Oak beetle threatens forests in the Rhein-Sieg district-act now!

Oak beetle threatens forests in the Rhein-Sieg district-act now!

in the Rhein-Sieg district, especially around Hennef, the oak forests are heavily affected by the oak beetle. According to WDR it was found that every fifth tree in the affected areas is marked pink and must therefore be felled. This drastic step indicates an alarming development that is related to the weakening of the oaks due to dry summer. These weather conditions prevent the trees from defending themselves sufficiently against the beetle.

District forester Michael Tripe has been observing the spread of the beetle for about two years. Signs of infestation are clearly recognizable: crescent -shaped frashing holes, dark discoloration and stains on the trunk as well as damaged bark are recorded. The two -point oak beetle, a domestic way, lays its eggs in the bark of the trees in summer. Experts warn that the increasing drought favors the development of the larvae, which means that they develop into adult beetles faster.

massive wood harvest and the effects

in other federal states, including Saxony, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, large forest areas are already affected. In the Rhein-Sieg district, the felling of Eichenholz had to be increased from 700 to 2,500 solid meters. Included wood often has a lower value and can usually only be used as firewood. Dr. Christin Carl from the Landesbetrieb Wald and Holz NRW emphasizes that the risk of a comprehensive spread of the beetle should not be underestimated.

forester were encouraged to search for the beetle. Current measures for containing include targeted felling that are currently considered the only effective means. In Hennef there is hope that a wet summer could help the oaks to recover. In addition, the use of drones is considered in neighboring Hesse in order to recognize weakened oaks at an early stage.

climate change as a trigger

The background of the affected forests is closely linked to climate change. According to information from the Forestry in Germany Planning foresters and forest owners for the coming centuries. The focus is on tree species that can better cope with the changing climate. Experts expect warmer and, above all, drier weather, which increasingly puts the forest ecosystems under pressure.

In the context of the forest conversion work, the aim is to promote the diversity of tree species in order to give the forests greater resistance to disorders such as bark beetle infestation, storms or drought. Mixed forests that consist of a combination of domestic tree species such as hornbeams, oaks, wild cherries and maple are less susceptible to such risks.

Research on foreign tree species that could be suitable for future climate conditions is also promoted. Trees such as the noble chestnut, coastal fir and Douglasia have proven to be suitable in Germany for over 100 years. These long -term planning for afforestation and forest conversion aim to create more resilient and biodiversity forests that can continue to withstand the challenges of climate change in the future.