How long will a tree remain standing once it has been infested by bark beetles?
The length of time that an infested tree will remain standing is variable. Generally, the larger the tree is, the longer it will stand. Many trees may fall or drop large branches or treetops within two to fives years of mortality, especially if the tree has root or trunk rot. The species of tree is a determining factor as well. Coulter pine and white fir deteriorate and break up faster than ponderosa and Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, incense cedar and big-cone Douglas fir.
