pine bark beetle question

[Today's Tom Sawyer]

An "arborist" in my neighborhood is claiming that simply falling a ponderosa infected with the beetle will kill them; the beetle that is. I'm not a certified arborist, but have worked for a couple, and the usual procedure was burn the top and the slash, debark and burn bark,at the right time of year for burning. Is there any legitimacy to the "felling is enough" idea. I've dealt with windfell trees that still had live adults and larva beneath the bark. I find it hard to believe. Am I just not up to date, or is this guy full or it?

 

[The_Archdruid]

You'll kill a few. Some will get severe headaches and not feel like themselves for awhile.

 

[DSMc]

Your " arborist " is wrong. Infestations of bark beetles will easily finish development in a cut down ponderosa. Any green that remains in the smaller limbs will also attract ips.

 

[Today's Tom Sawyer]

Thanks for confirming what I thought. There's been a lot of die off around here, and I hate hearing about people trying to make a quick buck at the expense of the trees that are not yet dead.

 

[easyphloem]

You'll kill a few. Some will get severe headaches and not feel like themselves for awhile.

Concussions are serious.

The beetles might not realize it, but years later, when they are crippled with depression, lack of motor skills, and a complete depletion of their life savings, we shall all see the wisdom of this "arborist".

SZ