Last year, southern pine beetles devastated approximately 52,000 acres of pine forests across the state. Now, this spring, another problem is affecting loblolly pine trees.

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is cautioning forest landowners about brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that causes needle discoloration and needle drop. It also has the potential to stunt tree growth and increase risk from pests such as bark beetles.

"Just in the last few days, the agency started receiving calls, and the disease seems to be infecting trees with greater severity in west Alabama," AFC Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler said. "Although this pathogen has been affecting loblolly pines for years, mild wet weather over recent weeks has provided ideal growing conditions for brown spot needle blight, with infections generally beginning in the lower canopy of affected pines and spreading upward through the crown if conditions allow."

Metzler noted that landowners should not panic.

"Typically, as we get closer to summer and daytime temperatures increase, conditions for the disease are limited, and trees usually green back up," he said.

Symptoms of the disease include brown spots on needles with yellow halos, premature needle drop, and thinning canopy. Forest landowners are encouraged to inspect their pines regularly and monitor for excessive mortality or secondary pests. For more information and advice, contact your county forester or local AFC office.