My tree has a lot of white streaks...?
Question:At home, a tree in my front yard has several long white patches which stick out. I think it might be some sort of fungus. I live in Colorado and the tree is a pine tree. Does anyone have any kind of idea what might be happening to my tree?
Answers:
It's crystallized pine sap. This is usually an indication of Zimmerman pine moth infestation. Look to where the sap initiates on the bark. If it is coming from between the branches, then it is Zimmerman Pine Moth. The adult lays her eggs in spring. The larva hatch and then bore into the pine tree where they feed on the living cambium just under the bark. In late summer (mid-August in the Chicago area) the larva exit where the branches meet the stem. Another sign, in spring, is candles (new growth) on the ground near your pine tree. The larva start feeding at the branch tips and knocks off the new growth as they eat the cambium. Also, look for white crystallized pine sap on top of the lower branches near the edges. This will be the pine sap from the upper branches where the Zimmerman Pine Moth has knock off the candles. You can spray Zimmerman Pine Moth with permethrin* in April (when saucer magnolia is in pink bud to early bloom) & mid-August (in Chicago area when panicle hydrangea is pink) when the larva /adults are crawling on the outside of the branches. August is the best time to spray for control. If you do not control Zimmerman Pine Moth, the pine will be disfigured, the top may snap-off and the tree will ultimately die. Check with your local extension office to confirm that you have Zimmerman Pine Moth & to determine the best application dates in your area.
*Note: Permethrin is a restricted use pesticide & requires a licensed pesticide applicator to purchase/use.
I consulted with my husband who majored in forestry science. He said it's probably sap leaking. He said that he would have to see a picture in order to tell you what's going on and what to do for it.
If you have a pic, you can e-mail it to my yahoo mail. I'll share it with him.
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