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Forestry staff warns of red pine scale risk to city plantations
Summary
Forestry staff told the committee that red pine scale—a tiny insect that targets red pines—can kill trees within one to two years; the city has identified five parcels totaling about 36 acres of red-pine plantations and plans targeted management.
Committee members were briefed on red pine scale, an invasive pest that staff said targets only red pine trees and can cause tree death within one to two years of infestation. Forestry division staff said the city has identified five predominantly red-pine parcels totaling roughly 36 acres, including a city-owned parcel in Winterport that was planted years ago as part of a former gravel pit restoration.
The presentation noted the city created a shared 4-3 technician position with Parkland Recreation to monitor urban forests and invasive threats; staff said there is no commercially viable large-scale treatment for red pine scale and that small, choice trees may be treated with horticultural oil but landscape-scale treatment is not feasible. Staff emphasized targeting plantations for management and monitoring to prevent spread.
