Japanese white pine

[Kevalli]

Loosing a few branches of my white pine and not sure why? Hope this doesn’t get worse, has anyone got any advice please. I’ve had the tree for just over a year now and know it needs repotting but am waiting until next spring. Hopefully it’s gonna get through the winter months ok?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Weak shoots die out, which is how this looks to me, the rest of the tree appears very healthy. You may want to pull some old needles to allow better light and air into the interior of the tree, not as aggressively as with JBP, but the same concept. Prune strong shoots back to smaller shoots to keep the profile/balance strength, and then remove all 2-year old needles, and some of last year’s needles. JWP does better in soil on the dry side, but I would absolutely not repot it until spring.

 

[Shibui]

Agree that those are minor and probably not a symptom of general decline.
Branches can die from a number of causes.
Not enough light is one possible cause. I note the tree is under slats which already provide something like 50% shade. That's already probably a bit too shady for a pine. Make sure you rotate the tree regularly. Extra shade from a nearby fence can be enough to cause branches to die. Even self shading because the sun comes from one side each day can be enough to weaken or kill branches on the shady side (north for you guys?) Turning your trees each week or so allows all sides to get even lighting to keep all branches equally strong.
Physical damage is another. Those little shoots may have been bent or knocked some time ago. It can take several months for such damage to show and, by then, you've forgotten about that day something fell over on the tree.
Root problems can also kill branches but I'd expect the problem to be more widespread than just 2 smallest branches in that case.
Dehydration can also kill off smallest branches but, again, the rest of the tree looks too healthy for that to be a cause. Watering becomes more and more of an issue when trees become pot bound. If you know your tree needs repotting it pays to give watering extra attention to ensure the soil is not over or under watered.

 

[Kevalli]

Thanks so much for the advice. I guess it probably has been in too much shade as it sits on the pond side under a slatted canopy. I will put it in full sun and get it through the winter and look forward to getting it in some descent soil next year..

 

[Lazylightningny]

As stated above, these look like weak interior shoots that need more direct sunlight.

 

[Paradox]

When removing needles on a JWP, cut them with a fine pair of scissors. Do not pull them like JBP. The bark is softer on JWP and you could damage latent buds at the base of the needles by pulling.

 

[Kevalli]

Does anyone know what this white residue is which I’ve just noticed on some of the branches ?

 

[River's Edge]

Does anyone know what this white residue is which I’ve just noticed on some of the branches ?View attachment 610516

I would suggest it is likely Pine bark adelgid (Pineus strobi).

 

[Kevalli]

I would suggest it is likely Pine bark adelgid (Pineus strobi).

Is it treatable or harmful ?

 

[River's Edge]

Is it treatable or harmful ?

Yes it can be harmful and it is treatable. Because you are in the UK it would be best to seek advice on locally available treatment. Perhaps someone in this forum that lives in the UK or is aware of treatment options available. you can copy this into a browser and gain a better understanding to begin with.

What Are Adelgids and How Do I Get Rid of Them? - Cowen Landscapes

Uncover what are adelgids and how they damage conifers like Sitka spruce, plus find effective ways to get rid of them and safeguard your trees.

cowenlandscapes.co.uk

 

[Potawatomi13]

I wonder if it is lichen if not the bugs. See if it scratches off or squishes instead. If it is the bugs insecticidal soap should work but may need more than one application.

 

[Shibui]

Looks like adeljids to me. They can be quite hard to get rid of. When they turn up here I use a systemic but I don't think systemic is available in UK.
Insecticidal soap might work but it is a contact insecticide which means it must get on every bug to kill them so several repeat sprays may be needed to treat the infestation. Then there will be new hatchings from eggs so another round of sprays to get those.
I haven't used it but alcohol should also be effective but, again, contact required so repeat applications needed.

 

[Lara_Ericacious]

alcohol should also be effective

I've used Isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton bud applied directly to the adelgids on a much smaller infestation. With repeated applications it worked. Tedious though.

 

[Shibui]

I've used Isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton bud applied directly to the adelgids on a much smaller infestation. With repeated applications it worked. Tedious though.

Good to know it is effective. Just need to get it onto every one of the little buggers.
I have a dim memory of spraying alcohol onto trees to treat something like this. I'll need to try it to make sure my memory is correct and alcohol is safe for spraying on leaves before recommending it though.

 

[Lara_Ericacious]

I didn't notice any damage to foliage from my application, though spraying it would be much different.