The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Health team recently completed the 2022 Forest Health Annual Report. The report summarizes impacts from pests, diseases and weather on the health of Wisconsin’s forests. Read more...

Oak wilt is a serious disease that occurs when insects carrying oak wilt fungal spores land on a healthy oak tree’s fresh wound. To prevent oak wilt infections, it is important to avoid pruning, wounding and harvesting oaks when these insects are abundant, generally from April through July. Read more...

Spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) egg masses typically begin to hatch in April as temperatures warm. Each mass that hatches may produce up to 1,000 leaf-eating caterpillars. Read more...

Spongy moth populations increased dramatically in 2022 and the outbreak is expected to continue in 2023.

Landowners interested in learning more about spongy moth management options are encouraged to attend an upcoming webinar hosted by UW Extension at 6 p.m. on March 8, 2023. Read more...

Property owners with healthy, valuable ash trees are encouraged to treat them with insecticide this spring to protect against emerald ash borer (EAB). The pest is currently the most damaging threat to trees in Wisconsin, killing more than 99% of the ash trees it infests. Read more...