White Pine – Yellowing

Q: I have a white pine turning yellow. It is located 20 feet from my pond. Is there any thing I can do or is this normal?

A: Although I see plenty of white pines planted in metro Atlanta, I rarely see one much bigger than yours. They seem to succumb to summer heat and pine borers by the time the trunk is 12 inches in diameter.

White pines are native to north Georgia and northwards to Minnesota. They prefer sandy loam and/or rocky soil that drains very well. My guess is that your soil is mostly clay. Summer heat out there in the open would inhibit its growth. Borers like the thin bark of a white pine and you’ll probably see some sap dripping down the trunk.

All of this just means you need to look for a substitute tree…this one is a goner.

  • Advertisement