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Pine Bark Beetles in my Red Pines #823767

Asked March 28, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT

I have recently lost 2 of 3 mature Red Pines to what I'm told is a Pine Bark Beetle infestation. I have someone coming to cut down the dead trees and I'd like to know if it is safe for me to split the wood and store in on the property for later use in an outdoor fire? I make maple syrup every spring and try to save all the wood I can for use in the syrup boiler. How likely is it that the beetles from a pile of split Red Pine could spread to the various other pines on my property? The pile would be some distance from the closest pine tree. Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Evening Justin, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on this link about managing pine bark beetle from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/forest-pests-and-diseases/managing-pine-bark-beetle-damage#beetle-and-disease-lookalikes-1268061

If you scroll down, it discusses management strategies. This also discusses dealing with the wood to avoid additional infestation. 

If two of the three red pines on your property are already infected, I would not be surprised if the third is also infected, based on the drought of 2022. (Possibly you watered the trees) Hopefully this information will give you some guidance on whether or not to keep the wood on your property. 

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied March 28, 2023, 6:45 PM EDT

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