Knowledgebase

Pinyon health on Cedar Mesa #753056

Asked May 31, 2021, 12:28 PM EDT

On my 10 acre property on Cedar Mesa, just east of Cedaredge, about a third of the plot is mixed juniper and pinyon forest. The pinyons look sick and some are clearly dying. I see similar looking trees on other properties in the neighborhood. I am sure the drought is in some part the cause. I just thought I'd pass these photos on to the experts in case there is anything they can suggest. With the number of trees, applying a pesticide seems impractical. If you need any more info, please let me know. Thanks

Delta County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello Joseph,

You are correct that the drought is leaving the trees vulnerable to insects.  It appears you have twig beetle and engraver beetle (Ips spp.)  If you can remove and chip the ones that are dead or infested, that will decrease the number of insects.  Water the trees that are the most value to you.  Pinyon have very wide spreading roots, 2-5 times their height in spread and 12-18" deep.  So a sprinkler works best.  You can also spray the trees with a pyrethroid spring, summer and late summer to ward off the insects.  Having acreage will make you make hard choices.  

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ips-beetles-5-558/

https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/bark-beetles/pinyon-ips

http://wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/TwigBeetle.pdf

Susan C. Area Horticulture and Natural Resource Agent

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2021, 7:05 PM EDT
Thanks Susan. Pretty much like I expected.



On Tue, Jun 1, 2021 at 5:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2021, 10:10 AM EDT

Yes, sorry for the loss of trees.

Good luck.

Susan

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2021, 12:12 PM EDT

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