Pest identification
What's eating my shore pine?
Pine needle scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae)
Signs: White scales encrusting needles; yellowing and dropping needles; branch tips appearing dead
Control: Apply horticultural oil in early spring at crawler emergence; repeat with insecticidal soap in early summer
Pine tip moth (Rhyacionia spp.)
Signs: Dead, resin-coated shoot tips; distorted new growth; entry holes visible at base of dead tip
Control: Prune and bin infested shoots before adults emerge; apply a systemic insecticide at bud-break
Aphids (Eulachnus spp.)
Signs: Sticky honeydew on needles; sooty mold; slow growth; colonies on spring new growth
Control: Strong water jets; insecticidal soap spray; introduce ladybirds (ladybugs) as natural predators
Deer
Signs: Browsed leader and side shoots; bark rubbed on trunk by antlers; stunted form on young trees
Control: Protective wire cages around young trees; deer-repellent spray on lower branches through winter
Keep shore pine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Shore Pine pests — FAQ
What is eating my shore pine?
Shore Pine is most commonly damaged by pine needle scale and pine aphids, which sap vigor from the compact foliage. Pine tip moths bore into new shoots, and spider mites appear in dry inland conditions. Deer and elk browse young trees near woodland edges, and squirrels strip bark and raid cones.
How do I get rid of pine needle scale (chionaspis pinifoliae) on shore pine?
White scales encrusting needles; yellowing and dropping needles; branch tips appearing dead Apply horticultural oil in early spring at crawler emergence; repeat with insecticidal soap in early summer
How do I get rid of pine tip moth (rhyacionia spp.) on shore pine?
Dead, resin-coated shoot tips; distorted new growth; entry holes visible at base of dead tip Prune and bin infested shoots before adults emerge; apply a systemic insecticide at bud-break
How do I get rid of aphids (eulachnus spp.) on shore pine?
Sticky honeydew on needles; sooty mold; slow growth; colonies on spring new growth Strong water jets; insecticidal soap spray; introduce ladybirds (ladybugs) as natural predators
How do I get rid of deer on shore pine?
Browsed leader and side shoots; bark rubbed on trunk by antlers; stunted form on young trees Protective wire cages around young trees; deer-repellent spray on lower branches through winter