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1 OF 4 PINE TREES IN A CL... #637038
Asked May 17, 2020, 8:21 PM EDT
Wood County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi
Based on images provided You have Austrian Pine showing
symptomology of Diplodia Tip Blight and Zimmerman Pine Moth. Pine trees
prefer a well-drained gravel type soil. When installed in heavy compacted clay
soils and planted at less than twenty-foot centers, trees decline as they begin
to mature, which is often the case.
Control of Diplodia Tip Blight is by loosening up the soil
profile under the root zone of the tree. Core aeration, or vertical mulching is
drilling holes in soil profile around root zone of tree. The tool used is an ½
inch drill with either a yard butler bit, or an 18-inch ¾ inch concrete bit.
After the core aeration process, and your pines is responding to new growth,
the Zimmerman Pine Moths should decline. Another method for vertical mulching
or core aeration is contracting out with a tree care company that provides this
service. Average cost is from $250.00-$350.00 for one tree and up to a $1000.00
or more for several trees. Zimmerman Pine Moth control is obtained by spraying
tree with an insecticide in April and May and Again in September through
mid-October. Choose a pesticide labeled for pines and Zimmerman Pine Moth. Zimmerman
Pine Moths are considered a secondary issue caused from the primary issue of
stress. Consequently, spraying for moths will only be effective if tree is not
relieved from root stress.
Unfortunately, these control methods will only be effective
if tree is 10-15% affected. If tree is 16-35% affected control drops to approx.
40%. If more than 35% affected no matter what we do tree normally
continues to decline to death.
Hope this information helps!