Management planning

Managing a spruce beetle infestation may mean different things depending on different situations. Single tree protections and managing infestations in landscape and ornamental trees are different than forest-scale management practices. When determining treatments or management options for spruce beetle, first determine your management objectives and then choose options that best meet those objectives. Treatments can be effective, but may be time consuming and/or expensive and therefore, not practical for all situations.

Table 1: A generalized timeline for different management activities related to spruce beetle. Note that dates and months of treatment efficacy may fluctuate depending on the local environmental conditions, local beetle population pressure, and local stand conditions. *Research into pesticide injection use in Alaska is still ongoing, best practices have yet to be determined.

Questions to ask and things to consider when determining a management plan:

Deciding how to manage your trees/forest before, in the middle of, or after a spruce beetle attack can seem like an overwhelming task. Below are some things to consider when determining control measures and making a management plan.

1. What are my goals for this forest/yard?
   1. Habitat for wildlife
   2. Aesthetics
   3. Recreation
2. What services do the trees provide?
   1. Sentimental
   2. Visual or sound barrier from roads or neighbors
   3. Habitat for wildlife
3. Are the trees currently infested with spruce beetles?
4. When should specific tasks be done?
5. Who will do the work?
6. What is the cost/benefit between treating a tree and removing a tree?
7. What can I expect the treatment/management activity to accomplish?
8. What kind of follow-up may be needed?

Thinking about these questions and topics can help with narrowing down which management options will fit your goals and be appropriate for the property.