LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division (Forestry Division) has released a survey for members of the public to report pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, specifically in southeast Arkansas. The survey can be found at arcg.is/1HyHCu0.
The increase in pine tree discoloration and mortality is an issue that has been observed in Arkansas as well as Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Forestry Division reported that no specific cause has been identified and several possible causes are being considered.
This survey will provide Forestry Division staff and partners with data to further investigate this issue. The survey will collect information about the date and location of the observation, the environment where the observation occurred, and other general observations.
To analyze the causes of pine tree mortality and identify solutions, the Forestry Division is working with multiple partners, including the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources; the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Plant Industries Division.
For more information about pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/arkansasforestry-health/arkansasloblolly-pine-decline/.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported this week that the "browning" pine trees have been observed by forestors in two neighboring counties, Bradley and Drew.
Michael Blazier, dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, told the newspaper the outbreak among loblolly pine is "a pretty new scenario, and it's brand-new within Arkansas," which means there is no existing data avai...
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