Question
I've surrounded our one-acre home site with White Pine trees, about seventeen in all.  There is one specific spot where the White Pine has died within weeks of being planted.  It seems that the growth is stumped, and the needle tips begin to yellow after about 3-4 weeks.  We've planted three different White Pine trees in this spot, with the same results.  

I would like to give it another try, to fill in that gap with another White Pine.  I have intentions of removing a great quantity of dirty surrounding the site, and replacing it with bagged potting soil.  Is this a good idea?  Not sure where to go with this.  Thanks for any advise you can offer.

Respectfully,

Geoff in Southern Illinois

Answer
Sounds like something environmental wrong with the micro site where the pine was planted. Without seeing the site or the location all I can do is give some general ideas of places to look: Is there a fill line from a septic tank going into that area? (the chemicals in the septic tank will harm trees). large rock under the ground making the soil thin in that area? Chemical spill in that area (oil, etc.)? I would dig and remove an area about 4 times the width and about twice the depth of the rootball of the new tree and fill with good top soil, not really necessary to use potting soil but that will work. and the try again. Mulch the area with about 3 inches of mulch. You might also call the local office of the Ill. State Forestry agency and ask one of their forester to come out and see what they think is the problem. Their Phone # should be listed in the phone book.