![]() The foliage of infested trees turn light green, then yellow, then rusty brown and finally falls off. The western pine beetle infests ponderosa pine greater than 6” DBH, usually trees that are stressed from drought, root disease or other factors and/or are growing on overly dense sites. Sometimes a single tree may host more than one species of bark beetle. Mountain pine beetles and red turpentine beetles may also be present. In SW Oregon, the western pine beetle (WPB) and the ips beetle are the bark beetles of greatest concern for ponderosa pine. Is there a market for the wood? Will it pay its way out of the woods? How much volume is there – enough to interest a logger? Is there good access? Is the terrain steep? Is disposal of the material by burning or chipping feasible? Are there nearby dwellings or structures at risk from a falling beetle-killed tree? Are bark beetle larvae or adult beetles still present in the standing trees? What are the consequences of not removing the infested trees – or removing them? The answers to these questions will help determine which option is chosen. Trees and dispose of the material by burning or chippingĮach of these can be an appropriate response, depending on the situation. What to do? This unfortunate situation is one that many forest landowners are confronted with from time to time. These were the familiar signs and symptoms of a bark beetle infestation. A dozen large ponderosa pine trees had “bark shavings” and red foliage from top to bottom or tops that appeared to be dying. Driving into the Collins Forest early last winter I glanced up into the canopy and saw a disheartening sight.
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