Bark beetles lead to removal of more than 100 trees in Wals-Siezenheim

More than 100 trees opposite the Walserfeld sports hall in Wals-Siezenheim have been felled after a bark beetle infestation, ORF reported. The removal has caused concern in the municipality because the trees had appeared healthy.

The rows of spruce trees beside the sports hall and the Wals-Siezenheim sports middle school had provided shade along a popular route to school. The municipality said the trees were infested and had to be removed.

Mayor Andreas Hasenöhrl said shrubs along the fence would now have more light and room to grow. Linden trees on Schulstraße did not need to be felled. It has not yet been decided whether new trees will be planted beside the sports field.

Salzburg’s Chamber of Agriculture said bark beetles had caused little damage in the state this year. Franz Lanschützer, the chamber’s forestry director, said pests had been found in only a few regions during current forestry work.