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Are charred or burned trees that are still alive more susceptible to bark beetles and other insect and disease problems?

Last Updated: October 15, 2009

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Most likely. Trees with charred bark and scorched needles will be stressed from heating, and stressed trees are always more susceptible to successful bark beetle attacks than healthy trees. Research has shown that bark beetles are more attracted to dark, cylindrical silhouettes versus lighter ones. So charred trees may be susceptible to bark beetle attack for this reason as well. On the other hand, some species of bark beetles do not like charred bark, only attacking partially burned trees above the charred areas.

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