Pine trees are true survivors who can adapt very well to their location and weather conditions, but the conifers are powerless against some diseases. Early detection is always important in order to nurse the tree back to he alth. In the following guide you will find all relevant information about the most common diseases and their prevention.
What diseases commonly occur in pine trees and how to treat them?
The most common pine diseases are lime chlorosis (nutrient deficiency), pine shoots (fungal infestation) and scleroderris disease (shoot death). They can be treated and prevented through appropriate measures such as fertilization, fungicide treatment and removal of infected branches.
General
Probably the clearest sign of a sick pine tree is discoloration and the subsequent loss of the needle coat. If you can rule out poor site conditions and care errors, it is probably a jaw disease. The three most common diseases are discussed below:
- Calcium chlorosis
- Pine Shake
- and Scleroderris disease
Calchlorosis
This disease refers to a nutrient deficiency, especially iron, which is caused by a pH value in the soil that is too alkaline. Chalky substrates are rather unsuitable for pine trees. Watering with tap water that is too hard is also a common reason for undersupply. With these measures you can make the earth fit again:
- fertilization with iron chelates
- fertilization with Epsom s alt
- Use acidic leaf compost or conifer fertilizer
- make sure to use soft water for watering (rainwater works well)
Pine Shake
Lophodermium seditiosum is what botanists call the fungus that causes the dreaded pine shake. It mainly affects young pine trees under ten years old. You can recognize it by small yellow spots that appear in September and multiply over the winter rapids. The following spring the needles are shed, after which fruiting bodies form on the pine again in the summer. The fungal infection can be treated as follows:
- dispose of infected needles immediately
- protect the pine tree with a fungicide in August
Scleroderris disease
This is an ascomycete that primarily attacks the Scots and mountain pine. Scleroderris disease is also known as shoot death and has been spreading from the south to the northern hemisphere for years. First the tips of the needles turn brown, later the leaves die off completely. Unfortunately, fungicides against the fungus are prohibited. However, there are alternative measures:
- remove infected branches
- It is best to burn infected wood
- inform the responsible forestry office
