Signs of Bark Beetles?

J

Jakehasammo

Location
Celina
I recently bought a house that has multiple pine trees. One of my trees appear to have/had a bug issue and is half dead. From my research online I not positive if this would be bark beetles or not? I don't see any signs of sap coming from the tree or any 'sawdust' around it. If this is bark beetles, I was wondering if maybe the previous owners caught the issue and sprayed the tree as the other pines nearby don't appear to have similar signs. I've posted the tree in question as well as two of the nearby trees. Curious on other's opinions, Thanks in advance!


IMG_1398.jpgIMG_1399.jpgIMG_1402.jpgIMG_1403.jpg
 
The tell tale sign of bark beetle's little 1/8th inch holes riddling the branch structure, generally starting at the top and working its way down.

I use a spotting scope to confirm its presence from the ground.

I suggest removal regardless of what's killing it to keep whatever it is from spreading to other healthy trees on the property. Haul the debris off and bury or burn it. Some folks have success covering the wood in thick bisqueen plastic and baking the bugs till they're dead in the summer months, but you have to wrap the wood in plastic fairly thoroughly.

Jemco
 
Jakehasammo said:
Thank You! That's a relief! Do you have any idea on why the tree might be looking like this? From what I've read online, the yellow bellied sap sucker tends to be relatively harmless to trees.
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It is difficult to diagnose any further problems just from pics alone.
Can you find a certified arborist in your area? Most of the time a consultation is free

bests,
JC
 
One more thing. Was that pond flooded higher at one point? That could have suffocated the roots a bit (on the declining pine).
 
MA Arborist said:
One more thing. Was that pond flooded higher at one point? That could have suffocated the roots a bit (on the declining pine).
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The pond overflow has been sitting higher then desired which did cause the pond to get decently high but the seven months I've lived there, it has never got over the pond's rock parameter. Also, the trees are growing on a hill at a decent height above pond level. I'm not sure how these pine tree's roots grow but thought I would include that. I might have to look into finding an arborist if there are any nearby. I really appreciate the help.
 
Jemco said:
The tell tale sign of bark beetle's little 1/8th inch holes riddling the branch structure, generally starting at the top and working its way down.

I use a spotting scope to confirm its presence from the ground.

I suggest removal regardless of what's killing it to keep whatever it is from spreading to other healthy trees on the property. Haul the debris off and bury or burn it. Some folks have success covering the wood in thick bisqueen plastic and baking the bugs till they're dead in the summer months, but you have to wrap the wood in plastic fairly thoroughly.

Jemco
Click to expand...

Thank you for the information. I plan to monitor the tree's state and remove it if I notice it deteriorating more. I plan to spray the other trees to keep them protected from any potential insect tree killers.
Thanks again!
 
The bark beetles usually present pitch volcanoes around the entry hole.

There are few things that would affect one third of the tree and not the other 2/3rds. Water on part of the root crown was a good suggestion. I'll suggest mechanical damage from a mower. Each tree should have an area delineated from the grass to keep the mower away. The overarching theme is that something may have affected the vascular system on that side of the tree.
 
JD3000 said:
Don't spend any time and effort on a Scotch pine. Diseases and borers will eventually get to it soon as it's about at it's lifespan
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How do you already know that's a Scots pine, and how can you say that about the tree of the year?!

www.theguardian.com

2020 European Tree of the Year - in pictures

The Czech Republic’s Guardian of the Flooded Village pine is this year’s winner of the prestigious European Tree of the Year award, with Croatia’s Ginkgo from Daruvar securing the second and Russia’s Lonely Poplar the third place
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
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