Hail storm leaves ‘sores and cankers’ on pine trees around Bigfork

A hailstorm that caused widespread damage across the Flathead in July is to blame for an infection in some pine trees, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Red foliage growing from ponderosa pines, as well as red “sores or cankers” on pinecones, consistent with the fungus diplodia, have been reported. (Photo courtesy of DNRC)