White specks on my contorted white pine tree - Ask Extension
I recently noticed white specks on the trunk and branches/needles of my contorted white pine tree which I just planted a little over a year ago. Can ...
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White specks on my contorted white pine tree #652060
Asked June 17, 2020, 8:25 AM EDT
I recently noticed white specks on the trunk and branches/needles of my contorted white pine tree which I just planted a little over a year ago. Can you advise me what this might be and how to treat it. I contacted the landscape company where I purchased the tree and they thought it was a fungus and advised me to get it treated ASAP.
Thank you,
Sharon Osak
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Sharon,
Could this be the pine bark adelgid?
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_bark_adelgid_becoming_active_in_white_pines
https://extension.psu.edu/pine-bark-adelgid
If it is the pine bark adelgid, it is a native insect and rarely harms the tree. If you desire treatment, there are several options laid out in the articles. If the tree is small enough, I would recommend one of the horticultural oils as you can achieve full coverage.
If you do NOT think this is the adelgid, please let me know! And if possible, take a few more pictures closer up for further identification.
Thank you,
Julie
Could this be the pine bark adelgid?
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pine_bark_adelgid_becoming_active_in_white_pines
https://extension.psu.edu/pine-bark-adelgid
If it is the pine bark adelgid, it is a native insect and rarely harms the tree. If you desire treatment, there are several options laid out in the articles. If the tree is small enough, I would recommend one of the horticultural oils as you can achieve full coverage.
If you do NOT think this is the adelgid, please let me know! And if possible, take a few more pictures closer up for further identification.
Thank you,
Julie
