Viewing: Forestry Files
Saving North Carolina’s Urban Ash Trees
In 2013, the emerald ash borer made its debut in North Carolina. The devastation of forests north and northwest caused by this invasive beetle was already well-known, so its discovery was met with dread. The ash forests were dying, and
Bagworms on the Move
Everyone expects pinecones to fall to the ground and stay put, so when one encounters a small ‘pinecone’ crawling across the ground, it is often met with surprise! Since when did pinecones have legs!? Fear not: evolution hasn’t taken us
Guess Who’s Back: Yellow-poplar leaf mining weevil returns 3 years after last outbreak
In 2015, an outbreak of the yellow-poplar leaf mining weevil caused widespread browning and defoliation of yellow-poplar trees in western N.C. The event was unexpected, as this native insect causes insignificant damage most years. Now, three years later, this weevil
Caring in Cary: Protecting unique hemlocks from a tiny tree-killing insect
Nestled in Cary, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is home to an isolated population of more than 200 eastern hemlock trees. Hemlocks, primarily found in the mountains, are long-lived evergreens prized in nature for their vital role in the ecosystem and
Disease of Leyland Cypress on the Rise
Leyland cypress is a popular tree in North Carolina landscapes. Desired for its fast growth and evergreen needles, it makes an ideal wind or privacy screen. However, it can’t serve that purpose very well if branches are dying. Unfortunately, that’s
Season Confusion: Fall webworm making its debut
It may seem early to be talking about fall, but the fall webworm is already beginning to rear its ugly web. Called the fall webworm because the web nests in which it makes its home are highly visible in the
Deadly Laurel Wilt Disease Found in Sassafras for the First Time in N.C.
In 2002, an uninvited guest made itself at home in the U.S. when the redbay ambrosia beetle was unintentionally introduced near Savannah, GA. By itself, the beetle would probably not be a big deal. However, it carries with it a
The Spotted Lanternfly: Spotted in Virginia
And we need your help to spot it here! In 2013, the emerald ash borer was found for the first time in N.C. Now, a mere 5 years later, it can be found in a third of our state. The
Testing the Waters: Searching for a Tree-Killing Disease Hiding in N.C.’s Streams
In 2004, an uninvited guest was found for the first time in North Carolina when plants infected with the sudden oak death pathogen were discovered in several nurseries. Apprehension grew quickly, as sudden oak death is responsible for the devastation