SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

WHITE PINE

With the approach of fall, it is easy to see the subtle changes in the color of the deciduous hardwood trees in Kentucky. Soon, the vibrant colors of orange, yellows and the reds will be enjoyed by all. One group of trees that will be over looked in the fall color change will be the PINES. Often over looked, BUT NOT unnoticed.

Pines also loose a portion of their needles in the fall, but do not go through the colorful ceremony that the hardwoods do. Pines will have a portion of their needles turn brown and fall to the ground at a similar time as the hardwoods.

Many calls are made to Cooperative Extension office's confusing normal needle drop in the fall with some disease or insect attack. The most noticeable of the pines that individuals call about is the white pine, a pine easily identified by close examination of a branch and seeing the five needles in a bundle. The white pine is also identified as having a very uniform dark green foliage. With the coming of fall, the brown needles that appear contrast dramatically causing the alarm.

It is a simple task to determine if the needles are being attacked by insect or disease or simply loosing needles due to the time of year. Normal needle fall of a white pine, as well as most other pines, will have the inter most needles of the limbs, closest to the main stem of the tree, turning brown.

Normally the needles will change to a brownish-yellow first, then abruptly brown. Early in the winter the needles will fall to the ground, again leaving the tree uniformly green for the spring. Cause for alarm for any pine, as well as hardwoods, would be seeing foliage turning from green to brown on the exterior of any limb while still green on the interior. If this should develop, it would be suggested to call or take an appropriate sample for closer examination to someone with expertise in this subject.