The white and red fir species experienced the most tree mortality.
An insect called the bark beetle is also killing off trees. The beetles thrive in drought conditions when trees weaken due to a lack of water. While well-watered trees can defend themselves by producing a pitch that deters insect infestations, weakened trees are more prone to attacks, according to the Forest Service.
The survey found the highest mortality rates at higher elevations, specifically in the central Sierra Nevada range. “It may be that it took those three severe years to deplete the soil moisture up there and actually stressed the trees,” Stephens said. “Those three years we had just reduced soil moisture at higher elevations, low snow, and eventually brought them to a point where they're vulnerable and they're starting to die.”
Although the tree mortality rate was high in these high-elevation areas, Stephens said the approximate 200% increase in snowfall this year may help alleviate a larger mortality rate in the future.
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