We are looking for a resource to provide information on pine trees aging and diseases.
We have trees on our property that were topped, prior to our ownership of the home. The topped trees are all dead and now some of the neighboring pines are showing signs of disease. Dead needles on the tops of the trees.

We know that pines do not have a long lifespan, we believe these pines are approximately 50 years old. We were told by a neighbor, anxious to have the trees cut down, that they have a bug infestation and if we don't cut them they bugs will spread.

With some of the reading I have done I learned that bugs will jump into trees that are already starting to die.

We want to do what is right and will remove if necessary,but have a couple of questions would love to find answers to:
*if we cut the dead or dying trees down will that stop the bugs from jumping into other pines?
*Will spraying or injecting the trees kill the bugs without having to cut the tree down?
*Is the tree dying naturally?

We are looking for a resource to help who is interested in giving us advice and not trying to make a sale. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Reply to post by Wendi, on August 28, 2001 at 13:20:59:

First, you don't give us any information on location or species. It might be helpful to know also the associated trees, stress factors such as drought, nearby construction, compaction, flooding, etc.
Generally, there are pests of pine that succeed in killing weakened trees, or even healthy ones, if they are overwhelmed. A tree that has become a breeding place for certain insects can provide the population base of out-going insects to attack neighboring trees, sometimes miles away.
It may, therefore, be important to remove and properly didpose of trees or tree parts that have become breeding grounds for destructive pests. Of course, it is important to have a knowledgeable person identify the tree condition and any pests or diseases present, so that a recommendation can be made for action.
You can hire a consulting arborist, with the understanding that they will only be doing inspection and diagnosis and recommendation.
You can also educate yourself to a degree by using the knowledge you have to search for information relating to your trees, using the internet. It never hurts to be an informed person.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on August 28, 2001 at 13:20:59:

Mark,
Thank you for your follow up. We live just outside of San Francisco and our weather is warmer than the city, no fog. I believe the trees we have are Monterey Pines, but not 100%. Approximately 50 years old. We are looking into it and trying to find an arborists. We have been extremely dry this year as well. I was told lots of the pines in this area are having problems due to the dryness of the ground. The bugs are getting into the trees that are struggling and making the problem worse. One arborists mentioned we might have drought condidtion paired with Ips beatles. She also mentioned that cutting down the disease/infested tree does not guarantee it will save other nearby trees.And that watering may help the so far uninfected trees by making them stronger. Does this seem accurate?

Reply to post by Wendi, on August 28, 2001 at 15:05:26:

Water stress is often a factor, especially when a tree is grown outside its natural range.
I hope you find the link helpful. There is much to digest. Ozone can damage, as well.