Viewing: invasive species
Walnut twig beetle & thousand cankers disease stay confined to Haywood County
In 2012, thousand cankers disease was confirmed in North Carolina for the first time. The invasive disease, responsible for killing walnut trees in walnut groves in the western U.S. and as a new introduction to eastern Tennessee at the time,
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
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
The emerald ash borer travels the state
This summer was expected to break travel records, and it wasn’t just people doing all the sightseeing. At least one insect joined in on the vacation fun this year: the emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer popped up in
August is Tree Check Month
Trees may not need an annual visit to the doctor, but they do need care every now and then. Many homeowners with yard trees are all too familiar with annual trimming, mulching, or watering during periods of drought. Landscape trees
Emerald ash borer takes flight
The days are warm now and many North Carolinians have thoughts of leaving their homes for summer vacation. The invasive emerald ash borer is doing the same, except its destination is our beautiful ash trees. It is peak flying season
Laurel wilt disease continues to spread in NC
Laurel wilt is a devastating non-native disease of redbay trees and other plants in the laurel family in the Southeastern U.S. Native to Southeast Asia, it was first detected near Savannah in the early 2000s and has since spread to
The health of our forests: 2016 year-in-review
Between the destruction of Hurricane Matthew in the eastern part of the state and the relentlessness of the many fires in the West, North Carolina has seen its fair share of natural disasters this year. Damage caused by insects and
Thousand Cankers Disease Stays Put for Another Year in NC
From late summer through early November, the N.C. Forest Services’ Forest Health staff, the Plant Industry Division, and cooperators with the Duke Forest set and monitored 104 traps across the state with the intent of detecting the walnut twig beetle