Question

Tanyosho  

Tanyosho   Attached are two photos, which is the max that the system allows. I'll send you a few more in separate messages.

I don't see any evidence of holes in the trunk. The bark has been peeling from the trunk for several years, at least. That hasn't interfered with the life cycle in the past. Many pines have been lost in the Denver area, which is being attributed to an unusually dry winter.

Your Question was:

I have a home in the Denver area. Last winter was exceptionally dry, and I wasn't here to do any watering. I have a twenty-year-old tanyosho that is in bad shape. It has more brown needles than green ones. It seems to be trying to put out some candles, but they are barely pea-size. Is there anything I can do to help it along, besides watering? Thank you for your generous help.

Following is the reason:

I am not real sure about the problem. It could be a needle disease, canker disease or insects. If you can  attach a picture of the tree and a close up of the new growth and I will see if I can determine the cause of your problem. You can attach pictures to the question. Also you might check the trunk and see if there is any indication of borer damage (holes in bark, saw dust etc).Thanks

Expert: Jim Hyland

Answer
Does not look like any insect problem. It could possibly be a needle cast type disease. But I would say it is a reaction to the harsh weather conditions that you were leaning toward. I think IF so the new growth will take over the dead needles. The foliage may look a little sparse to begin with after the dead needles fall off but I think it will be OK. I would not over water it. Water with 1 inch of water per week. Place a pan under it near the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. I would not fertilize it until next year that way it will give the roots system time to recover. Even if it is needle cast fungi the treatment would be the same. There is not need to apply any fungicide. Needle cast fungi infections are a result of weather conditions being abnormal. Sorry it took so long to answer I have been under the weather and had not been able to get back on the computer. I think it will recover.