chuckchili
Well-known member
That tree clearly died of Covid-19
Root propagation is way different than witch's broom. That is a dead conifer, not a cottonwood or willow. Talk with a forester or arborist not a biologist.
T Bone
Well-known member
I am Groooot
BuzzH
Well-known member
I would say with 95% certainty that its dwarf mistletoe.
Pretty common in 5 needle pines and judging from the bark that's left on that tree, and the smaller seedling on the right side of your photo, probably either whitebark or limber pine...guessing whitebark.
Dwarf mistletoe is the only I&D we record in its own field on the inventory program I work for. We use a 6 code classification that breaks the tree crown into 3 equal parts and then we give each 1/3rd either a 0, 1, or 2 depending on severity. If fruiting bodies are found on the bole of the tree in any 1/3rd, automatic 2. If fruiting bodies are found on the limbs, depends on how many of the limbs...again either a 0, 1, or 2. If no fruiting bodies are found, and witches brooms are present and dwarf mistletoe is suspected, usually either a 1, but if severe enough a 2 as well. From there, if the severity totals up to a 5 or 6, we then code it as a tree damage. If not, its just noted in the separate field and given a rating of 0-6.
Mistletoe is a tricky one, as light infections don't usually kill the tree, but there's no question that a parasitic plant growing on another tree definitely slows volume growth...how much really depends on the severity, species, and micro-climate the tree is growing in. But, severe infections will kill the trees, lots more form defect in the tree volume, likelihood of the tree having other problems, and slower volume growth.
Sorry to nerd out on this one, just something I see a lot...pretty good article here:
Pretty common in 5 needle pines and judging from the bark that's left on that tree, and the smaller seedling on the right side of your photo, probably either whitebark or limber pine...guessing whitebark.
Dwarf mistletoe is the only I&D we record in its own field on the inventory program I work for. We use a 6 code classification that breaks the tree crown into 3 equal parts and then we give each 1/3rd either a 0, 1, or 2 depending on severity. If fruiting bodies are found on the bole of the tree in any 1/3rd, automatic 2. If fruiting bodies are found on the limbs, depends on how many of the limbs...again either a 0, 1, or 2. If no fruiting bodies are found, and witches brooms are present and dwarf mistletoe is suspected, usually either a 1, but if severe enough a 2 as well. From there, if the severity totals up to a 5 or 6, we then code it as a tree damage. If not, its just noted in the separate field and given a rating of 0-6.
Mistletoe is a tricky one, as light infections don't usually kill the tree, but there's no question that a parasitic plant growing on another tree definitely slows volume growth...how much really depends on the severity, species, and micro-climate the tree is growing in. But, severe infections will kill the trees, lots more form defect in the tree volume, likelihood of the tree having other problems, and slower volume growth.
Sorry to nerd out on this one, just something I see a lot...pretty good article here:
BigHornRam
Well-known member
That's a really old and cool looking snag! Whitebark pine would be my guess. Here are some whitebark pines that have died more recently with smaller witches brooms. Pine beetles or blister rust have killed off a majority of whitebark pines in the last 20 years in the Rockies.
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