Pine Beetles Are on the Rise in Alabama
Across Birmingham and surrounding Alabama communities, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in pine beetle activity. These tiny insects bore into pine trees, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients from the inside out. Within weeks, an infested pine can fade from green to brown — and once beetles move in, they can spread quickly to nearby trees.
Warmer winters and longer periods of drought have made our local pines more susceptible. Stress from compacted soils, construction damage, or lack of moisture gives beetles an easy target. The result? More dying pines across neighborhoods, parks, and landscapes that once stood healthy and green.
How to Spot the Early Warning Signs
The earlier you recognize pine beetle damage, the better chance you have of saving your trees.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Needles turning reddish-brown, often starting near the top of the tree
- Small, round holes in the bark where beetles have entered or exited
- Fine sawdust (frass) collecting around the trunk or at the base of the tree
- Pitch tubes — small blobs of resin that look like sap bubbles on the bark
- Clusters of fading or dying pines in the same area
If you see these signs, don’t try to peel bark or climb the tree to inspect it further. The damage is often deeper than it appears, and moving between infested trees can spread beetles faster. Instead, call a certified arborist to confirm the diagnosis and recommend safe treatment options.
Preventing Pine Beetle Damage
Healthy trees are naturally more resistant to beetles and other borers. Prevention starts with proactive care:
- Keep soil healthy with deep-root fertilization and aeration to relieve compaction.
- Water deeply during drought periods to reduce stress on pine roots.
- Remove dead or infested pines quickly to limit beetle spread.
- Avoid wounding trees during the growing season (fresh cuts attract beetles).
- Schedule preventive treatments in high-risk areas or after nearby infestations.
Pro Tip: Trees growing in compacted or nutrient-poor soils are the first to attract pine beetles. Investing in soil health — especially after summer droughts — pays off year after year.
Treatment Options from Gray’s Tree Service
At Gray’s Tree Service, our certified arborists use targeted trunk injections and protective sprays to stop beetle activity and safeguard surrounding trees.
- Trunk injections deliver precise doses of insecticide directly into the tree’s vascular system — ideal for high-value or early-stage infestations.
- Protective sprays coat the bark to deter new beetles from entering and can help protect healthy trees nearby.
Both treatments are timed for effectiveness and performed by trained professionals to ensure safety for your trees and your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Beetles
Q: What are pine beetles?
A: Pine beetles are small bark-boring insects that tunnel beneath pine bark, cutting off a tree’s water and nutrient flow and often leading to tree death if untreated.
Q: Why are pine beetles becoming more common in Alabama?
A: Warmer winters, drought stress, and compacted or damaged soils have made local pines more vulnerable, allowing beetle populations to grow each year.
Q: How can I tell if my pine tree has beetles?
A: Look for small holes in the bark, reddish-brown needles, sawdust at the base, or sticky resin spots called pitch tubes. These are classic signs of infestation.
Q: Can all pine trees be affected?
A: Yes—though loblolly and shortleaf pines are most at risk, any stressed pine species can be targeted by beetles.
Q: When are pine beetles most active?
A: Activity peaks from late spring through early fall when temperatures are warm and trees are under stress.
Q: Can a pine tree survive an infestation?
A: Early detection and professional treatment can sometimes save affected trees, but once the canopy turns brown, removal is usually the only option.
Q: What’s the best treatment for pine beetles?
A: Trunk injections and bark sprays applied by a certified arborist are the most effective ways to stop active beetles and protect nearby healthy trees.
When to Call an Arborist for Pine Beetle Damage
Timing is everything when it comes to pine beetles. Once the canopy turns brown, it’s often too late to save that tree — but surrounding trees can still be protected.
If you notice fading needles, sawdust at the base, or other signs of pine decline, don’t wait for the damage to spread. Our plant health care team can assess your landscape, identify any active infestations, and recommend the right treatment or removal plan.
Ready for a pine beetle inspection or treatment plan? Call us today at 205-927-2652 or schedule your free consultation online.
