Don't Touch That Dial - Mountain Pine Beetles Coming to Pine Near You
As we reported earlier this summer, mountain pine beetle is firmly entrenched along the Colorado Front Range. Evidence of mountain pine beetle can be found in many Colorado communities and recently in the Denver metropolitan area. Last summer around Labor Day is when we found the diagnostic pitch masses on many ornamentally grown ponderosa and Scotch pine trees. From Cheyenne to Fort Collins where mountain pine beetle was first reported in 2009, many pine trees died this year from repeated pine beetle attacks. In Denver and surrounding suburbs, most attacked trees remained green this season.
Now, and for the next 30 days, will be a good time to go out and look at your pine trees. New mountain pine beetle pitch masses will be coming evident. The milky-gray pitch masses will be similar in size and shape of a popped popcorn kernel and found on the tree trunk. As there are other insects that will cause pines to pitch, enlist a professional arborist to have a look.
If you found popcorn size masses is it time for the chainsaw? No, many urban trees survive their first bout with beetles by pitching them out of the tree. Look carefully in the pitch and you might find black 1/3 inch beetles drown in the sticky goo.
What should you do?
- Have a professional arborist inspect your trees to determine the level of infestation and make remedial recommendations.
- While many of the beetles have flown, it is not too late to spray. We strongly recommend spraying your pine trees yet this year – especially ponderosa and Scotch. Austrian pines are still the most resistant, and we are not making the recommendation to spray these for mountain pine beetle.
- While many of us have enjoyed the recent monsoons, fall and winter can be incredibly dry. Put on your calendar to water your trees every 4 to 6 weeks when there is scant precipitation and the lack of protective snow cover. A well hydrated tree is more likely to fend off beetle attacks.
