Hi, we have a mid sized pine that has quickly died over the last week. We think it might be some type of bark beetle because of numerous small holes in the trunk, a lot of saw-dust-like plugs at the base, and all the needles have turned brown. Also looking, the pine next to it (another mid-sized) looks to be the tree the adult beetles emerged from (larger holes, lots of sap globs) even though that tree is still alive. Unfortunately, we have two large pines directly next to the infected one, and 5 more large ones on the other side of the yard (80 feet away). We will obviously remove the two infected trees as soon as possible, but what else can we do to prevent the spread?

Hi Catherine, It would help to know what kind of pine it is. Each one has its own set of problems and sometimes borers come after a tree is already in decline for other reasons even diseases. you might check out this website to see if this mathces waht you are seeing. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/focus/pitchmass.cfm You are welcome to send me pictures at slmason@illinois.edu I think we need to figure out what pines they are and start there to figure out what is wrong to see if the borers are really the main problem. Sandy