What's eating my chinese white pine?

Chinese White Pine is most commonly attacked by pine bark beetles and pine needle scale. Aphids congregate on long new needles in spring, and spider mites follow in dry heat. Deer occasionally browse the soft young needles of low-growing specimens. Early detection of bark beetle galleries — sawdust and resin tubes — is critical.

Resin tubes ('pitch tubes') on bark; D-shaped exit holes; reddening and death of whole branches Keep tree vigorous and well-watered; remove and destroy infested wood immediately; preventive bark sprays where permitted

White crusty scales on needles; yellowing and premature drop; weakened appearance Horticultural oil spray in early spring; insecticidal soap for crawlers; repeat in early summer

Sticky needles; sooty mold; slow growth; colonies most visible on new spring needles Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; encourage parasitic wasps by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays