The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Tree-Needle Diseases Damage White Pines

June 17, 2010 - AUGUSTA -- Tree needle diseases are causing significant needle damage to white pines throughout Maine, according to the Maine Forest Service.

The Forest Service has received at least 40 inquiries about needle loss on white pines in recent weeks, said William Ostrofsky, a Maine Forest Service pathologist.

While the fungi thought to cause the damage to new-growth needles is "very widespread," so far it doesn't appear to be causing tree mortality, Ostrofsky said. A drier spring and summer this year also could reduce the amount of damage for next year, he said.

According to the latest forest inventory data, Maine has slightly more 9 billion board feet of white pine trees. The acreage of the white pine forest type, over the entire state, is approximately 1.4 million acres. Most white pine acreage is found in the western and southwestern part of the state, Ostrofsky said.

The MFS is asking Maine landowners and foresters to closely monitor tree conditions and disease development. Those who observe white pine mortality are encouraged to call 287-3008.

by staff reporters, Morning Sentinel, June 17, 2010

Lakes:
Regions:


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News