01/02/2026
If you don't live under a huge rock, you are more than likely aware that we’re experiencing unseasonably warm and continuing very, very dry conditions across Colorado, and while we may feel it in our skin and sinuses, trees feel it far more intensely.
When trees are stressed by drought and heat, their natural defenses weaken, especially their ability to produce resin. That’s when insects like Mountain Pine Beetle and Ips Beetle take advantage.
Stressed trees = vulnerable trees
🌲Dry soils reduce water uptake, and in some cases as dry as we are can pull water FROM trees and or air lock their vascular tissue.
🌲Heat increases transpiration. When we have no water available in our soils, particularly in winter, this severely increases drought stress
🌲Resin production drops
🌲Trees put out stress pheromones that let the beetle know about the buffet
🌲Bark beetles have an easier time overwhelming the tree
Here are some things you can do right now to protect your trees:
🌲Deep, consistent watering
🌲Water slow and deep, not quick surface sprays
🌲Focus on the drip line, not the trunk
🌲Mature trees benefit from 1–2 deep soakings per week during dry spells
🌲 Protect the soil by adding 2–4 inches of mulch (keep it off the trunk). Too much mulch is bad, so don't go overboard.
🌲Mulch moderates soil temperature and retains moisture
🌲Avoid unnecessary pruning especially during drought or peak beetle activity
🌲Fresh cuts can actually attract Ips beetles
Watch for early warning signs of beetle intrusion.
🌲Pitch tubes (small popcorn-like resin blobs on bark)
🌲Boring dust at the base of the tree
🌲Thinning crowns or fading needle color
🛡️ Preventative treatments
🌲High-value pines may benefit from professional beetle treatments when timed correctly.
🌲Beetle sprays can help reduce outbreaks and their impact in heavily treed areas
🌲 Pesticide injections and other systemic applications offer a greater degree of protection at more cost, but can offer two year protection. Ideal for prominent, mature pines.
This year is wild. As warm as it is, we are seeing active Ips beetle as recently as December 19th, before that last freeze. We anticipate shocking mortality from the drought and Ips activity through winter and especially in February when, hopefully, things freeze hard. Even if you spray/inject, it is possible the beetle intrusion and drought stress will kill trees, especially around roadways.
Added to that is the fact that Colorado is predicted to have unprecedented Pine Beetle activity for the next 5 years that some experts are saying could cause up to 100% mortality along front range Pines.
Our family has been caring for Colorado trees for over 40 years. We’ve seen firsthand how fast conditions like this can turn into widespread loss, but we’ve also seen how proactive care makes all the difference.
If you’re unsure whether your trees are stressed or at risk, now is the time to look, not after needles start turning red.
Water those trees, for as long as it stays dry. Encourage your neighbors to water. Have a tree in your backyard that's part of an HOA or metro district property? See if you can get permission to water it. Integrated pest management and plant health care start with healthy trees. If nothing else, water, water, water.
ISA Certified Arborists
Colorado Dept. of Ag Qualified Supervisors
303-805-8777
