Sequential death of Scots Pine

[Treerover]

Could it be Pine Blister Rust?
 
It hammers the SP here in Norway.  
 
Does the outside of the bark go black and dusty?

Hi Rich, the inside of the bark more so and sheds easily, despite the crown not being quite dead .

[Treerover]

After walking through the wood on the opposite side of the lake, there now seems to be dozens of dead Scots pine. I think I’ll need to climb one when we’re back working next week and look at the foliage .
I guess this rules out the lawn treatment theory .
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[Treerover]

Lawn fertiliser/moss killer. A contractor with a Green thumb franchise killed a pine and wrecked a London plane within a season of getting the lawn “care” contract at a old customer of ours. I’ve no proof but that was the only thing that changed. 

I’d say not as there are plenty of trees unaffected nearby in fine vigour

[Treerover]

Sorry Open, didn’t read your full reply.
 
What’s the location?
 
Hopefully you can rule out beetle?

No signs of Beetle thankfully Mark

[Treerover]

Red needle blight ?

I’m afraid alas I think it is. Felled one over in the wood and whilst the banding isn’t distinct , there’s definitely small discolouration that is mottled along the needles in the same pattern as Red Band Needle. Also, the way they are dying is identical to that described in the research papers .
Thank you very much Stubbers [emoji1319][emoji1307]