I am a Master Gardener working at Plant Information at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I just received a call from a commercial grower of white pine who hails from the Carbondale area. He has seen sudden die off of some of his now-10-year-old trees, seemingly in a matter of days. I researched the question and determined it could be white pine decline, related mechanical issues (root rot, exposure, hard clay soil, wind) or the pinewood nematode. Although the latter is rare in this area, it could be more prevalent in your area given the milder winters and diminished die-off of insects and egg masses accordingly.

I suggested the gentleman contact the SIU forestry department and your office for some local guidance on the problem he's seen in white pines. I am hoping you can help him, and I did encourage him to come back to us if he needed more help.

Thank you! Sherry McFall

Greetings Sherry,

We've received a fair amount of phone calls this summer and early fall regarding early leaf senescence in hardwoods and conifers. Most of this, I believe, is do to the general lack of adequate precipitation this summer.

All along the I-57 corridor south of Effingham, one can see the hickories just browned-up and went dormant from drought-related stress.

Of course the pine issue you bring up could be nematodes, it also could be the result of many other contributing factors (which you also addressed). My recommendation to commercial growers is always to get a professional on-site to conduct an evaluation of the affected trees. This may include a seasoned and learned certified arborist, urban forester, pathologist, or even an entomologist.