The Forestry Forum

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.