Attacks from spruce bark were great during 2018. The dry summer stressed spruces which became more susceptible to infestation. The bark drill continued its progress in the Swedish forests in 2019, causing major damage.
Now we are worried that the damage will be even greater this year as we have had a mild winter.
- The problem is that the bark has not been frozen on the fir trees this winter, so when you cut down the trees, the bark rolls off and remains in the forest. In addition, it has been difficult to get the wood out without getting driving damage on the ground, says Mattias Sparf, forest consultant and damage coordinator at the Forest Board in Östergötland.
On Wednesday, experts gathered at a large conference in Linköping to exchange experiences from different control methods and discuss preventive measures for the future.
- It is very important that the industry and researchers meet to exchange information, so that we do not sit in our own chamber with smart ideas, says Mattias Sparf.