People from all across the country come to Denver because of the scenic views and lush forests, but unfortunately, a great deal of the forests in the area are being destroyed by mountain pine beetles. Do you have mountain pine beetles in your trees? If so, what Denver tree services will you need? Here’s what you need to know:
How do mountain pine beetles harm trees?
These little bugs, which are about the size of a grain of rice, dig their way into fully-grown pine trees. Once the beetles are inside the trees, they begin to lay eggs, which disrupts the tree’s ability to send and receive nutrients. Even though the tree will try to flush out the beetles with pitch, which is a sticky, sap-like substance, the beetles usually end up killing the tree they have infested.
What happens next?
The effects of mountain pine beetle infestations are devastating. Dead trees are at risk of falling at a moment’s notice, so you must be careful to avoid trees that have been infested with mountain pine beetles. Make sure you do not have your car parked anywhere near these trees in case they fall. You should avoid standing around these trees at all times, but especially if it is windy, since the wind can cause dead trees to fall over.
Trees that have been infested by mountain pine beetles are also a huge fire hazard. In fact, the trees are considered fire hazards for up to two years after an infestation, but the time will vary depending on how long it takes for the tree to shed its red needles. Learn more about the mountain pine beetle epidemic here.
If you notice some of your trees are dead because of an infestation, it’s essential that you call a tree removal service as soon as possible.
How can you spot an infestation?
Although it’s rare that you would actually see the beetles, there are other signs of an infestation. You may see small globs of sap, known as pitch tubes, oozing out of the tree’s trunk, which indicates the tree is trying to flush out beetles from within. If the pitch tubes are white or clear, it means the tree has successfully gotten rid of the beetles, but if they are brown or red in color, this means the beetles have infested the tree.
If you see woodpeckers constantly feeding on your trees, this could be another sign that they have been infested by mountain pine beetles.
If you believe your trees have been infested, contact a Denver tree service company as soon as possible. Splintered Forest is a leading fire mitigation and tree service provider serving the Denver area and mountain communities. We are committed to delivering the best service in the industry. Brad Huddleston, our owner, has been in the business for 13 years and began Splintered Forest in 2004. The crew has grown to include an ISA Certified Arborist, experienced tree climbers and expert tree fellers. Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation estimate.