Originally Posted by Bristoe
The trees are being killed by a bug infestation.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/...-mountain-pines-dying-by-beetle-s-mouth/


Tks, I forgot about the bark beetles.

"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744