We know Colorado’s weather can be a bit bipolar, but these warmer temperatures in January are a bit unexpected, especially for our trees. While trees in general have a difficult time during droughts, pines can attract a plethora of pests that bring on disease and decay. One in particular to be concerned about right now is the mountain pine beetle.

What is the Mountain Pine Beetle?

Traditionally, the mountain pine beetle can be beneficial when they attack diseased or dying pine trees, as this can clear the way for new, healthy growth.

However, with the dry winter we’re having, a lot of our pine trees are struggling for moisture, making them susceptible to a beetle attack.

Mountain pine beetles can range in color from a reddish brown to black, with their size spanning from about an 1/8th of an inch to 3/8ths of an inch long.

One main way they’re able to decimate your pine trees is by burrowing into the tree and laying their eggs. When the larvae hatch, they continue burrowing, eating their way through the tree.

This cycle begins in winter, when the larvae first hatch. They continue feeding through the spring as they grow into adult beetles. Around mid-July is when they emerge from the bark, ready to find a new pine tree and begin the cycle all over again.

But that’s only part of the problem. The decay of the tree continues long after even a single generation of beetles leaves. When these beetles burrow into the pines, they transmit a blue stain fungus to the tree that clogs the tree’s vascular system, affecting water and nutrient transport within the tree, which eventually overcomes the tree’s defence system.

Signs of a Mountain Beetle Infestation

Though you typically won’t see the blue stain of the fungus from these pests, there are other signs to look out for:

• Dying tree foliage since the absorption of water is interrupted.
• Gradual change in the color of the foliage; you’ll watch is turn from a dull green, to yellow, then a reddish brown.
• Boring dust in tree bark crevices or near the tree’s base, as well as exit holes where the adult beetles emerged from.
• Popcorn-shaped masses of resin that appear on the trunk and can be brown, pink, or white in color.
• Sometimes you can actually see the presence of the larvae and older beetles by pulling the bark back just a bit.
• In extreme cases, you’ll see needle loss and the tree will appear gray.

In some instances, changes in the foliage color can be caused by something else, but it’s always worth keeping an eye on and getting a second opinion if you’re not sure what’s going on.

Treatments for Mountain Pine Beetle

Keeping your pine trees healthy is the best way to manage these pests. Things like regular watering, annual fertilizations, and preventative sprays can make a huge difference in keeping your pines healthy and safe.

ArborScape offers such services; our certified arborists are also registered pest specialists and offer free quotes to come out to your property to see if your pine is at risk. 

There are some cases where your pine tree has already become infested, in which case, removal can be the best course of action. Total removal and proper disposal of the infested wood helps keep surrounding pines safe.

Care for your pine trees before it’s too late! Let ArborScape keep them healthy during this warm winter so they stay free of the mountain pine beetle. Call us today for a free quote at (303) 806-8733 or fill out the form below.