Pitch blobs near the base of a red pine indicate attack by red turpentine beetle. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR
By Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Specialist
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
Red turpentine beetle and pine root collar weevil are the most common insects found attacking near the base of red pine trees in Wisconsin, whether near ground level or just below ground level.
Here are some tips on identifying and controlling these pests.
The logo for the Silvicast, a podcast hosted by Wisconsin DNR silviculturists Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik and produced by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Forestry Center. / Graphic Credit: UW-Stevens Point
By Art Kabelowsky, Wisconsin DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
They talked about pulling it, smothering it, using herbicide on it, making turkey calls and making curtain rods from it.
They even wondered if they should just “kill it with fire.”
But it seems Midwestern foresters’ never-ending battle against buckthorn requires a brainier approach.
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”
Going camping? It’s important to remember not to move firewood. Instead, buy it within 10 miles of where you will use it. This will help to prevent the spread of invasive pests. / Photo Credit: Istockphoto.com
By Wisconsin DNR
Camping season is about to enter full swing, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple.
That makes this a good time for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remind the public of the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s forests and trees by not transporting firewood long distances.
Even after a tree has died, firewood can carry pests or diseases — on its surface or inside the log — which can attack or infect other trees. To help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, always get your firewood near where you will use it.
Ken Raffa, professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology. / Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Do you pity the poor tree, forced to stand defenseless against the ravages of insect pests, fungi and disease?
Then, you have not listened to Dr. Ken Raffa discuss the impressive natural defenses trees have developed.
Raffa, a professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Entomology Department, recently appeared on Proforest Podforest podcast to discuss the topic “Inside the Tree’s Natural Defense.”
Continue reading “UW-Madison’s Raffa Talks Trees’ Natural Defenses”
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Forest Health specialists with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are booked to give public presentations during May.
The list of events that are open to the public: Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances”
By Shahla Werner, Urban Forestry Council Member and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Plant Protection Section Manager
Urban foresters are increasingly aware of the importance of tree species, age and size diversity to ensure resilient tree canopy and all the associated benefits in their communities. The 20-10-5 rule, which specifies that no more than 20% of trees planted should be from one family, no more than 10% from one genus and no more than 5% from one species (including cultivars), can be helpful in setting tree diversity goals. Applying these guidelines can provide urban forests some protection against huge losses caused by invasive forest pests. Continue reading “Resources to Help Urban Foresters Set And Meet Tree Diversity Goals”
An airplane sprays pesticide over trees at Devils Lake State Park in Sauk County to help in the control of spongy moth caterpillars. / Photo Credit: Sue Johansen, Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized aerial spraying plans for its 2025 Spongy Moth Suppression Program, with maps for the five selected treatment areas available online.
The treatment sites are at three state parks in Juneau, Marinette and Sauk counties that are highly valued for their recreational use. A total of 544 acres of trees will be treated with an aerial spray of “Foray” bacterial insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.
Continue reading “2025 DNR Spongy Moth Spray Plans Announced”
A beautiful view of Wisconsin forestland awaits visitors to Roche a Cri State Park in Adams County. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
“Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.”
Those were the words of Wisconsin’s most prominent conservation expert, Aldo Leopold, who authored the famous book, “A Sand County Almanac” among his many achievements.
This month, everyone in Wisconsin will have the chance to follow Leopold’s advice – even if in a small way, because many small efforts can add up to a prominent positive impact on Wisconsin’s trees and forests.
Continue reading “April Offers Opportunities For Tree Lovers”
Oak decline and mortality at Big Foot Beach State Park in 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Oak decline and mortality continue to be an issue in Wisconsin, and because of the recent droughts and spongy moth outbreak, we expect these impacts to become more widespread this summer.
Forest decline is the progressive loss of tree and stand vigor and health over several years without obvious evidence of a single causal factor. Typically, trees die in a scattered fashion across a large area over several years. The additional stress from defoliation can result in pockets of heavy oak mortality, particularly on dry, sandy sites and steep, rocky ridges and hills.
Continue reading “Watch For Oak Decline And Mortality This Summer”
