Tree problems · Disease
Diplodia tip blight: signs and what to do
Diplodia tip blight is a tree disease, often seen on austrian, scots and mugo pine, red pine, ponderosa pine and other two- and three-needle pines. Look for: new shoots that stay short, turn brown and die in late spring or early summer.
General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.
- Disease
- Austrian, Scots and mugo pine (the most often hit)
- Red pine
- Ponderosa pine and other two- and three-needle pines
- Stressed or older pines
Signs to look for
Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.
0 of 6 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.
Season
Spores are released in late spring and early summer in wet weather and infect new needles and shoots. Black fruiting bodies often show up in late summer and fall.
How it spreads
The fungus lives through winter in infected needles, branches and cones. Spores spread in splashing rain and wind. They can also enter through wounds, such as pruning cuts.
Where it is found
Diplodia tip blight is found in many parts of the United States where pines are planted. Check your state official map; ranges change.
Official sources
What to do
- 1
Look for brown, stunted new shoots on pines in late spring and summer. Take photos of the tips and the needle bases.
- 2
Check that the cause is not winter damage, drought or insects such as tip moths. Ask your extension office or a certified arborist to confirm.
- 3
Remove and throw away dead branches, fallen needles and cones in dry weather.
- 4
Do not prune pines in late spring and early summer, when spores are active and wet weather is likely.
- 5
Wipe your pruning tools with 70% alcohol or a household disinfectant between cuts.
- 6
Water pines in dry spells so they stay strong.
Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
Prevention
Keep pines healthy with deep watering, mulch and no root damage. Avoid planting very susceptible pines in crowded, damp or stressed sites. Leave space between trees for air to move. If a high-value tree gets this disease year after year, a certified arborist or your extension office can talk about fungicide timing at bud break. Follow the product label and local advice.
When to call a pro
Call a certified arborist if a pine has dead tips on many branches, resin oozing from limbs, or dieback getting worse each year. Climbing and pruning large pines is work for a trained and insured crew.
Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?
Trees it affects
Usually seen on: Austrian, Scots and mugo pine (the most often hit), Red pine, Ponderosa pine and other two- and three-needle pines, Stressed or older pines.
See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.
For tree companies
How to explain diplodia tip blight to a customer
Explain that one wet spring can trigger the disease, and that timing matters: pruning in late spring or early summer can make it worse. Be clear that fungicide may protect new growth but will not bring back dead tips. Offer a simple plan of sanitation, watering and, where it makes sense, treatment at the right time.
Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.
Questions
What is Diplodia tip blight?
It is a fungus disease of pines that kills the new shoots and needles at the tips of the branches. Over the years it can weaken or kill a tree.
Which pines get it?
Austrian, Scots and mugo pines are the ones most often hit. Red pine and other two- and three-needle pines can also be affected, and older or stressed trees are more at risk.
When do I see the damage?
New shoots turn brown and stop growing in late spring and early summer. Black dots of fruiting bodies often show in late summer and fall.
Is it the same as winter damage?
No, but they can look alike. Winter burn and insects can also brown pine tips. A pro or your extension office can tell them apart.
When should I prune pines?
Avoid pruning in late spring and early summer when spores are active. Remove dead branches in dry weather and clean your tools between cuts.
Will fungicide fix it?
A fungicide may protect new growth if applied at the right time, but it will not revive dead tips. Ask your extension office what is advised in your area and read the label.
Can the tree die from it?
In severe cases and over several years, yes, especially if the tree is also stressed. Healthy pines often survive a few bad years.
Should I rake up the needles?
Yes. Removing fallen needles and cones in dry weather helps lower the amount of fungus in the yard. Throw them away instead of composting.
Can Lirevon diagnose diplodia tip blight on my tree?
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.
How do I find a good local pro for this?
Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.
Related tree problems
- Pine wilt (Disease)
- Ips engraver beetles (Insect)
- Sawflies (Insect)
- Anthracnose (Disease)
- Armillaria root rot (shoestring root rot) (Disease)
- Bacterial leaf scorch (Disease)