SIGNS OF SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE INFESTATION
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Canopy Fade:
Aerial or foot surveying is another good form of spotting potential SPB infestations. Pine tree needles begin to change to a red/brown color because their vascular systems are being disrupted and nutrients can’t reach throughout the tree. Noticing a significant change in pine tree needle color or increase amount of pine needle droppings in specific trees could help spot a potential SPB outbreak. Any tree that is turning red/brown in the Spring is abnormal and should be looked at closer. |
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Blue-stain Fungus
The SPB is a known carrier of blue-stain fungus. Upon initial attack of a Pine Tree, the pathogenic fungus is introduced. It disrupts the flow of fluids and nutrients throughout the tree, causing the tree to suffer, canopy fading to occur, and tree mortality. Upon cutting the tree, you can actually see the fungus spreading. It has a blueish-color and infects the entire tree. |