A relatively new tree disease has made its way to the northeastern plains of Colorado. Thousand cankers has been confirmed in Fort Morgan. It was likely transmitted to the community through infested wood according to a press release from Jennifer Dimas, Colorado State University Extension Office.
The disease is lethal to black walnut trees, and has caused significant tree loss in the state, primarily along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Pueblo.
The infestation is moving toward the east, potentially impacting large numbers of commercially valuable walnut trees.
Thousand cankers is caused by a fungus carried by the walnut twig beetle.
Currently, there is no effective method for saving the infected trees.
Land owners should inspect trees regularly for these symptoms: sparse foliage, leaf yellowing or wilting, branch dieback, excessive staining on bark surface.
Suspect trees should be reported to the nearest Colorado State Forest Service or Colorado State University Extension Office.
To minimize the spread of this and other tree diseases, do not transport raw wood including logs, firewood, lumber, and wood chips to new locations.
More information about thousand cankers disease is available from the Colorado State Forest Service.
