Question
QUESTION: . We live in Pennsylvania, and have  several acres where we raise evergreens.
We have grown Eastern White Pine  for about 25 years now and never
encountered a problem. All the sudden they are turning brown on us- totally.
It happens very quickly- we just noticed a few on Friday  and now there are
many more of all ages and sizes- a few are right next to each other- most are
just random. We have spent the weekend researching the Internet and have
found nothing that matches symptom wise- there are no pests, galls, blisters
etc.Most  of the needles are browning from the tip inward, other are green at
tip and base with brown in the middle. Friday we had about 6-8 trees, today
we have seen 25 or so. Do you have any ideas for us here? At first it was just
in our buffer row along the property line in larger older trees, now we are
seeing in the field on smaller trees. If you have no ideas, can you suggest who
we might contact? Thank you so much.

I have several good quality digital pictures if that would help.

ANSWER: Sounds like you may have several problems with the pines-could be tip moth, needlecast, or pollution burn. I suggest you contact the Penn State Forestry agency and ask one of their Forester to come take a look. They have foresters in each county that do this service. Here is the web link to their contact page and you can select the county you are in and get the contact.  You could send picture but an on the ground look is best. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/serviceforesters_select.aspx

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QUESTION: Thank you but we can't seem to get an answer via call or email from them. A
county agent came out from the extension center and said it was a root
fungus that is collapsing vascular system of the trees and they will die- no
preventative or treatment. Do you know where we might get any inofrmation
on this? Would it be worth it to get an Arborist for a second opinion? We are
really upset by this and have a lot to lose.

Answer
Yes it will be worth getting a second opinion. Most extension agents will give you literature on the problem and controls. I would call the main office of the state Forestry agency. They have a Pest management Division. Here is the contact for this Division. Division of Forest Pest Management
Donald A. Eggen, Chief
717-948-3941
he should be able to get you in touch with the right person to help with this problem. This is a free service. OR you can call an Arborist but make sure they are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. That way you will be getting sound advice not just a sells pitch to use a "tree trimmers' service. Here is a web link to the search page of ISA for their certified arborist.
 http://www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/verifyArbByLoc.aspx