Colorado arborist urges homeowners to protect ponderosa pines from Mountain Pine Beetle
CBS News••nation
Key Points:
- Mountain pine beetle outbreaks are increasingly threatening ponderosa pines in Douglas County, with warmer temperatures and drought conditions weakening trees and facilitating beetle spread.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has formed a task force to combat the beetle infestation, warning that millions of ponderosa pines in populous areas could be lost in coming years.
- Arborist Michael Dwyer highlights that the mountain pine beetle now attacks even healthy trees and recommends preventative treatments like emamectin benzoate injections to protect trees.
- Additional protective measures include deep root watering and mulching to maintain tree health, while early detection signs such as pitch tubes and frass are crucial for timely intervention.
- Infected trees are often removed to prevent spread
