Rust

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So we replanted trees about five years ago (Red Pine, Scotch Pine, White Pine).  Mostly long needle confers as they're not suppose to be affected by the rust fungus.  I was walking the land and notice that 30% of the trees were infected with that fungus and the trees immune system was working over time.

Most of these trees are about 5-8 inches across at the trunk.  Did we plant them too close to each other?  Trees are about 6-10ft from each other and a little farther towards the wetlands (10-12ft).

We started to thin what would could as the fungus doesn't like the sun from what I hear, open to suggestions.