There is a recently deceased Grey Pine which is conspicuously located on the north side of the property. (You can see it poking up on the left side of this photo linked here). It is visible enough that I have, over the last few months, occassionally wondered what killed it, and whether or not it is of concern. However, it is located far enough away from where we camp that I haven’t thought much more about it.
Until last week, when I was hiking around with Lisa, Ingrid, Ted, & Barnali. We noticed that several pines nearby had dying branches, and then noticed what looked like a parasite growing on it. I snapped some photographs, and this afternoon a quick internet search turned up loads of pictures and information confirming that it is Grey Pine Dwarf Mistletoe.
A quick read of the Forest Services’s overview, though, reveals that it’s not much to think about. Keep an eye on it, make sure dying trees won’t harm humans or structures, and realize it’s all part of the lifecycle of the forest. Also, consider selective pruning to control infestations. Unless I’m missing anything, this seems like a good approach.
Good to know! Not all that appears bad is so. A reminder of the cycle of life.