Question
My father has a small pine tree (about 1 1/2ft high) growing on his balcony. He waters the tree every other day. Recently the tree has a white film om the bark. I assume this to be fungus of some sort. The tree sort of looks healthy. I would like to know what it might be and how to get rid of the problem, in order to have a healthier tree. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Hidemi,

I would suggest that the tree has been overwatered.  Normally, there is no need to keep a pine tree that wet. If the watering is reduced to normal amounts, the fungus should not thrive in the dryer conditions.  As a rule of thumb, water the pine tree only when you can insert your index finger to the first knuckle and the soil feels dry.

At that point, water the tree thoroughly and water again only when the soil feels dry to the first knuckle.  Pine trees tolerate low nutrient conditions fairly well, but with over watering, the nutrients are depleted fairly quickly.  Add nutrients (fertilizers) only if the pine needles begin to yellow.  Water soluble fertilizers are very effective.

I wouldn't worry about the fungus at this point.  See if the fungus persists after altering the watering schedule.