They are Austrian pines and do not have a dripline. My neighbor said it may be moth larvae. What should I use? I would like organic but know this may not be available. Thank you!
I was out at my treeline in Ellicott and noticed the tops and tips are brown. They are Austrian pines and do not have a dripline. My neighbor said it may be moth larvae. What should I use? I would like organic but know this may not be available. Thank you!
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Do you have the capability to send us a few pictures? Close up of the brown tips. A broad picture of the entire tree. One of the ground where the trunk meets the soil.
Do you have the capability to send us a few pictures? Close up of the brown tips. A broad picture of the entire tree. One of the ground where the trunk meets the soil.
Here are some pics. There are a lot of elms growing in and around the pine trees.
Thank you for your patience and the great pictures. After conferring with my colleagues we have determined that two things would be best plan of action.
One, it is hard to diagnose insect damage on the internet. We suggest you take a sample in to the El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk located at 17 N. Spruce Street, 2nd Floor. Call them for current office hours. Collect a 12-24 inch long branch with needles attached. Sample should show transition from healthy to affected needles and or indication of insect presence.
Two, the browning appears to be lack of winter water. Did you been doing any monthly supplemental watering?
One, it is hard to diagnose insect damage on the internet. We suggest you take a sample in to the El Paso County Master Gardener Help Desk located at 17 N. Spruce Street, 2nd Floor. Call them for current office hours. Collect a 12-24 inch long branch with needles attached. Sample should show transition from healthy to affected needles and or indication of insect presence.
Two, the browning appears to be lack of winter water. Did you been doing any monthly supplemental watering?
I did not do watering over the winter! Thank you for the information and I will take a sample in. I will water and there are some elms that may be taking any water.
I apologize that my fingers typed faster than my mind! I meant to type: Have you done any monthly supplemental watering?
It sounds like you are on the right track. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
It sounds like you are on the right track. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
