About Colorado Pine Beetle
Our mission is simple: help Colorado Front Range homeowners and communities protect their pine trees from bark beetle devastation through education, early detection, and access to professional resources.
The Threat Is Real
Colorado's pine forests are facing an unprecedented threat. Mountain pine beetles, Ips beetles, and other bark beetle species have killed millions of trees across the state. While much attention has been paid to high-elevation forests, the Front Range — where most Coloradans live — is increasingly at risk.
Warmer winters, prolonged drought, and dense stands of stressed trees have created ideal conditions for beetle populations to explode. From Estes Park to Colorado Springs, from Evergreen to Boulder, homeowners are watching their prized ponderosa and lodgepole pines turn red and die.
What We Do
Colorado Pine Beetle is an educational resource dedicated to the Front Range community. We provide:
- Local, city-specific information about beetle risk levels, tree species, and what to watch for in your neighborhood.
- Expert-informed articles on prevention, treatment options, and the latest research on bark beetle management.
- Actionable guidance on when to water, when to spray, and when to call a certified arborist.
- Connections to professionals — certified arborists and tree care companies who serve your specific area.
Why the Front Range?
The Colorado Front Range is uniquely vulnerable. Millions of people live among ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and spruce forests. These trees provide shade, property value, wildfire mitigation, and quality of life. Losing them affects everyone — from property values dropping 10-20% to increased wildfire risk from standing dead timber.
Yet many homeowners don't know the signs of infestation until it's too late. By the time needles turn red, the beetles have already moved to the next tree. Prevention and early detection are everything.
Our Commitment
All information on this site is based on research from Colorado State University Extension, the Colorado State Forest Service, and the USDA Forest Service. We are committed to providing accurate, science-based guidance that helps you make informed decisions about your trees.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about pine beetle activity in your area or want to learn more about protecting your trees, explore our location guides or read the latest from our blog.