Severe defoliation of a tamarack tree by larch casebearer shows most needles mined out by the larvae. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR
By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
If you’ve noticed tamarack trees with tan or light-brown foliage, you’re probably seeing the work of the larch casebearer.
As foliage began to expand this spring, the caterpillars of this invasive moth became active and began to feed. The tiny caterpillars mine out the needles of tamarack and use them as “cases” to protect themselves, hence their name.
Continue reading “Tan Tamaracks? It Could Be Larch Casebearer”
Beginning July 1, 2025, cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in –or conducting their projects in – Wisconsin can apply for a regular or startup 2026 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry grant. The total 2026 available funding is $559,680, with a possible release of $139,920 of catastrophic storm reserve to fund a second round in March 2026. 
With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property. 
