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Red Pine Tree Dying #801589

Asked July 17, 2022, 11:04 AM EDT

I have several Red Pine trees in my yard that are about 7 years old. One tree has branch needles that have turned brown in branches intermittently distributed throughout the tree. About 40% of the branches are affected. There is a drip watering source at the base of the trunk that gets daily watering during summer months. What is the best way to figure out what's killing the tree? Picture is attached. Is it too late to save tree? Thank You! Tom

Crook County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Tom, Are you able to send a picture of the base of the tree? Also how many drip emitters are in the root zone? Any other symptoms along the trunk, pitch, oozing, holes etc?

Thanks

Amy Jo Detweiler, Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied July 19, 2022, 5:38 PM EDT

Amy,

Thanks very much for your reply. I’ve attached several pictures of the tree base. There are 2 emitters which run daily during the summer months for 15 minutes…which began about 5 weeks ago this year. I don’t see any pitch oozing. The needles start turning brown at the tips & then eventually turn completely brown along the entire affected branches. I can provide more pics or anything else you need to help. Your input is very much appreciated.

Tom

On Jul 19, 2022, at 2:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2022, 10:47 AM EDT

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the pictures of the trees. About how long ago did the needles start browning? I am trying to figure out if the cause is either abiotic or biotic.

Best,

Alex Gorman

OSU Extension Forester

Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice Replied July 27, 2022, 12:17 PM EDT

Thanks Alex,

I first noticed the browning a year or so ago, but is spreading a lot more quickly so far this year. Also, the pine tree next to the affected tree, has browning at the tip top which I first noticed last year, and now it looks like it’s starting to spread…picture attached.

Not sure if I should cut the most affected tree down, or cut the dead banches only or???? I have three other healthy pine trees in the same area of my yard.

Thanks again!

Tom

On Jul 27, 2022, at 9:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2022, 3:01 PM EDT

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the picture and info, super helpful!

So here are my thoughts:

With the heat dome we had in Oregon last summer, it could be heat stress, even with the watering you are doing.
If you look closely at the base of the browning needs and along the branches, there might be a sign of insect damage
With the browning beginning at the top, it could be a root issue caused by a fungus.

Of course, the hard part about trees is that they could be afflicted with any combination of the above three items. However, I am leaning towards insect and environmental stress. I would hold off on cutting any trees down unless they pose any danger if they were to fall, as trees will often bounce back, but it can take a few years.

Hope this helps and please reach out with any further questions you may have!

Best,

Alex

Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice Replied July 27, 2022, 3:39 PM EDT

Thanks Alex, very helpful, I will hold off doing anything and hope that the tree bounces back. I’ll increase watering the trees during this hot spell unless you think that is not a good idea.

On Jul 27, 2022, at 12:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2022, 3:46 PM EDT

Happy to help. I would hold off on increasing the watering. Pines are naturally drought-resistant, so increased water may do more harm than good. If you would like to try and increase the watering, I would do so on only one of the pines.

Alex

Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice Replied July 27, 2022, 4:02 PM EDT

Alex,

My Pine tree continues to worsen. Picture attached. Do you think I should continue to hope for a bounce back or take some action? The initial picture of the tree way taken in July 2022. The attached picture below was taken on Sept. 1, 2022.

Thanks,

Tom

The Question Asker Replied September 23, 2022, 10:02 AM EDT

Hi Tom,

Thanks for reaching back. I'm sorry to hear about your pines.

It is really hard to say what will happen. I think the best course of action now is to wait it out and see if they bounce back. With the amount of dieback as of September 1st, I don't think there is much that can be done preventatively.

Feel free to keep me posted!

Best

Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice Replied September 23, 2022, 5:38 PM EDT

Red Pine Tree Dying #801589

Expert Response

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