Nature Surroundings - State forests: the bark beetle season might be less severe
There are signs pointing to a more moderate pine bark beetle season in Lower Saxony than in previous years. This could be due to the wet winter weather and the recurrent rainfall in spring, according to a representative from the Lower Saxony State Forests, who manage the state's forestland. With around a third of the forest area in the federal state being controlled by the State Forests, their efforts are crucial.
Apart from the weather and the depletion of spruce stands - as per the State Forests, up to 95% of spruce trees in the Harz region were destroyed in October - additional measures are also yielding results. The State Forests are focused on felling infected spruce trees and removing them from the forest to prevent the beetles from spreading further. If the trees do not pose a threat to other trees or people, they are left standing to serve as protection for newly planted seedlings.
In recent times, spruce trees have been particularly prone to the pine bark beetle, owing to storms and drought. This has led to a rapid rise in their population, especially in the Harz region.
Elder trees under threat
Currently, the elm tree is causing concern. Its crowns are being infested by the elm bark beetle, which eventually kills the trees. In certain parts of Hesse and Saxony-Anhalt, significant damage has already been caused in the past few years, mentioned the representative. The species is, therefore, being closely observed to promptly take down infected trees.
The recent extreme weather conditions, which have made trees more vulnerable to pests like insects, have impacted all tree species. Insects, on the other hand, have thrived under these conditions. The beech tree is also suffering from drought damage, making it more vulnerable to attacks by insects and fungal diseases. [Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)]
