Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - October 05, 2009
From: Kemah, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Dying Pine Trees in Texas
Answered by: Nina Hawkins
QUESTION:
I live on the water front street in Kemah, Texas. We took water in the entire neighborhood during Hurricane Ike. That's been a year ago and now I have noticed our pines trees are starting to die. I saw one in my neighbor's yard starting to yellow about 2 months ago and now I can see a dozen from my yard that are dead in the area. Whatever is causing this is moving rather quickly and appears to be going to infect them all. I'm thinking pine beetles maybe? Could the salt water be killing them even after a full year since the storm? All the other tree species seem fine but the pines have started dying one by one.ANSWER:
You are likely right on both accounts. Hurricane Ike and the subsequent year of drought conditions have stressed pine trees, making them prone to disease and insect attack. There are several types of beetles that attack pine trees and you can contact your local Extension Office to find out if there is a particular pest causing damage in your area. Also, the Texas Forest Service has a webpage (link below) that gives an overview of several different pine tree pests. Based on your description, it sounds to me like you have Pine engraver beetles (Ips beetles). Take a look at Evidence of Beetle Attacks on the Texas Forest Service website and compare your trees with the detailed photographs of Ips beetle colonization to determine if that is indeed the critter you are dealing with. Unfortunately, the Texas Forest Service doesn't offer a chip of hope for pine trees already infested by the Ips beetle, advising home owners to promptly remove infested trees to prevent emerging adult beetles from attacking neighboring pine trees. If your trees are not yet under attack, then prevention is your best and only defense. When there hasn't been enough rain, water the trees slowly and deeply (1" to 4" of water every 10 days or so) beneath the canopy, but not right next to the trunk. Avoid damage to the bark and limbs that could be caused by weed trimmers or pruning and damage to the root system caused by vehicles or construction equipment compacting the soil. The beetles prefer to colonize sick and injured trees, so if you can maintain the health of your trees, the beetles will likely pass them up for weaker specimens.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Northern Catalpa Tree Doing Poorly
July 02, 2014 - One of our Northern Catalpa trees appears to be dying. It is about 28 feet tall and this year only about 1/3 of it is producing leaves. It is next to our largest Catalpa tree (about 65 feet tall and a...
view the full question and answer
Pruning live oak shoots from San Antonio
September 10, 2011 - I am new to TX and am curious about removing suckers/water sprouts from my Live Oaks. Everything I've read about pruning Live Oaks states that you must paint ALL cuts, so I assume that all means al...
view the full question and answer
Precautions regarding pruning live oaks in the Austin area.
October 27, 2015 - Is it still recommended that we clean pruning shears and spray wounds when pruning live oaks in the Austin area?
view the full question and answer
Problems with lantanas in Austin
September 02, 2008 - Lantanas redux! I'm having similar problems with my Lantana here in Austin, Texas, as the person in Bandera. My husband has cut it back to the ground twice this summer. It returns, beautiful vibra...
view the full question and answer
Leaf browning problem on unidentified plant from Batesville MS
October 01, 2013 - Have a night series plant that is all of a sudden the leaves on the ends are turning dark brown and eventually back to the stalk. I flushes good and cut off dead parts and it continues. Any ideas? it ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |