needle cast on pinus densiflora

A Japanese red pine that I purchased a few months ago appears to be suffering from a needle cast fungus. Most of the inner needles have yellowed (with small, dark spots) and fallen off during the last couple of weeks, leaving a formerly beautiful tree with that dreaded "lion's tail" appearance.

If I understand correctly from my web search, the needles that are dropping this year were infected last year, so the tree had to be infected when I bought it. The question is, can I still prevent the infection from spreading? What time of year are new needles typically infected, and will treating with a fungicide now prevent the spread?

Thanks,

Jim

 

I'd think the answers to these questions would come from the same search that produced the information you already have.

 

Hi Jim,

It may be best to take some samples of the needles to your local agriculture extension office for proper ID, so you know for sure what you are dealing with. If needle cast fungus is the beast you may want to burn the tree and fallen needles. Sounds like clean-up is key to solving this problem.

Good luck,