Pine Bark Beetle Information
-- Updated damage with pictures.
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The Hickory Woods Homeowners Association Pine Bark Beetle Information -- Updated damage with pictures. |
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The Southern Pine Beetle problem affecting East Tennessee is now killing trees in Hickory Woods. Approximately twelve trees on Laurel Valley and Valley Trail have fallen victim to the beetle. The pine beetles are very small insect,
The best method to stop the spread of the beetles is to promptly remove infested trees. The beetles will spread from tree to tree if the infested tree is not removed. Removing trees promptly can save you and your neighbors many hundreds of dollars that will have to be spent to remove additional trees. (Hickory Woods Newsletter, August 2000) In November, 2000, Tom Inman on Valley Trail had two trees removed. At least one was killed by the pine bark beetle. The work was done by Arbor Care of East Tennessee in Lenoir City. Tom said they charged $200 for each tree and that they did a good job, cleaned up nicely and seemed honest. They will remove stumps for an additional fee. Tom also said that Arbor Care will have a special from December to February. You can reach them at (865)966-8372.
I received this information about pine bark beetles from the Extension Office. Since we have so many pine trees in Hickory Woods, I wanted to pass on the information. Charlotte Klasson TO: KEN LEINART, MANAGING EDITOR Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Pine Beetle I have received several telephone calls concerning our recent outbreak of the Southern Pine Beetle. One of the most asked questions is "Why the outbreak of pine beetle in 1990 and 2000?" Seasonal Effects on BeetlesSouthern pine beetle populations are cyclic and tend to build to elevated levels in Tennessee every 10 to 12 years. Other population outbreaks were in 1975 and 1988. The late season summer droughts of 1998 and 1999 and the snow/ice storms damaging many trees during the winter of 1998-1999 stressed many pine trees allowing them to become more susceptible to pine beetle infestations. The mild winters also contributed to the buildup in pine beetle infestations. The mild winters also contributed to the buildup in pine beetle populations.Freezing Cold EffectsOverwintering beetles are killed when temperatures stay below freezing (32 degrees F) for 5 to 7 consecutive days; also, beetles can be killed in 2 consecutive days when night time temperatures are below 5 degrees and daytime temperatures do not reach freezing. The past two winters in Tennessee did not have these freezing temperatures.Pine Tree StressPine trees under stress are more susceptible to pine beetle attack. Common factors leading to tree stress and pine beetle outbreaks are prolonged moisture or drought stress, slow tree growth in overstocked or over-mature stands, diseased or storm-damaged trees and excessive damage to residual trees after a harvesting operation.During the current outbreak, the buildup of pine beetle populations in damaged, stressed, overstocked and over mature natural pine stands has spread to younger, more vigorous stands including some plantations because of the high beetle population levels. Beetle ControlThe most effective and economical control method is to remove infested trees, including a buffer strip of uninfested pines about 100 to 160 yards in width. The salvaged pines should be sent to the wood-processing mills as soon as possible. When markets are oversupplied with pine and cannot be sold, the "cut and leave" technique where infested trees and a buffer strip are cut down and left to decompose is recommended.Beetle Life CycleTiming is important for pine beetle control. The life cycle of pine beetle is about 6 weeks and 6 to 7 generations of beetle can be produced each year. Control must take place within a few weeks once beetles are found or the spot will continue to spread. Once the pine trees become red-topped, beetles have already attached and left the tree. The tree is dead. Freshly infested trees have pitch tubes formed from resin where beetles have bored into the tree. No exit holes are apparent. The beetle larvae are in the tree. The brood develops in the inner bark of the trees and exits through pencil lead-sized holes in the bark. Once the exit holes are found, the beetles have left the tree.Avoiding BeetlesOne of the best ways to avoid the southern pine beetle is to keep your trees healthy and actively growing. Thin trees to keep the stand vigorous. Do not allow tree or stand growth to decline. Salvage promptly all lightning-struck, logging-damaged, diseased or over mature pines when there are few beetles. These trees can become centers for building beetle populations.Salvaging InfestationsSalvage larger actively spreading infestations first when there is a general outbreak. Exercise care not to damage residual trees during harvesting operations. Harvest all mature trees before they begin to decline. Consider planting pine at wider spacings (400 trees per acre) to encourage larger trees that can be utilized during a thinning operation.Planting More Pines?Landowners ask the question "Should I continue to plant pine considering the damage from pine beetle?" Pine beetles have been part of the ecosystem for years. Beetle populations crash and build based on climate and disturbances over time. With increased marketing opportunities and higher prices, growing pine continues to be a good investment for forest landowners in the long term. Most of the stands affected by pine beetle are those that are not managed, i.e., those stands that are over-mature, overcrowded and slow-growing.Forest ManagementGood forest management is the only way to resist pine beetle attacks through maintaining vigorously growing trees. Thinning overcrowded stands, and regenerating slow growing, over mature or diseased trees will promote vigorous trees and improve resistance to southern pine beetle.More InformationFor more information about southern pine beetle, contact the Agricultural Extension office in Room 213 Courthouse, Clinton or call 457-6246.The Southern Pine Beetle Internet Control Center has additional information about the beetles. Also see the University of Georgia Department of Entomology, Integrated Pest Management page for some good pictures of the insect and the under-bark damage and resin tubes on the outer bark. |
The Knoxville-Oak Ridge Regional Network!
only about 1/8 inch long, that drill holes into the pine trees, then lay eggs under the bark. The first indications are many small globs of sap and/or tiny clusters of sawdust on the bark. The more obvious indication of an infestation is when the pine needles suddenly turn brown. The tree dies, either directly from the damage by the beetles, or from a fungus that the beetles bring into the tree. The above internet site gives more information about identifying the beetles in damaged trees.
In October, 2001, a large dead pine tree on an undeveloped lot in Berkely Park fell at the end of Laurel Valley damaging one of the brick columns at the curb. Here are some pictures. The tree blew down in a thunderstorm with some high winds.
The tree broke about 10 feet up the trunk indicating that the wood is very dry and brittle. There are many other trees in this area and along the greenway a little to the east of this place. Fortunately, no damage was done to any houses. Similar damage was done in the spring to the Baldwin's back yard by trees in this same area. If you have dead trees in your yard or nearby, have them removed. Also, inform your insurance agent if the trees are on adjacent property. Ask them to contact the property owner for you about removing the dead trees.