Two springs ago we transplanted about 100 white pines onto our property from a nearby trailer park that was practically giving them away (One dollar each). The first year they seemed to do all right, but this year they seem to be turning brown and are looking awful spindly and weak. The trees in the more shaded areas seem to be doing better. Several are in the direct sun. We transplanted them from rather sandy soil to pretty heavy soil. We didn't have much snow here this winter (westcentral WI). Just some of the factors involved, don't know if they make a difference or not. Anybody got advice that could help us save our trees? We have them planted all around the perimeter of our place hoping someday they'll act as a windbreak and as a privacy fence of sorts against our goofy neighbors. We are getting rid of our little cedars (also about 2 years old) so they won't affect our apples. But we really don't want to lose our pines. Thanks in advance.

Oh, one more thing, not related to trees. Awhile back a few of you were talking about black vans and helicopters. Anyone aware of the white UN vehicles out there? Check out www.amerikanexpose.com. (Sorry, I can't get it to hyperlink.)

-- Laurie (SUPERGS63@AOL.COM), April 13, 2000

Answers

I think pines generally tend to like a lighter soil but the ones that are more shaded tell me that maybe they need more water. Just a guess.

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), April 13, 2000.

Laurie, Call a county forester. Ours up here in NW WI are super about answering questions. They'll even come out and take a look if you want them to. Hope yours are just as good.

-- Peg (jnjohnsn@pressenter.com), April 13, 2000.

Hi Laurie, It has been so dry here for the past two years & some of our 23 year old pines are dying along with ash, elm, hickory & oak trees in our woods, some are probably close to 100 years old. Are other pine trees in your area dying? Our pines were doing well in our heavy midwestern clay soil, the ones we planted in loamy areas all died. Loamy soil dries out so quickly. Do the pines have bag worms? They can strip & kill a tree real fast. Call your state conservation department & also CES (Cooperative Extension Service. Good luck on finding the solution! Jane

-- Jane Gauch (Sewbears4u@aol.com), April 14, 2000.

Do you or your neighbors have gooseberries? This is the alternative host for white pine rust. I agree with the suggestion to contact local authorities, especially county extension service. Good luck!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), April 14, 2000.

Pines need acidic soil. My dad always says to put lots of pine needles in the hole you dig for the transplant. He also says to plant the trees close together at first to get acclimated, and then transplant them slowly to new areas. Also, you can mulch with pine needles, and that brings the acidity of the soil up. Mary

-- Mary Fraley (kmfraley@orwell.net), April 15, 2000.

Laurie, I am in SW WI, when I planted seedlings a few years ago I gave them Miracid mixed with the water a few times during the season. Maybe that would help. Mine are all doing alright and our soil isnt sandy. Good luck.

-- Tami Bowser (windridg@chorus.net), April 17, 2000.

Thanks for all your help. I've found a wealth of information here again as usual. Think we'll be doing the miracid on the old trees as well as using pine needles when planting our new trees this week. We finally got some much needed rain over the weekend. You guys are the greatest!

-- Laurie (SUPERGS63@AOL.COM), April 17, 2000.

all pines will shed alot 3/4 of their needles every few years.could be part of the problem.

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), April 18, 2000.

Check for Black Walnut trees nearby, their roots are toxic to most pines. Actually, white pine does well in wet heavy soil too. Transplanting is always hard especially with the lack of rain in most areas the last couple years. Even trees that have been transplanted for 2 years need supplimental watering during dry summers and watering in the late fall to get through the dry, cold winds of winter. Lots of things could account for the losses. There is currently a blight that is killing Scotch Pine in Ohio/Pa./W.Va that they can't seem to control.

-- Jim Roberts (jroberts1@cas.org), April 19, 2000.