QuestionWe have a Japanese black pine approx. 30 feet tall. We live very close to the Atlantic ocean. The side of the tree closest to the ocean is fuller than the opposite side. In general the tree is appearing more and more sparse the past few months. Needles are still green, with a few brown.It has been treated every year for pine bark beetles. Is it dying? Is there anything we can do now or in the Spring to save it? 1-3-2011. Thank you.
AnswerI would fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Apply the fertilizer just before a rain storm and you will not need to water.
Treating for Bark beetles every year is not a good idea. Not sure what method used to treat but if it is injection I would stop since this can cause more problems than worth. Treat only if there is beetle activity near your location.
I would fertilize now and again in the spring. This will greatly increase the root mass and in turn the amount of foliage.
