Plant Healthcare

Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis)

Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis) Northern Tooth Fungus (Climacodon septentrionalis) is a parasitic, shelf-like fungus that causes heartwood rot in hardwood trees, particularly maple trees.There is no known cure for the infection, but trees can be managed by maintaining their health, avoiding wounds to the trunk, and having a certified arborist perform a risk assessment to determine if the tree needs removal. What it is A parasite: The fungus enters trees through wounds and lives in the central heartwood. Visual identification: It forms large, overlapping clusters of […]

Recent Tree Health Threats

Recent Tree Health Threats Recent Tree Health ThreatsWhat’s New in Tree Health & Forest Threats- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s 2025 forest-health alerts In December 2025, the DNR advised property owners to watch for woodpecker “flecking” on ash trees — a tell-tale sign that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) may be present. This invasive beetle remains “the most damaging threat to Wisconsin trees,” capable of killing ash trees over a few years if untreated. forestrynews.blogs.govdelivery.com+1 Also in late 2025: DNR foresters are continuing to monitor other invasive pests even if […]

What is Verticillium Wilt?

What is Verticillium wilt? What is Verticillium wilt?, a fungal disease that blocks water flow to the tree’s branches, causing leaves to suddenly wilt, yellow, scorch, and drop, sometimes leading to branch death or even the entire tree dying. Symptoms often appear on one or more branches and include sparse foliage and discoloration in the water-conducting tissues. While there’s no cure, pruning infected branches and proper tree care can help, but it’s essential to dispose of infected wood properly to prevent further spread. Symptoms of Vascular Wilt (Verticillium Wilt) […]

Spongy Moths Formerly Known as Gypsy Moths.

Spongy Moths Formerly Known as Gypsy Moths. Spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive species in Wisconsin, capable of causing significant defoliation of trees. They are known to have outbreaks every 10-12 years, with the most recent one occurring in 2023. The caterpillars of the spongy moth are the destructive life stage, feeding on leaves and potentially weakening trees. Key Points about Spongy Moths in Wisconsin: Invasive Species: Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar) are not native to Wisconsin and were introduced from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. […]

Tree Health Assessment

Tree Health Assessment Why do I need a Tree Health Assessment. Trees offer a variety of benefits for your property. Besides supplying oxygen, shade, and fruit, trees also capture dust, helping to maintain a clean environment in your home. However, it is essential for your tree to remain healthy in order to enjoy these advantages. If not, the tree may perish and negatively impact your property. What steps can you take to keep your tree healthy? Once a tree has matured, you might not have to do much. Still, performing a […]

The Process of Ash Tree Treatment

The Process of Ash Tree Treatment. Primarily aimed at protecting against the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), generally involves the following steps: 1. Assessment and Planning: Tree Health Evaluation: A certified arborist assesses the overall health and condition of the ash tree, including the extent of EAB infestation if any. Determine Treatment Viability: Based on the assessment, it’s determined if the tree is a suitable candidate for injection treatment. Select Insecticide: The arborist selects the appropriate insecticide, often emamectin benzoate or imidacloprid, based on factors like tree size, infestation level, […]

Rhizosphaera Needle Cast

Rhizosphaera Needle Cast Rhizosphaera needle cast, caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, is a fungal disease that affects spruce trees, causing needles to turn brown or purplish-brown and fall off. The disease often starts on the lower branches and progresses upward, and from the inside of the tree outwards. Spraying with fungicides can be an effective way to help trees, especially in preventing and managing fungal diseases. Fungicides work best as protectants, meaning they are most effective when applied before a tree is exposed to a pathogen. While they can’t […]

Establishing A Backyard Paradise

Establishing A Backyard Paradise Establishing A Backyard Paradise. When your trees are plagued by problems like diseases, broken branches, and pests, they can harm the surrounding landscape and other plants. Swiftly identifying and resolving these typical tree issues can make a significant difference. Creating a lush tree paradise in your outdoor space is not only about introducing greenery; it’s about building a safe, sustainable, and visually appealing oasis that encourages you to spend time outside. Caring for trees can turn your yard into a lively haven that enhances health, safety, […]

What is a Gall?

What is a Gall? What is a Gall? A gall on a tree is an unusual growth or swelling, often a bump or tumor, that develops on a tree’s leaves, twigs, or branches. These growths are typically caused by an organism like an insect, mite, fungus, or bacteria, and are a result of the tree’s own tissue being manipulated by the gall-inducing organism. Elaboration: Gall Formation: . Galls are formed as a response to the presence of a gall-inducing organism, which can be insects, mites, fungi, or bacteria. […]

Trees and Turf

Trees and Turf Tree and Turf selection, competition among plants, maintenance practices, and special situations must all be considered when trees and turf share a landscape. Trees and Turf Woody plants and turfgrasses (uniform, long-lived ground cover) are critical design elements in urban and suburban landscapes. Trees and turf offer distinct personal, functional, and environmental benefits. The intended benefits of these plants may never be obtained if potential incompatibilities are not addressed. Conflicts Undesirable effects of tree and turfgrass conflicts include: • Thinning grass under large shade trees where turf […]

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