Less bark beetle damage - Sachsenforst sees relief

After the major forest damage caused by bark beetles in recent years, the situation in Saxony has calmed down noticeably. "After peaking in 2019 and 2020, the amount of damaged timber is declining significantly and the situation is easing across Saxony as a whole," said Lars Richter, spokesman for the Sachsenforst state enterprise. In regions such as the Vogtland and the Westerzgebirge, the infestation level is still elevated, but the dynamics are "significantly lower than in the years between 2018 and 2021".

At the start of the season, there are initial, as yet unconfirmed indications of beetle activity. "There have been reports of isolated drillings so far, but these have not yet been verified," reported Richter. More precise statements will only be possible once regular monitoring begins next week. According to the weather service, a concentrated swarming flight is rather unlikely until mid-April.

Weather as a risk factor

The mild and dry weather conditions could favor the development of the beetles - especially for their main host plant, the spruce. "An earlier start to the growing season and a lower water supply generally increase the susceptibility of the host trees," explained Richter. Although heat can accelerate beetle development, conditions such as those in the drought year 2018 are not currently expected.

Suitable breeding material such as storm wood has hardly been produced this winter. "This first breeding habitat, which is very suitable for the overwintering beetles, would have a significant influence on the development in the following months," said Richter.

Clean up, observe, react quickly

As a preventative measure, clean-up work has already been largely completed in the state forest. In addition, endangered stands are regularly monitored. In the event of an infestation, affected trees must be removed quickly.

Intensive trap monitoring will continue. The aim is to "further stabilize the declining trend and to signal any changes in the trend in good time".

The populations of potentially endangered trees have also stabilized compared to the previous year. "In contrast to 2018 to 2020, widespread population losses are now rare," said Richter. The infestation is usually limited to smaller flocks. However, a trend reversal is possible - depending on the weather in the coming months.