Understanding the Pine Beetle Challenge in Colorado Insects, Mites & Diseases Forests across Colorado are facing a serious threat from the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB). At Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), they report that from the late 1990s through 2013, MPB impacted approximately 3.4 million acres of forest in Colorado. In a recent interview with SavATree arborist Liv Duesterberg, we learned the outbreak is again accelerating, especially in Front Range of Colorado. If you live in Colorado, it’s crucial to know how to tell if a pine tree is dying, why the pine beetle Colorado issue matters, and learn what action you should take to protect your trees. Why the Mountain Pine Beetle Colorado Issue is Critical With millions of trees already affected and growing pressure from climate conditions, early detection is key to limiting damage. Many homeowners are asking how to tell if a pine tree is dying before it's too late. The earlier you recognize the warning signs, the better your chances of saving nearby trees and minimizing long-term risks. Changing Infestation Patterns According to Duesterberg, “Over the last 3–4 years, there has been a significant increase in activity … between 2023 and 2024 … driving down the Front Range. Entire mountain faces are brown.” Those observations align with the findings from CSFS. Duesterberg adds that timing varies by altitude and treatment windows shift accordingly. Trees Under Stress Are at Higher Risk Drought, heatwaves, and dry summers place pine trees under stress, weakening their natural defenses. The beetles are prone to exploit that. At CSFS, they point out that large‐diameter pines, especially Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon Pine, Austrian Pine, and Limber Pine in Colorado, are susceptible during outbreaks. Duesterberg confirms: “Dry, warm temps are the enemy predisposing pine trees to outbreaks.” A Fire Risk for Homeowners Dead and dying trees aren’t just an aesthetic issue. They increase the fire hazard. Duesterberg emphasizes, “The two things I’m looking for are weather patterns and population. Dry conditions can create the perfect environment for a fire. These beetles are increasing the risk for the Colorado wildfires because of how quickly they are destroying these trees.” How to Tell If a Pine Tree Is Dying Identifying distressed or infested pines early allows you to act. Here are key signs: Needle color change – Needles turning yellow, orange, or red (rather than green) are a warning sign. Pitch tubes – Small popcorn‑shaped masses of resin on the trunk indicate beetle entry. Boring dust – Fine sawdust in bark crevices or at the base of the tree shows beetle activity. Woodpecker damage – Birds stripping bark are hunting larvae inside, an indicator of infestation. If you observe more than one of these signs, call a certified arborist. Pine Beetle Management for Homeowners Recognizing the signs of infestation is only the first step. To effectively combat the mountain pine beetle and protect your landscape, it’s important to take informed, proactive measures. Here’s what Colorado property owners need to know about managing the threat. Preventive Treatments Duesterberg recommends early treatment based on altitude: “We treat for pine beetle in May-June. They enter the tree between late July and September.” For high‑value pines, pre‑emptive sprays or injections may protect them when applied correctly. Removal of Infested Trees Once a tree is infested, it must typically be removed to prevent further spread. Chemical treatments are not curative; they are preventive, and cannot reliably save a tree already under attack. Removing infested trees is critical to reducing the risk to surrounding healthy pines, as beetles can easily move from one weakened host to the next. Duesterberg notes that timely removal is especially important in clustered outbreaks where beetles are rapidly multiplying, saying, “We’re seeing entire stands go brown within a season. It spreads fast. Strategic removal helps break the infestation cycle and protects both private properties and nearby forested areas.” Watering & Adjacent Tree Care While those infested trees may not be treatable, adjacent trees are. With the spread happening so rampantly, Duesterberg emphasizes the importance of proactive care: “Trees adjacent to the infested areas need extra watering. Strong trees defend themselves better and reduce the chance of beetle spread. Beetles only fly a certain distance. The spread happens when they hop from tree to tree.” The more adjacent trees that are treated, the less spread can occur. Coordination with Public Land & Community Effort Mountain pine beetle management is not just an individual responsibility. It’s a community-wide imperative. As beetles spread easily across property lines, isolated efforts can fall short without broader coordination. Duesterberg stresses the limitations facing public agencies, “Public land mitigation is crucial, but many municipalities and the Forest Service simply don’t have the funding to keep up. Lakewood has had discussions with the Forest Service, but resources are stretched thin.” This funding gap underscores the importance of proactive management by individual landowners, HOAs, and local coalitions. Duesterberg often works with homeowner associations and neighborhoods to educate residents and recommend targeted strategies. “The more people that become aware, the more control we can get,” she explains. “I’m still running into people, especially new homeowners, who have no idea their trees are infested.” By sharing information, encouraging inspections, and supporting early intervention efforts, communities can significantly reduce the spread and impact of beetle infestations. In areas where public and private lands meet, this collaboration can be the difference between containment and widespread loss. Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in 2026 The outlook remains concerning. Duesterberg identifies two primary trends: Population surge — The outbreak cycle, which historically waxes and wanes every 8‑20 years, appears to be in an upswing again. Cyclical Outbreaks — In the 1980s, Ponderosa Pines were the primary target. Lodgepole Pines were the target in the 1990-2013 outbreak. Currently, Ponderosa Pines are at risk again. Property owners must act proactively now. Waiting until visual damage is apparent may mean missing the window for effective intervention. Take Action with SavATree The pine beetle situation in Colorado is more than a forestland concern. It’s a property risk for residents across the Front Range and foothills. Recognizing how to tell if a pine tree is dying and acting early are key steps. At SavATree, we bring trusted arboricultural knowledge and proactive treatment options to help you protect your trees and your property. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.