Red-Topped Pines in the Urban Forest A Guide to Recognition and Roles of Pine Bark Beetles and Needle Cast Disease

L.L. Hyche, Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
Auburn University
9/99
AMONG PINES, condition of the crown, especially color of foliage, generally reflects the overall health and condition of the tree. A full, dark green crown is characteristic of a normal, healthy tree; a fading, yellowing crown commonly indicates a decline in tree vitality; and a red or straw-brown crown (red-topped) (Photo 1) usually, but not always, means that the tree is dead.

Any one of several things, or a combination thereof, may cause or contribute to development of red crowns among pines, e.g., old-age decline, mechanical injury, lightning, prolonged drought, insects, or disease. The most common and serious causes with which homeowners, arborists, and urban foresters have to contend are pine bark beetles and needle cast, a disease of pine needles. Successful attacks by either of these agents produce similar red crowns, but result in different consequences for the trees. As a general rule, bark beetle-infested pines with red crowns are dead, or will die, as result of beetle activity. In the case of red-top caused by needle cast disease, only the needles are dead; trees are alive and, in time, will usually recover. Consequently, correct identification of the cause is important in determining a course of action. Results of research at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station provide information and clues for determining the identity and importance of these two common causes of red-top among pines in the urban forest.

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