Another Insect Ravaging Trees In The High Country
VAIL, Colo. (CBS4) - There's a another insect that's ravaging trees in the high county, but this one is very different than the pine beetle, which has ravaged millions of acres.
The bug is called aspen scale and researchers are seeing the biggest problem in mountain towns.
"I can see the scale standing here 15 feet away from the tree," Colorado State University extension agent Bob Hammond said.
Hammond is the leading researcher in the state on aspen scale.
"This dark discoloration, it scrapes off, it's not part of the bark," he said.
It's a tiny insect that's been eating trees west of the Continental Divide for years. Hammond said there's just not enough known about the scale to save all the tress.
"Aspen is an important component of the urban forest," Hammond said. "We have to keep the trees healthy and that is presenting a challenge in some towns."
"This is something we've seen in a few different spots around. The Vail Village area is where we're seeing it the most," Gregg Barrie with the Town of Vail said.
That's what's confusing about the scale. It hasn't been seen in the forest, so far it's only attacking landscaped trees in mountain communities from Vail to Aspen and in between.
"It sucks the juices out of the tree," Hammond said.
"It starts to weaken the wood and starts to split in spots," Barrie said.
Vail has spent thousands on pesticide treatments, but some trees can't be saved.
"We've cut down probably 50 to 60 trees just in the past two years," Barrie said. "The trees behind us, we noticed several weeks ago that they've become infected, so we'll treat them next spring. Hopefully we can save them, but we'll see what happens," Barrie said.
Hammond said there's no silver bullet for treating the bug because topical pesticides have only helped a small amount.
"Just find a few scale insects early and that's the trick to saving your trees," Hammond said.
The Eagle County Extension Office is planning on handing out pamphlets to all residents warning them about the scale.
Those who think trees on their property are affected should contact their local extension office.
