Question
I have a loblolly pine that has a black sooty discoloration on its needles.  Can you tell me what is may be and what to do with it?

Answer
The mold you are seeing is called sooty mold. It grows on the excrement (honey dew) from aphids. Aphids are small insects that suck the juices out of plants. The mold will grow on the sticky juice. The mold itslf will not harm the tree. If you control the aphids the sooty mold will go away. Spray the foliage with an insecticide. I would wait until spring to spray. Check with your local garden type store for a "Systemic: insecticide for aphids they should be able to help.