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Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees

Posted on by janness

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator; Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

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. Continue reading “Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees” →

Why Don’t All Trees Leaf Out At The Same Time?

Posted on by janness

By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator; Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414 294-8675

Photo credit: Mike Wendt

Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year. The reemergence of life is all around us, and the smell of fresh rain accompanies the sights and sounds of spring. The birds are scouring the soil for fresh insects to eat, the frogs are croaking away in the swamps and the bees buzz freely from plant to plant. Along with these sights and sounds of spring, another incredible transformation is occurring on our largest and longest-lived organisms in the landscape, trees. Continue reading “Why Don’t All Trees Leaf Out At The Same Time?” →

Arbor Day Foundation Reporting Dashboard

Posted on by janness

Arbor Day Foundation USA Interactive Map
Do you know how many Tree Campus Healthcare facilities are in Wisconsin or how many trees were planted by Arbor Day Foundation partners in the state? Find this and other eye-opening information by visiting the new Arbor Day Reporting Dashboard. Scroll to select Wisconsin on the left side of the page to see state-specific data. Select a tab at the top to see specific information about the Tree City USA, Tree Campus or Tree Line programs. Continue reading “Arbor Day Foundation Reporting Dashboard” →

Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Wisconsin DNR

With 145 invasive plants regulated under Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Rule NR40, it can be challenging to identify some of these plants while out in the woods.

The task can be further complicated by the presence of native lookalikes – plants that have a similar appearance to harmful invasive species but are actually native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.

Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know” →

Watch Out!

Posted on by janness

Have you ever walked through a patch of poison ivy or brushed up against wild parsnip? If so, you probably learned an uncomfortable lesson about encountering harmful plants. Luckily, there is a less painful way to learn about dangerous vegetation hidden among Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Now is the time to brush up on hazards you may encounter while working or recreating outdoors.

Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin, a guide published by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, will help you recognize, avoid and handle potential problems caused by wildlife, insects and plants. Continue reading “Watch Out!” →

Housing Wisconsin: Home Building Trends, Outlook

Posted on by akabelowsky

Housing Market Index (HMI) Survey, March 2025. Source: NAHB/Wells Fargo. / Graphic Credit: Brian Zweifel, Wisconsin DNR

By Brian Zweifel, DNR Forest Products Specialist, Dodgeville
Brian.Zweifel@wisconsin.gov

Variability and uncertainty seem like key words to describe many things right now, but the words apply especially to current housing markets.

The home construction and remodeling industry is a key driver of forest products markets and can be an important indicator of future demand. Softwood lumber and engineered wood products such as oriented strand board, plywood and laminated beams and joists are used in home construction. Hardwood lumber, however, is used to manufacture flooring, cabinets and other millwork items for interior applications.

Continue reading “Housing Wisconsin: Home Building Trends, Outlook” →

Rotstop® C No Longer Available In North America

Posted on by akabelowsky
Photo of a worker manually applying fungicide, imbued with blue dye, to a freshly cut tree stump to fight the spread of fungal diseases such as Heterobasidion root disease.

A worker manually applies fungicide, imbued with blue dye, to a freshly cut tree stump to fight the spread of fungal diseases such as Heterobasidion root disease. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Kyoko Scanlon, DNR Forest Pathologist, Fitchburg
Kyoko.Scanlon@wisconsin.gov

The manufacturer, Lallemand Plant Care, recently decided to remove Rotstop® C fungicide from the North American market.

As a result, the product is no longer available for purchase in North America. If you already have the product and have stored it in an appropriate space, you may still use it as a preventative treatment for Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) as long as the expiration date has not arrived.

Continue reading “Rotstop® C No Longer Available In North America” →

Web-Spinning Caterpillars Not Spongy Moth

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov,  920-360-0665

You may already be seeing the web nests created by eastern tent caterpillars, which hatch early in the spring and start feeding on emerging leaves as the weather warms up.

Eastern tent caterpillars can sometimes be mistaken for forest tent caterpillars or spongy moths. Check out the DNR’s comparison fact sheet, which includes pictures for identification and control options. Continue reading “Web-Spinning Caterpillars Not Spongy Moth” →

DNR Offers Two Knotweed Fact Sheets

Posted on by akabelowsky
A roadside photo showing how quickly species in the knotweed complex can grow and create large infestations.

Species in the knotweed complex grow very quickly, causing large infestations on roadsides like this one. / Photo Credit: Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Bugwood.org

By Wisconsin DNR

With the scourge of knotweed about to gear up for another growing season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering information.

The DNR has created two fact sheets to instruct general and urban landowners on the best control methods for the fast-growing invasive plant.

Continue reading “DNR Offers Two Knotweed Fact Sheets” →

Columbian Timber Beetle Fact Sheet Debuts

Posted on by akabelowsky
Photo showing staining, in the shape of a many-pointed star, evident in the cut ends of silver maple logs.

Staining, in the shape of a many-pointed star, is evident in the cut ends of silver maple logs. / Photo Credit: Chris Firgens, Oconto County Forest

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Columbian timber beetle (Corthylus columbianus) is an ambrosia beetle native to the eastern United States.

In Wisconsin, we have had reports of Columbian Timber Beetle (CTB) attacking silver maple in the northeastern and lakeshore areas of the state, dating back to the early 1990s. The insects have caused significant staining from repeated attacks. In southern Wisconsin, CTB can attack oaks to a lesser degree, including bur, northern red and white oak.

Continue reading “Columbian Timber Beetle Fact Sheet Debuts” →