Stressed Pine Trees Lead to Beetles and Death 

A lot of pine trees have died over the summer and fall.  Many have died due to pine beetle infestations.  However, beetle outbreaks are generally associated with increasing tree stress.  Several factors have combined over the past two years in central Alabama to increase pine tree stress.  First, the most widespread impact has been high winds from hurricanes and storms, which have defoliated and reduced tree canopy. More significantly, often high winds rock trees damaging root systems and often severing the smaller feeder roots trees depend on for water absorption.

A second factor has been the recent drought, which has caused trees with hurricane damaged root systems, to become increasingly stressed.  By some estimates, mature trees can lose up to 300 gallons of water per day from transpiration.  As the summer drought lingered and high temperatures persisted, trees became increasingly susceptible to pine bark beetle infestations. 

Site disturbance can also increase tree stress.  Construction in and around trees often damage the roots or trunks of trees.  Soil compaction (paving around trees or parking heavy equipment and materials under trees), root suffocation (placing a layer of soil over root systems will reduce airflow to roots), and physical injury (removing roots within the drip line or damaging the main stem) can greatly increase tree stress.  Additionally, trees with physical injuries above ground such as lightning strikes or exposed wood attract pine bark beetles, thereby increasing the risk of infestation and mortality.

In most cases, it’s too late to save a tree by the time pine needles have turned bright rusty red.  Unfortunately, it is often at this point that many people begin to notice that their pine has a problem.  Often by the time needles have turned red, the beetles have moved to neighboring trees.  To prevent further beetle development, it is important to detected bark beetles while trees are still green.

To attempt and save an infested tree, it is essential that the problem be identified as early as possible.  Make regular inspections by looking for the white pitch tubes up and down the stem of your trees.  More importantly, homeowners must take all necessary measures to help reduce the chances of beetles spreading to adjacent trees in their yards by limiting all stress on trees. Protective sprays for pine tree are available and may help prevent some future attacks but will do no good if additional stress occurs.  

Pecan Workshop - Nov. 17th

Each year, Extension offices all cross Alabama receive calls from homeowners who are concerned about the year’s pecan crop or lack of.  The common question heard over and over is “why didn’t my pecan tree produce any good pecans this year”.  Many of these callers claim that their old pecan tree has always produced good pecans until just now.   Other calls are about controlling pecans insect and disease pests, properly fertilizing pecans, and animal pests - birds and squirrels eating the pecans before we do.   Well, all I can tell you is that it is difficult for homeowners to successfully grow pecans. You cannot just plant a pecan tree out in the yard, do nothing to it, and expect pecans to rain from it each fall.

To address most of these problems and answer your questions, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will be hosting a “Growing and Eating Pecans Workshop” on Friday, November 17th, in Autaugaville in Autauga County. This workshop is designed specifically for homeowners, master gardeners, and others who love growing and eating pecans.  The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and last until about 2 p.m.  The workshop will be held at the Autauga County Extension Office at 2226 Hwy. 14 West in Autaugaville, Alabama. (just west of Prattville).

Various speakers from Extension and Auburn University will discuss the Reasons Why Pecan Trees Fail to Produce, Basic Pecan Nutrition, Pecan Pest Management, New Home Pecan Cultivars, and Pecan Tree Planting and Care.  There will also be a segment on Cooking with Pecans and Pecan Treat Taste Testing, just in time for all your upcoming holiday cooking and parties. 

If you wish to learn more about pecans and what it takes to manage the pecan trees around your home, do not miss this workshop.  Workshop registration cost is $15 and includes lunch and handouts that will be provided. To register or obtain additional information, please contact the Autauga County Extension Office at 334-361-7273.   Registration deadline is Nov. 14, 2006.

For more information, contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-825-1050 or visit us online at www.aces.edu/Tallapoosa.