White Pine Decline: Pine Wilt or Root Disease After Absence

Returning from a trip to find white pines dead or browning suggests pine wilt nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) or root rot. Pine wilt kills rapidly in summer; needles turn brown but stay attached. Root rot (e.g., Phytophthora) causes gradual decline.

Diagnosis and Action

• Check for blue-stain fungus in wood (pine wilt vector).
• Submit sample to UGA Plant Disease Clinic.
• Remove dead trees promptly to prevent beetle spread.
• Water remaining trees deeply during drought.

White pines are poorly adapted to Georgia heat; consider replacement with loblolly or longleaf pine.

White pine killed by pine wilt nematode.