Function

• Systemic fungicide is a chemical pesticide applied to the branches of a pine tree and then taken up into the entire plant. Applying systemic fungicide to pine trees when they are most susceptible to diseases can help to prevent a variety of fungal blights, needle diseases and common pine pest infestations.
  
  

Types

• Pine trees contract needle cast diseases that cause them to drop needles; tip blights that cause them to wither from the tips back; and fungal diseases that begin at the base of needles and then kill them completely. Some pine species are attractive to small insects that lay their eggs under the bark.
  
  

Time Frame

• Correct timing of systemic fungicide applications on pine trees is crucial to effective disease and pest management. Most systemic fungicides are sprayed directly on the pine branches and needles in late April when new branches are just developing, then again 10 to 14 days later, and a third and final time in late May.
  
  

Considerations

• Different pests and diseases affect different species of pine. Read the instructions on pine fungicide bottles or contact the nearest county agricultural extension for information on ideal application times. Application timing varies by region, weather patterns and variety of pine.
  
  

Warning

• Systemic fungicide for pine trees provides broad protection against a variety of pests and fungal diseases, but it will not guarantee that a given tree will never fall victim to illness. Pines under severe stress or in areas where fungal diseases are rampant may still succumb to tip blight or pests, even with treatment.