Mountain Pine Beetle
NEW – Fall 2007 & 2008 Mountain Pine Beetle Guidelines
The Town of Breckenridge will continue to partner with property owners within Breckenridge Town limits by providing free inspections of Lodgepole Pine trees and by marking current season infestations on private property. The most notable change in the program this season is that property owners will be responsible for coordinating the proper removal of trees from their property. Once removed, the property owner may submit a request for reimbursement of $40 per tree to offset the cost of removal. Restrictions apply and only current season infestations will be considered.
Mountain Pine Beetle Signs of Infestation
Yellow or red needles on the entire tree crown. (Needles fade from green to yellow and then to bright red.) Note: discoloration occurs during the year AFTER attack when the beetle has almost completed development. By the time trees appear bright red, the beetles have left to attack new trees.
Galleries (tunnels beneath the bark) with beetles, eggs or larvae.
“Pitch tubes” — globs of resin on the trunk where beetles tunnel into the bark.
“Sawdust” at the base of a tree or in bark crevices.
Woodpecker activity, such as holes in the trunk and bark chips on the ground.
Treatment Options
Prevention: Healthy, vigorously growing trees are most resistant to attack. The most effective way to prevent a mountain pine beetle infestation is to harvest mature lodgepole pine trees and pine dominant stands before they become overmature (generally over 80 years old). Consider spacing or thinning large groups to allow individual trees better access to moisture and light. Soil moisture affects the degree to which trees are drought stressed, and stressed trees have limited capabilities to produce the resins necessary to pitch out invading beetle. Note: You must contact Town staff listed below before removing any tree on your property. Permits and fees may be required.
Felling and Chipping: In Summit County, the best remedy for infected beetle trees is to chip the infected material. Felling and chipping trees will destroy the beetle’s food source and habitat.
Replanting: Maintaining the values of your property will require a rehabilitation strategy. Replacing trees involves preparing the site by removing brush and creating suitable planting spots. Of course, your selection of tree species is important and pine certainly should be considered. Trees should be planted with adequate spacing and measures taken to ensure that they remain healthy.
Pesticides: Some types of insecticide can be used to protect trees. Timing and application techniques are critical. Seek the advice of local forestry professionals. Town permits and approvals are required.
