Well I thought we escaped the Pine Beetle again this year. Many Colorado mountain towns have been devistated by the beetles and Summit County is no exception. We spray every year and make sure we do everything to maintain our wonderful pines. Last month Deanna and I were discussing how we saw no marks on our trees or any browning on them.
Well my folks decided to visit last weekend and the first thing my Dad said did you see that brown tree in your yard. I was in such shock I almost called him a LIAR! So I rushed to the window and looked out. I could not see the tree and everything looked healthy and green. Dad strolls over as I continue to frantically look for the elusive dead tree. He points up and says look at the top. Sure enough the whole top of the tree was brown.
I love my trees and many are very mature and beautiful. I almost get downright protective of them. I felt the Beatles had violated my space. I cannot imaging my home without their shade and greenery. Luckily I also live in the middle of an Aspen Grove.
So now I have declared all out war on the Pine Beetles. I have sprayed again this year but I am not a particular fan of chemicals but feel it is necessary to help save our trees. Spraying the trees contains a chemical called seven which also can kill bugs that are vital to our forests and waterways.
In my research I have come across a product that we are trying this year called Beetle Block from AG Bio.
The research looks promising as they have studies to back up the science.
Beetle Block contains a type of Verbenone, and verbenone is a natural pheromone that beetles emit when the population of a tree has reached a high level. The pheromone is a signal to adult beetles to stay away because the tree cannot support full development of the population that has already infested the tree. Beetles turn away and seek another food source. The verbenone in Beetle Block is an exact mimic of the verbenone naturally produced by beetles.
Beetle Block has been used commercially in Montana, Wyoming, & Idaho by the forest service and other agencies. This year a couple of our local towns have purchased it for testing on some areas. If any of you have used the product I would love to hear your results.
One positive note Aspen trees seem to be proliferating where pine trees have been cut or have completely died out. In the comming years Summit County will have a very healthy forest for us and future generations to see.
Check out Ag Bio for more information.
Summit County Colorado area information.
