What is Pine Bark Beetle?


What is Pine Bark Beetle?
The various species of pine bark beetle can cause significant devastation to plants and most notably, pine tree varieties. The appearance of these is usually noticeable following severe weather conditions that weaken trees and shrubs. Healthy, thriving trees are not often attacked, although prevention is still essential.

Damage occurs as these beetles enter the inner bark level which interferes with the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Some pine bark beetles introduce a symbiotic fungus that further devastates a weakened tree. As a result, the trees die.

Species of Pine Bark Beetles
According to the U.S. Forest Service, there are over 600 species of pine bark beetle. Some of the most notable are:

●     Mountain Pine Beetle
●     IPS Pine Engraver Beetle
●     Black Turpentine Beetle
●     Southern Pine Beetle

In recent years, the most damage has occurred in forests populated by spruce, juniper, lodgepole and ponderosas. Many scientists are blaming climate change for the increased degree of stress.
The problem is becoming so severe that the Western Bark Beetle Research Group has been formed to find new ways to combat the problem.

How to Spot Infestation by Pine Bark Beetles
While symptoms vary due to tree health and the degree of infestation, look for pale green or brown needles that could transform into a reddish shade. Red-colored or lighter pitch tubes and entry holes will be evident.

Treatment and Prevention
Homeowners should first confer with a landscaper or nursery professional to identify a potential beetle infestation and to determine the best course.

If pine bark beetles are present on the property, owners should treat residential trees with an appropriate insecticide. Identifying the type of beetle is essential before determining which chemical to apply.

As a preventative measure, owners can also have the appropriate preventative products applied to their most susceptible trees. To understand prevention measures, Colorado State University has compiled an extensive treatise about the prevention of pine bark beetles.

Heritage Oak Farm ProLine Nursery Equipment
As a premier supplier to tree farms, nurseries, and landscape professionals, the professionals at Heritage Oak Farm understand what is needed to operate efficiently. Their ProLine™ series of labor-saving, highly functional, and affordable tree and plant handling equipment attaches easily to any late model skid steer.

One ingenious ProLine product, the TreeTyer™ lifts and gently compresses tree branches for easier tying.

For more information, visit the ProLine website, or call 1-888-288-5308.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming a New Japanese Blueberry Tree: The Rising Sun

Image
TreeTown USA has officially recognized a new variety of Japanese Blueberry tree to be officially known as “Morning Sun” PP#29,266. This variety can reach up to 40-feet in height casting luxurious shade. Or, if the owner chooses to keep it smaller, the tree can become a trimmed and shaped accent plant. The foliage is a vivid red-orange shade in the fall that instantly draws attention and adds emphasis to certain areas of the landscape. This cultivar, officially known as “Elaeocarpus decipiens,” is a fast-growing addition with dense foliage. A hearty tree when established, the “Morning Sun” thrives in full sun or partial shade and survives best in well-drained soil. The tree is hardy in Zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained soil. The fruit of the Japanese Blueberry is ornamental, not considered edible for humans. Birds do consume the berries in the winter, however. Attributes of the Japanese Blueberry Tree The Japanese Blueberry root system does not grow deep into the ground but prefers...
Read more

How Landscape Designers Add Real Value

Image
As you drive through certain neighborhoods, some landscapes capture your attention immediately. Most eye-catching surroundings are not that way by accident. Those attractive lawns and gardens are likely the work of a gifted professional landscape designer who worked with the contours and planting areas to create the most appealing settings for plants, trees, lawns, hardscapes, and other decorative features. Homeowners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over time to improve the appearance and functionality of the exterior facade of their homes while balking at paying extra to enhance the presence of their landscapes. An elegant and inviting lawn can do as much for the curb appeal and value of the home as any other exterior upgrade. Why Hiring a Professional Landscape Designer Adds Value An experienced landscape designer has acquired knowledge and experience of identifying what works in any setting, soil type and climate, creating and maintaining a kaleidoscope of col...
Read more

Common Midwest Oak Tree Diseases: Botryosphaeria Twig Canker

Image
Do my trees have Botryosphaeria twig canker? Botryosphaeria twig canker is a disease that affects red and white oaks. Properly caring for your trees, keeping landscaping tools and equipment clean, and watching out for signs of lesions on leaves can help you avoid this common oak tree disease. What Causes Botryosphaeria Twig Canker? A fungus is the cause of Botryosphaeria twig canker. As its name suggests, the specific fungus identified for this disease is Botryosphaeria spp. Symptoms of this disease typically present in the mid-summer, after periods of heavy spring rainfall, and dead branch tips may remain visible through the fall.     Signs of Botryosphaeria Twig Canker When the fungus attacks a tree, it causes brown, wilted leaves on the tips of tree branches, extending 4-6 inches in from branch tips. Upon closer inspection, you will see brownish-black elongated lesions (cankers) on affected limbs. Within the lesions, black, pimple-like fruiting struct...
Read more