LLAA July 2014 Email from Arthur Howe

Yellow/Brown Crowns on your Pine Trees around Long Lake?

Wondering what is causing the yellow to reddish brown patches in the upper crown of your Red Pines, also known as Norway Pines? One of our members in Neighborhood #5 discovered this was caused by the pine bark beetle, a native MN beetle.  More than  60 trees had to be removed, from 3 properties.

The DNR Park Rapids Area Forestry was his first point of contact when he noticed reddish brown discoloration of the needles and a large amount of pine pitch on the bark of some trees.  A DNR consultant forester did further analysis with the landowner.  Then a tree service was engaged to remove the trees and safely dispose of them according to DNR guidelines, so as to not infect other pine trees:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/forest_health/barkbeetles

Pine Bark Beetle

We encourage you to examine your Red/Norway Pine canopy for stressed or dying Red/Norway Pine trees. If you find discolored foliage in the crown, which is often the first noticed indication of a bark beetle attack, please consult with the DNR Park Rapids Area Forestry, 607 1st Street West, Park Rapids, MN 56470, 732-3309.

For an historical study of pine bark beetles, including examples of the devastation caused in Colorado, visit:  Bark Beetle Blues

Should the weather pattern of drought conditions like the summers of 2012 and 2013 begin again, the DNR Forestry suggests using a soaker hose in the drip area of these trees, so that one inch of water would be received on a weekly basis by the tree.  Watering helps keep the trees healthy, less stressed and better able to resist the pine bark beetle.  [MN DNR Pine Bark Beetles Brochure.pdf.]  Fortunately, there has been adequate rainfall so far this summer.