Question
5 year old pine, started at base of tree, branches started to get brittle, pine needles turned brown, trunk turning black with white spots. Now it has started to spread to next pine, base of that pine is black! what could be wrong?

Answer
HI,John                                                                  How r u?It sounds like u have pine bore/pine beetle the bark would have a black stain on it or exit wounds!The white stuff on bark sound like bark adleid  which is a soft shell bug.The bore is the main problem and i dont want to lose your trees so  dont waste time and hire a ISA certified arborist in your area they will b able to treat.with  a injection and spray,GOOD LUCK!!!!KEEP ME POSTED!!!