The invasive shothole borer beetle poses a significant threat to San Jose's urban forest, damaging vital shade-providing trees and exacerbating heat issues in underserved communities.
These are large sycamores that have been here for years and years - and now they're dying from this beetle, explained Drew Raymond, highlighting the devastating impact on established trees.
San Jose's tree coverage has drastically reduced, losing nearly three square miles between 2012 and 2018, leaving neighborhoods, particularly East San Jose, with increased heat stress.
At a time when tree canopies can make such a difference in our neighborhoods, this invasive pest could exacerbate the urban heat island effect, increasing living conditions.
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