Forest Health

Poolside Pests: Checking your pool filters this summer can save North Carolina’s trees

by N.C. Forest Service | May 26, 2021

Guest authors: Courtney Smith and Kelly Oten, NCSU Extension As the weather gets warmer in North Carolina, it’s clear that summer is upon us. Many people enjoy what summer brings — the warm weather, vacations and relaxing by the pool! But did you know that you could also help save North Carolina’s trees while enjoying […]

Look out for the spotted lanternfly, a bug that threatens fruit and wine!

by N.C. Forest Service | May 20, 2021

Guest authors: Courtney Smith and Kelly Oten, NCSU Extension You won’t like the spotted lanternfly if you like to sit under the shade of trees, enjoy fruits such as apples, sip wine or work in the garden. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that attacks numerous plants. It was first detected in […]

Save our trees. Be on the lookout for the Asian longhorned beetle!

by N.C. Forest Service | May 19, 2021

Guest authors: Courtney Smith and Kelly Oten, NCSU Extension Gorgeous, vibrant maple trees are a common sight in North Carolina. These trees are some of the first to show fall color, painting our landscape. They are the second most common tree in our forests, and maples are also a favorite street or landscape tree. If […]

N.C. Forest Service to build on 2020 accomplishments and continue advancing sustainable forestry in North Carolina

by N.C. Forest Service | Feb 11, 2021

While 2020 proved to be one of the most challenging years we have faced, it was also a year of opportunities and accomplishments for the N.C. Forest Service. COVID-19 brought much of the world and much of our lives to what seemed to be a hard stop, but it did not stop the men and […]

An Ash Worth Saving: Program protects trees from invasive beetle

by N.C. Forest Service | Jan 27, 2021

In 2013, the emerald ash borer was first found in North Carolina. Its discovery was met with dread. This invasive beetle had already become notorious by devastating the forests in the Midwest and Northeast. We knew it killed trees and spread quickly. The future was not bright for North Carolina’s ash trees. Predictions of imminent […]

N.C. Forest Service collaborates with USDA Forest Service to monitor the spread of laurel wilt

by N.C. Forest Service | Aug 19, 2020

Since 2002, nearly all redbay trees have been disappearing in areas south of North Carolina. First detected in Georgia, the nonnative redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, carried these redbay trees to their dooms by introducing a deadly fungus. While the redbay ambrosia beetle is only about 1/16 inch long, it packs quite a punch against […]

Dozens of department employees recognized for project to save trees that “get in people’s hearts.”

by Brandon Herring | Aug 12, 2020

“The project was very complex and difficult.” That’s just part of the way Robert Trickel with the N.C. Forest Service described a project that prompted a recent award for 41 Forest Service employees. Their success in rising to the challenge earned them the NCDA&CS Excellence in Team Accomplishment Award. After the nomination and selection process, […]

Help Us Spot the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly!

by N.C. Forest Service | Mar 25, 2020

As its area of infestation grows, North Carolinians should be on the lookout and report sightings of the spotted lanternfly! The spotted lanternfly is sure to draw looks with its vibrant coloration and speckled pattern. By most accounts, it’s a pretty insect. Pretty damaging, that is. Pretty annoying, too! But no matter how attractive it […]

Hurricane Dorian & Our Trees: Minor Immediate Impact, Implications for Long-term Impacts to Tree Health

by N.C. Forest Service | Sep 11, 2019

After devastating the Bahamas and other Caribbean Islands before turning north and skirting the eastern U.S. coast, Hurricane Dorian made landfall on Cape Hatteras in North Carolina on Sept. 6, 2019 as a Category 1 storm. A four-to-seven-foot storm surge flooded many homes and roadways. In addition, powerful waves caused beach erosion that reshaped many […]

Busy Summer for Invasive Tree-Killer: Emerald ash borer detected in 11 new counties since May

by N.C. Forest Service | Jul 19, 2019

Summer is often full of plans, but no one has been busier this year than the emerald ash borer. Although small, this invasive beetle is killing countless ash trees across the state. Since May, it has been confirmed in 11 additional counties within North Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 48 as of mid-July. Newly-infested […]

Stressed Out by Hurricanes!

by N.C. Forest Service | Oct 24, 2018

Within the last month, back to back Hurricanes Florence and Michael have created stress on communities throughout our state and across the Southeast. While the loss of life and livelihoods are always of primary concern, many people have also had to deal with downed or broken trees and the resulting cleanup. However, less noticeable to the […]

Saving North Carolina’s Urban Ash Trees

by N.C. Forest Service | Aug 8, 2018

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 quickly. The future did not look good for North Carolina’s ash trees. Over the next […]

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