During the winter storms, many trees have fallen or been damaged by heavy snow in Götaland and Svealand. This increases the risk of infestation by the spruce bark beetle, an insect that attacks weakened trees. The Swedish Forest Agency therefore urges forest owners to remove the damaged trees to reduce the risk of new infestations.
The spruce bark beetle, which caused at least SEK 20 billion worth of damage after the hot summer of 2018, has decreased in number in recent years. To avoid a new wave of infestation, it is important to continue monitoring and removing damaged trees.
Snowstorms have led to snowbursts, where branches and trunks have snapped, and to blown-down trees that now need to be dealt with. The damage is spread across Götaland and Svealand, with particularly serious problems in Värmland, Gävleborg, Uppsala, Dalsland, Västra Götaland, Östergötland, Kalmar and Skåne.
In Värmland, snow and wind caused snowfall and windfalls in the south-western part of the county, mainly in Säffle and Grums municipalities. Gävleborg was affected by windfalls after Storm Hans and snowfall in the northern parts of the county. In Uppsala, snowfall occurred along the Uppland coast. Dalsland saw scattered fallen trees in the southern parts, while Västra Götaland was affected by blown-down trees after Storm Louis. Östergötland saw both snowfall and whole trees falling, especially in the south-eastern part and north of the Östgötaslätten. In Kalmar, the northern parts were the worst affected, and in Skåne there was extensive snowfall in the south-eastern part.
To reduce the risk of spruce bark beetle infestation, it is important to vary forest management and ensure that the forest is not too monotonous. A diverse forest, with trees of different ages and species, reduces vulnerability to insect pests.
The Swedish Forest Agency emphasises the importance of forest owners being aware of damage in their forests and taking action to prevent the spread of the spruce bark beetle. Removing damaged trees quickly is crucial to minimise the risk of new infestations and to maintain forest health and productivity.
In conclusion, this winter's storms have caused extensive tree damage, increasing the risk of spruce bark beetle infestation. Forest owners are encouraged to remove damaged trees and consider diversifying their forests to protect against future infestations. Coordinated efforts are necessary to protect forests and ensure sustainable forest management.
Effective control of spruce bark beetle with drones
Drones are used effectively to combat spruce bark beetle by quickly identifying infestations in large forest areas. Using high-resolution cameras and sensors, drones can detect damaged trees early, enabling faster action. They can also monitor and document the impact of control measures, giving forest owners better control and planning in their forest management.
