What tree age is most vulnerable to Nantucket pine tip moth?

What tree age is most vulnerable to Nantucket pine tip moth?

• A. Under 5 feet tall
• B. Under 15 feet tall
• C. 20 to 30 feet tall
• D. Over 40 feet tall

Answer: (B)

Nantucket pine tip moth feeds on the growing tips of pine trees, so vulnerability is tied to how actively a tree is producing new growth. The most damage happens when the tree is in a juvenile, actively growing stage, with a fresh, flexible terminal leader. Trees under about fifteen feet tall are in that window, producing frequent growth flushes and having a single, approachable leader that the moth can readily attack; this makes them the most susceptible to tip damage. Once trees grow taller, the growth pattern becomes more established and the terminal leader is less exposed to attack, so the impact is typically less severe. Hence the height class under fifteen feet represents the most vulnerable stage.

Nantucket pine tip moth feeds on the growing tips of pine trees, so vulnerability is tied to how actively a tree is producing new growth. The most damage happens when the tree is in a juvenile, actively growing stage, with a fresh, flexible terminal leader. Trees under about fifteen feet tall are in that window, producing frequent growth flushes and having a single, approachable leader that the moth can readily attack; this makes them the most susceptible to tip damage. Once trees grow taller, the growth pattern becomes more established and the terminal leader is less exposed to attack, so the impact is typically less severe. Hence the height class under fifteen feet represents the most vulnerable stage.