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Pines (Pinus spp.) may not get as much attention as oaks (Quercus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), ashes (Fraxinus spp.), and other hardwoods, but they’re amazing trees that provide a wealth of benefits for homeowners and commercial property owners, as well as our local ecosystem. In addition to the food and habitat they provide to many of Michigan’s native birds, insects, and mammals, they also provide shade, offer privacy, increase property values, and beautify landscapes throughout the state.
But there are several different pine tree species that can be found in properties across Southeast Michigan, and each offers a slightly different slate of benefits, requires slightly different care, and is best suited for slightly different situations.
To help ensure you understand the pines growing on your property (or which ones may be a good option to plant), as well as some of the threats they face, we’ll share the most common pine tree species and some of the diseases they are susceptible to.
Michigan’s Native Pines: Three Remarkable Species
Surprisingly, there are only three pine tree species that are native to Michigan. We’ll share some basic information about each below.
1. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Michigan’s state tree, the eastern white pine, is a large tree that occasionally approaches 150 feet in height. In fact, it is one of the largest tree species in the entire eastern half of the United States. Its rapid growth rate, large size, and ubiquity (it’s one of the most common species found in Michigan’s forests) helped to make it an important timber species from the 17th century until well into the 20th century.
It’s easy to identify the white pine by noting its soft, flexible needles, which are bundled in groups of five. It also features a long, straight trunk with regular branch whorls creating the canopy.
2. Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
Although it is native to our state, the red pine is not especially common in Southeast Michigan; it’s more common in slightly colder regions, such as Canada, Minnesota, and Maine. However, they can occasionally be seen in area parks or properties. The red pine occasionally reaches heights in excess of 130 feet, but most specimens are between 70 and 110 feet tall.
Despite being native to North America, this tree is sometimes (incorrectly) called the Norway pine. It has very stiff needles, which are bundled in groups of two, and a reddish bark. Because the tree grows quickly and typically has a straight trunk, it is a prized timber species.
3. Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)
Also called the scrub pine or grey pine, the jack pine is the smallest of Michigan’s three native pines, rarely reaching more than 60 or 70 feet in height. Many specimens remain shrub-sized, especially when grown on poor sites. The jack pine’s trunk is rarely straight like the other two Michigan natives, and its canopy is often quite irregular.
The needles of this pine are bundled in groups of two, and they’re typically twisted. A fire-adapted species, the jack pine’s cones open when wildfires pass beneath the tree. Importantly, the jack pine provides critical habitat and resources for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler. Like the red pine, the jack pine is somewhat rare in southeast Michigan.
Other Pines Commonly Planted in Michigan: Exotic Standouts
While there are only three pine tree species that grow natively in Michigan, there are several other species that can thrive in our area. We’ll share some basic information about the most common exotics planted in our area below.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Native to portions of Europe and Asia, the Scots pine is regularly planted in Southeast Michigan and other locations in the United States. Reaching up to 115 feet in height, this is a large pine with a trunk that may exceed 3 feet in diameter. These trees have short blue-green needles, which are bundled in groups of two. This blue-green foliage, along with the orange-red bark of younger trees, makes this species easy to identify.
These pines often live for 100 to 300 years in their native range, and there are currently specimens growing in Finland that are thought to be more than 750 years old. However, it is generally short-lived in Michigan, as it is susceptible to pine wilt nematodes. Nevertheless, the tree is frequently planted as an ornamental, and it also makes an attractive Christmas tree in some cases.
Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra)
As its name implies, the Austrian pine hails from Central and Southern Europe (though the bulk of its range is in Turkey). In the wild, it often grows alongside Scots pines where the species’ ranges overlap. Frequently planted as a street tree, the Austrian pine is tolerant of wind, drought, salt, and ozone, making it ideally suited for urban areas.
These trees are often quite large, with some specimens approaching 180 feet in height. Another tree that reaches old ages, it often lives a lot longer than some of the other pines planted in Michigan, and there are many specimens known to be more than 500 years old growing in Europe. This tree’s needles are arranged in groups of two, and they’re long and stiff.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
The ponderosa pine is a very large pine species that occasionally reaches 200 feet in height. The ponderosa pine is not planted often in Michigan, as our state’s humid climate is not ideal for this arid-adapted species. However, it is always a head-turner, given its size and attractive form.
The ponderosa pine is native to the western portions of North America, where it grows in several different forms (called varieties by arborists). Each variety exhibits slightly different physical characteristics, such as the number, length, and color of the needles. Nevertheless, most are bundled in groups of two or three, and they’re long, flexible, and bright green.
Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)
Another tree that occurs as multiple forms (though in this case, these forms are recognized as different subspecies), the mugo pine exhibits different growth habits in different portions of its range. While some populations produce a tree-like growth habit and reach 60 feet in height, others tend to grow as multi-stemmed shrubs. These are the types most commonly planted in ornamental contexts.
Because of their small size, mugo pines are often incorporated into gardens or planted alongside buildings or beneath power lines. The tree’s needles are bundled in groups of two, and they’re quite short, rarely exceeding 2 inches in
Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
Hailing from Japan and portions of the Korean peninsula, the Japanese black pine is capable of reaching 120 feet or more in height, but it rarely reaches such lofty heights when planted in Michigan. Its needles are bundled in groups of two, and they feature a white-colored sheath at the base. Mature individuals are often clad in thick, black bark that resembles plates.
An attractive tree that is often a stunning component of gardens or other landscapes in coastal areas, but it doesn’t usually thrive when planted inland. In fact, the tree often struggles to survive in North America, as it is highly susceptible to the American pinewood nematode — a parasitic worm spread by wood-boring beetles.
Common Diseases of Michigan Pines
While pines are usually hardy trees that often thrive in Michigan and adapt well to urban and suburban areas, they are susceptible to several diseases that can cause them problems. We’ll outline a few of the most noteworthy pine tree diseases below, so that you can keep an eye on your trees.
Diplodia Tip Blight (Diplodia sapinea)
Diplodia tip blight is a disease that commonly affects Austrian pines, but it also infects Scots and red pines at times. This fungal disease causes new shoots — particularly those on lower branches — to turn brown and die. Resin-soaked, stunted needles are also seen in some cases, and black fruiting bodies may appear on the cones or needles.
This disease often occurs in trees that are already stressed by other factors, such as drought. It is treatable with cultural controls (pruning infected limbs and supporting the tree’s overall health) and fungicides, but prompt care is necessary for the best chance of a full recovery.
Sphaeropsis Canker (Diplodia sapinea)
Caused by the same organism that causes Diplodia tip blight, Sphaeropsis canker is the name given to the infection when it attacks a tree’s stems. Austrian and red pines are the most commonly affected species, and it usually causes cankers (sunken areas) to form on the stems and branches.
Sphaeropsis canker is treatable, though it cannot be completely cured. Cultural practices, such as pruning infected limbs and protecting the tree from wounds, are helpful, and fungicides can also be used to keep the fungus in check.
Pine Wilt Disease (caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)
Unlike many examples of tree diseases, in which a native tree comes under threat from an exotic pathogen, pine wilt disease is caused by a nematode that is native to North America. And while most pines that are native to the U.S. show some capability to resist the disease, exotic pines — including Scots, Austrian, and mugo pines — often contract the disease.
Pine trees that are infected by the nematode often exhibit rapid browning and die in only a matter of weeks. A fatal disease, pine wilt is not treatable. Trees that are found to be infected should usually be removed and destroyed to slow the spread of the nematode through the area.
Lophodermium Needle Cast
A fungal disease that primarily affects Scots, red, and Austrian pines, Lophodermium needle cast causes the needles of infected trees to turn yellow or brown and fall prematurely. Most common in densely planted, humid areas (such as pine tree farms), the disease also causes black fruiting bodies to appear on the fallen needles.
Fortunately, Lophodermium needle cast is treatable. Cultural control methods, such as planting trees with adequate space and airflow, applying mulch to the root zone, and pruning badly infected branches, can help. Fungicides can also be helpful for treating infected trees, though the timing of the fungicide application is critical for good results.
Dothistroma Needle Blight
Another fungal disease that causes needles to drop prematurely, Dothistroma needle blight usually causes needles to develop a distinct “banded” appearance. Red-bordered brown spots also occur in most cases. The needles may also break off beyond the point of the bands in some cases.
Austrian and red pines are the most commonly infected species in Michigan, but several other pines are susceptible, including the ponderosa pine. This disease can cause trees to die in some cases, but fungicide treatments are available, which can give trees a good chance at recovery.
White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola)
White pine blister rust is caused by a fungus that is originally native to China. But since its introduction to the U.S. in the early 1900s, it has spread across most of the country. Interestingly, this disease requires an intermediate host (currants and gooseberries in the genus Ribes) to complete its lifecycle. Accordingly, some have advocated for the removal of these plants in the vicinity of white pine trees.
Aggressively pruning infected limbs (which typically feature yellow or brown needles — a condition arborists call “flagging”) may help stop the infection, but when the fungus spreads to the main trunk, no treatment is possible and the tree will die.
Armillaria Root Rot
A common fungal pathogen that affects hundreds of different tree species, Armillaria root rot can also affect pine trees. The fungus generally causes a slow and gradual decline, which results in a thinning crown. Sometimes (but not always), honey-colored mushrooms may be noted at the base of the tree or growing above the root zone.
Armillaria isn’t treatable once the infection occurs, so prevention is key. This means ensuring good soil health, using mulch properly, and preventing damage to the trunk or roots, among other things. Because this fungus can weaken the tree’s trunk and subject it to complete collapse, removal of the tree is often recommended.
Pine Trees and Pine Tree Diseases in Michigan: FAQ
Have more questions about pine trees or the diseases they often suffer from in Michigan? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions we receive from our customers and answered them below!
What is the disease in pine trees in Michigan?
There are several diseases that can infect pine trees in Michigan, including Diplodia tip blight, Lophodermium needle cast, pine wilt disease, and white pine blister rust, among others. Some of these can cause your pine trees to die if not treated promptly, so always contact a professional arborist (not a generic “tree guy”) at the first sign of trouble.
How do you identify pine tree diseases?
It’s often challenging for homeowners or property managers to positively identify a disease afflicting a pine tree, though you can get an idea by checking the symptoms that are occurring (such as banded needles or dying branches). It’s also helpful to identify the specific species of pine experiencing the problem, as many pine tree diseases tend to affect a specific species (or group of species).
But ultimately, the only way to be certain which disease is affecting your trees is by contacting a certified arborist.
What does an unhealthy pine tree look like?
Unhealthy pines often have brown or yellow-colored foliage, and they may have entire limbs that are covered in dead needles. You may also notice fungal spores growing on the tree’s needles. You may also see mushrooms growing from the trunk or above the root system in some cases.
How do you nurse a pine tree back to health?
The best way to nurse a pine tree back to health (when possible) is to contact an ISA-certified arborist, who can identify the pathogen causing illness and outline a suitable treatment, ranging from pruning to insecticide application. Additionally, there are some steps that are usually helpful, regardless of the disease in question, such as applying a layer of mulch under the canopy and protecting the tree from damage.
What is the life expectancy of a pine tree?
Different pine tree species have different lifespans. Most pines are capable of reaching at least 100 years of age, and some often reach 700 years of age or more. Bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva) are famous for being some of the longest-living trees in the world, and several are thought to be more than 5,000 years old!
Trust Longtree Tree Service to Care for Your Pine Trees!
No matter what pine tree species are growing on your property or what kind of care they require, the professional arborists at Longtree Tree Service are ready to help! We have years of experience caring for the pines commonly planted in Michigan, as well as a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Whether you need plant health care treatments, pruning, removal, or a stump removed, we can provide the tree-care services you need.
Contact us today and request your free consultation.
