How to Treat Dothistroma in Pines

Dothistroma needle blight is caused by the fungus Dothistroma pini, and it affects the outside surface of pine needles. The fungus was first noted in 1941, and since then has spread throughout portion of the Midwest and Western U.S. If left untreated, Dothistroma needle blight will cause significant needle loss, tree discoloration and needle spots. Treating your pine trees for Dothistroma needle blight is performed yearly to prevent it from spreading to neighboring trees.

2 oz. copper sulfate
Water
Plastic buckets
2 oz. spray lime
Strainer
Plastic hose sprayer attachment
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Create a mixture of 2 oz. copper sulfate and 1 gallon water in a plastic bucket. In a separate bucket, create a mixture of 2 oz. spray lime and 2 gallons water. This is enough to treat a 10-foot-tall pine tree.
- 2
  Combine the two mixtures in a separate bucket. Mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove any fine particulates.
- 3
  Pour the copper sulfate and lime mixture into the reservoir of a plastic hose sprayer attachment. Attach the sprayer to a garden hose.
- 4
  Spray the entire tree with the mixture in early June. This is when the pine tree needles are most vulnerable to the spread of the disease.
- 5
  Repeat spraying the mixture each June for at least two to three years to prevent the spread of Dothistroma needle blight to neighboring trees.

How to Grow Tart Cherries

Information on Magnolia Blooms

Landscaping Trees