I would attribute bark beetle issues to rising winter temperatures. As others have stated, monocultures are nothing new and haven't been much of an issue in tem

I would attribute bark beetle issues to rising winter temperatures. As others have stated, monocultures are nothing new and haven't been much of an issue in temperate climates for centuries. Low winter temperatures (frosts) for extended periods of time are what keep bark beetle in check. Germany has been missing those for some time, hence the bark beetle issue. Aside from that, Deutscher Wald looks great, which is nothing new. Pinecones are stacked in neat piles, underbrush cleared, trees are in tidy rows.