REGION – Tiny tree killers, squirrel mayhem, ugly-nest caterpillars – and what in the world is a tortrix? The Forest Health Highlights Report has answers to your tree health questions.
The annual publication produced by the DNR’s forest health team reports on weather conditions, commonly seen forest pests and diseases, invasive species like kudzu vine and university research related to detection and management of forest threats.
Top issues in 2021 include oak wilt disease treatments, public outreach on an outbreak of spongy moth caterpillars (formerly called gypsy moth) and treatments for the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid in the western Lower Peninsula. Efforts to survey and treat red pine stands affected by the spread of Heterobasidion root disease continue from previous years; see and report locations on our interactive HRD map.
A new invasive species to Michigan, the balsam woolly adelgid, was discovered by an arborist in Kent County in July. The pocket of infested trees was destroyed, and monitoring continues to make sure that other areas are not infected.
“The balsam woolly adelgid and other invasives have the potential to harm Michigan’s trees and forests” said DNR Forest Health Program manager Sue Tangora. “You can help protect the places you love from the spread of invasive pests and diseases by reporting potential sightings to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network – visit online or download the app to your phone.”
The DNR’s forest health staff, federal partners and local community scientists work together to protect Michigan’s trees. In addition to surveying for and treating existing threats, they’re keeping a sharp eye on the horizon for encroaching pests like the spotted lanternfly, a colorful, winged insect that voraciously feeds on maple trees, hops and grapes.
Want to learn more? Visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth. Contact the forest health team at DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov with questions.
