Deterioration of Southern Pine Beetle-Killed Trees

The specific gravity of southern pine beetle-killed trees (Pinus taeda L.) drops 3 to 5 percent in the spring, and 4 to 8 percent in the summer after three months exposure. Specific gravity reductions after 6 months vary from 5 to 16 percent. Moisture content drops 30 to 52 percent within the first month, and 13 to 62 percent after 6 months. Both specific gravity and moisture content reduction are dependent on treatment and season of the year the trees are killed. Considerable total weight loss occurs within the first month due to the rapid moisture loss, but is gradual thereafter. Heavy infections of blue-stain develop within the first 3 months. Early treatment with benzene hexachloride reduces the source of infection. This treatment was also effective in reducing termite damage. Principal decayers included Polyporus abietinus Fries, Peniophora gigantea (Fr.) Massee, and Lenzites saepiaria (Wulf ex Fries).

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