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200+ Year Old White Pine #588348

Asked August 12, 2019, 12:05 PM EDT

I have a massive white pine on my shoreline on Bay Lake in Crow WIng County. It is ~8 ft diameter at the base and is about 10 feet from the shore, about 1.5 feet above water line. The sub-soil is sandy and is eroding in areas outside of this tree's root area. The bald eagles use it as a fishing roost so the top branches are a bit scraggly. The tree looks fairly healthy at this point, but I would hate to lose this tree so I want to do everything I can to improve its health. I notice a few holes in the bark where woodpeckers have been looking for bugs. Please let me know if I should be actively trying to control insects or fungus of any kind. I do not think lack of water can ever be an issue for this tree unless the lack falls significantly. It is still pretty high now. I can get a photo of the tree if that helps. Thank you very much!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

There isn't really anything you can do other than try not to injure the tree.  Don't cut the roots.  Don't pound nails into it.  Don't cut the bark with a weed whip.  Don't drive over the root system. In other words, give it TLC.  It is wonderful to have that great old tree on your property.
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied August 12, 2019, 1:30 PM EDT

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