Cut and remove is the prompt removal of infested trees. Removal of infested trees and an adequate buffer strip prevents spots from spreading. The inclusion of a buffer ensures the removal of freshly attacked pines that were overlooked or became infested after the spot was first evaluated and marked. SPB infested trees must be promptly removed to achieve maximum effectiveness: stopping additional spot spread. Because both the beetles and their associated pheromone source are removed from the site, the potential for spot spread is minimized.
Managers and owners usually prefer cut and remove over the other control options because infested trees are removed from the forest and used, giving the landowner some financial return. However, removal of individual spots is not always practical because of inaccessibility, insufficient volume, poor lumber or pulpwood markets, and environmental considerations. In addition, cut and remove often takes longer to implement than alternative tactics. Despite these limitations, cut and remove, when properly and promptly applied, remains the most practical and economical control tactic for treating most large, rapidly growing infestations.