I have lived on this property for approximately 2 years, and know relatively
little about it soil wise.

I had a pine tree which was located uncomfortably close to a poplar tree; we
are talking less than 5 feet here. I couldn't move the pine, it's at least
20 to 30 feet in height, the poplar much taller.

This year the pine died. It seemed quite sudden to the neighbors and I, but
I can't be sure. You get so used to glancing at something, you don't look
very closely until the situation is explosive.

I know that these trees sit in a drain easement, according to the property
deed, and it makes sense looking at the layout of the land.

None of the other trees are affected, including the poplar. It's just fine.
But the pine is this grotesque shade of red/brown.

Could it be that the poplar choked it out? My husband is suspecting poison
through the drain easement, but I would think that the poplar would be
somewhat affected.

The tree is not in harms way if it falls in a storm, and I am half tempted
to leave it there for the wild life that appreciate dead trees (We have a
huge Bald Eagle population here and other Raptores) after reading the
natural resource page to this state and the Audubon society page.

On Sat, 10 May 2003 08:51:55 -0700, "Kari" wrote:

I know that these trees sit in a drain easement, according to the property
deed, and it makes sense looking at the layout of the land.

Pines do enjoy being close to water sources. Usually when I find a
pine grove I'm relatively certain there'll be water nearby, especially
in rocky terrain.

Could it be that the poplar choked it out? My husband is suspecting poison
through the drain easement, but I would think that the poplar would be
somewhat affected.

If this drain comes out from developed areas or a waste treatment
plant, then it definetly could've picked something up (petrochemicals,
paint, etc.),or the pH could've drastically changed overnight.
Always bring used oil or other toxic substances to a dropoff point,
never into the sewer system.

Interestingly enough, yellow poplars have been considered useful for
cleaning up toxic sites by absorbing mercury and other toxic elements:

http://www.vgspc.com/newsy/Toxic%20site.htm

The tree is not in harms way if it falls in a storm, and I am half tempted
to leave it there for the wild life that appreciate dead trees (We have a
huge Bald Eagle population here and other Raptores) after reading the
natural resource page to this state and the Audubon society page.

Thats a good idea. That way if the poisoning was intentional they're
left with an even "worse" situation, at least from a human-aesthetic
point of view

Dan