Tree Diseases & Invasive Species

The Emerald Ash Borer


What is an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

The EAB is an exotic wood boring beetle (1/2 inch long, dark metallic green) from Asia, which was discovered in Michigan in 2002. Since its discovery in the mid-west, it has been responsible for the death and removal of millions of native Ash trees within the eastern half of the US and Canada.  After hatching on the bark surface, the larvae tunnel through the bark and begin consuming the sapwood of various Ash tree species. They feed on the vascular tissue of the tree, producing galleries that girdle & ultimately kill the tree within 3-5 years.  **It is expected that EAB will ultimately kill almost every unprotected Ash tree growing in North America  – Colorado State University Click here to learn more about EAB

Preventing the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer with Splintered Forest's Expert Tree and Plant Health Care Services.

Emerald Ash Borer in Colorado

Emerald Ash Borer – Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Symptoms of EAB:

The Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle


Quick Facts About The Mountain Pine Beetle:

Mountain Pine Beetle – USDA Forest Service – Region 2 – Rocky Mountain Region , USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Infested Trees:

Prevention:

The Mountain Pine Beetle infestation is continuing to increase across Colorado and into parts of Wyoming with over 1 Million acres currently being affected by this epidemic.  The MPB is a native to the forests within the Western parts of North America and when outbreaks occur it can result in the loss of millions of trees.  Beetle-killed trees can negatively affect things such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, transmission lines, scenic views, recreation sites and timber production, but it also presents the opportunity for fuels to build-up that could potentially cause disastrous forest fires.

If you suspect MPB has infested trees on your property, contact Splintered Forest today at 303-819-9840 to setup a free consultation.  Our ISA Certified Arborists will create an individualized plan to assist with your MPB problem.

 

The Spruce Beetle


The Spruce Beetle is a native species in the spruce forest ecosystem in Colorado and is responsible for the death of more spruce trees in North American than any other natural agent. Their populations can range from Alaska and Newfoundland and South to Arizona and New Mexico. In Colorado, they are typically observed in spruce forests at higher elevations (above 9,000 feet). They tend to infest downed and large, mature trees (16 inches in diameter or more) when the populations are low, but when they reach epidemic levels, they may attack standing and smaller trees.

Spruce Beetle – Milan Zubrik, Forest Research Institute – Slovakia, Bugwood.org

Signs & Symptoms of an Infestation

Prevention

One of the most effective ways of mitigating a threat of a spruce beetle outbreak is to manage the overall health of your forest. Creating both age and species diversity will help support the forest health and reduce the impacts of a future attack. Removing downed spruce can also help maintain beetle popluations.

There are other treatment options, but should be discussed with an ISA Certified Arborist before taking action:

To read more about the spruce beetle and prevention methods:
http://csfs.colostate.edu/media/sites/22/2014/02/Spruce-Beetle-QuickGuide-FM2014-1.pdf