Although pines are true survivors that can adapt very well to their location and weather conditions, the conifers are powerless against some diseases. Early detection is important in any case in order to keep the tree healthy again. In the following guide you will find all relevant information about the most common diseases and their prevention.
If the needles change color, the pine may be diseased
General
Probably the clearest sign of a diseased jaw is the discoloration and the subsequent loss of the needle dress. If you can rule out poor site conditions and poor care, you probably have pine disease. The three most common diseases are discussed below:
- calcareous chlorosis
- pine shed
- and Scleroderris disease
calchlorosis
This disease refers to a lack of nutrients, particularly iron, caused by soil pH that is too alkaline. Calcareous substrates are rather unsuitable for pines. 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 salts
- Use acidic leaf compost or conifer fertilizer
- pay attention to soft water (rainwater is good)
pine shed
Lophodermium seditiosum is what botanists call the fungus that triggers the dreaded pine shedding. It mainly affects young pine trees under the age of ten. You can recognize it by small yellow spots that appear in September and multiply over the winter rapids. In the following spring, the needles are shed, whereupon fruiting bodies form on the pine again in the summer. The fungal infection can be treated as follows:
- discard infected needles immediately
- protect the pine trees with a fungicide in August
scleroderma disease
This is a sac fungus, which primarily affects the Scots and mountain pine. Scleroderris disease, also known as dieback, 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. Fungicides against the fungus are unfortunately forbidden. However, there are alternative measures:
- remove affected branches
- It is best to burn infected wood
- inform the responsible forest office