Well, it has happened. Whether it was from freak winds in the mountains or firewood from infected trees, Mountain Pine Beetles (mpb) have reached the Denver Metro Area. David Merriman,  ArborScape’s staff arborist has identified MPB in Golden, Lakewood and Denver.

Conventional wisdom has been that the beetles only can move about a mile from infested trees. Somebody forgot to tell the beetles this. They apparently have moved from infested trees in the mountains to Ponderosa and Scotch Pines as far away as Sterling, CO and beyond. Nebraska has confirmed beetle presence in the western communities of the state.

Make sure the company treating your trees has a current Pesticide license from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. It is also a good idea to ask if they have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff. This ensures a higher degree of expertise.

George Biedenstein is Plant Health Care Manager for Arborscape. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.