Monterey Pine Death

Our trees are dying.

Three Monterey Pine trees along the East fence of our property are dead, and the fourth is dying. An arborist said they were attacked by the Red Turpentine Beetle.

Monterey pines live an average of 80-90 years. Few live past 150 years. These trees would be approximately 53 years old, if they were planted when the house was built. Though a bit early, it is not unusual for Monterey Pines to die this way.

Here's a link to some photos I took last summer, when only two of the trees had died. Some photos show the small pile of wood and sap particles that the beetle pushed out the hole when it bored into the base of the trunk.