Here are some five year old long leaf pine trees where the terminals are bending or twisting awkwardly. This growth occurs when something physical breaks the terminal as they are young. Sometimes wind is to blame. There is also someone who noticed crows breaking terminals.
You’ll notice in the picture how much growth by the new terminals. Since these pines were planted on the edge of a yard, sort of residential situation, they are getting more fertilizer from grass. They are also likely in a really good spot. This extra growth also effects how these trees are bending. In this situation, you would not want to put any more fertilizer.
Mowing injury at the base causes pitch canker
Thomas County Ag 