Christmas Shutdown: We'll be closed from 23rd Dec 2024 to 3rd January 2025. Please leave voicemails or email us — we'll respond in January!

Dothistroma Needle Blight: How to Get Rid of It and Everything Else You Should Know

by Paul Thomas - / 11.10.2024


Your Essential Guide

Dothistroma needle blight is a fungal disease that primarily affects pine trees. Luckily, Elite Trees are here to tell you everything you need to know about Dothistroma needle blight and give you some essential tips to help you manage and get rid of this invasive disease. After all, ours is the tree survey Suffolk property owners trust!

What is Dothistroma Needle Blight?

Dothistroma needle blight is caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum – a little bit of a mouthful, we know! It leads to the premature death of needles on pine trees, and if left untreated, the infection can result in severe defoliation, weakening the tree and even causing its death in severe cases. The disease has been present in the UK for decades but has become more widespread in recent years. It thrives in warm, moist conditions, making late spring and summer the peak time for the disease to spread. However, you should be on your guard all year round!

Symptoms to Look Out For

Early detection of Dothistroma needle blight is vital if you want to stop the disease from progressing. Here are some of the key symptoms to look out for:

  • The most distinctive sign is the appearance of red or brown bands around the needles, which is why you may have also heard it called red band needle blight.
  • Infected needles start to turn yellow and brown before eventually dying and falling off.
  • Trees suffering from the disease will lose their needles prematurely, most often starting with the older, lower needles and progressing upwards.
  • As the disease progresses, the tree’s canopy will thin out, which may leave the tree looking sparse and unhealthy.

How to Get Rid of Dothistroma Needle Blight

Managing and controlling Dothistroma needle blight requires a combination of different approaches for the best possible results. When we identify it in a tree following a comprehensive survey, we tend to do the following:

Prune Infected Branches

Regular pruning of affected branches can help limit the spread of the disease. We will ensure that all infected needles and branches are removed from the tree and properly disposed of, as the fungus can still linger in fallen needles.

Improve Airflow

The fungus thrives in moist conditions, so improving airflow around the tree can reduce the risk of infection. We can expertly thin out overcrowded trees and remove any nearby plants or shrubs that may contribute to creating a damp environment around the tree.

Select Resistant Species

Prevention is always better than a cure, and when planting new trees, you should opt for pine species that are less susceptible to Dothistroma needle blight. We know which species tend to be more resistant than others, and can advise you and then plant the trees.

Talk to Us

Dothistroma needle blight is a serious threat to pine trees in the UK, but with the right management techniques, it can be controlled and even prevented! If you are worried about any of the trees on your property, please get in touch with our friendly team today. We can’t wait to hear from you.



Written by

Paul Thomas

LET'S DISCUSS YOUR TREE CARE NEEDS