MARQUETTE, MI-- The Department of Natural Resources says tamarack trees in the U.P. are dying at an alarming rate.
Also known as the eastern larch, tamaracks are succumbing to attacks by the eastern larch beetle—or ELB.
Forest Health Specialist Bob Heyd says the beetle became an epidemic more than a decade ago. Two consecutive years of defoliation in 2001 and 2002, combined with repeated drought conditions, have contributed to high ELB populations.
Heyd says infested trees feature yellowing foliage and small entrance holes. But heavily infested trees will often not fade before fall, making detection of infestations difficult.
The DNR recommends removal of affected trees and logs and utilization of material larger than four inches in diameter.
