The insect that is dubbed “the most destructive forest pest in the South” does not look nearly as ominous as it is. Smaller than a grain of rice, the southern pine beetle is small but packs a big punch. The devastation it is capable of causing is massive, with outbreaks easily costing in the millions […]
This year, western North Carolina got an earful. A 17-year periodical cicada emergence is coming to an end, but is leaving ringing ears and dead branch tips in its wake. North Carolinians in the emergence areas no doubt heard the irritating symphony of periodical cicadas as they tried to locate a mate. That’s right, what sounds […]
Every parent dreads the call from their child’s school that lice has been found. Frantic sessions of chemical dousing, hair combing, and sheet washing typically follow. Phantom itching leave many paranoid for days or weeks to follow. Altogether, an unpleasant experience. But here’s a kind of lice not to dread: bark lice. More and more […]
Warm days are approaching here in North Carolina and all things spring can be seen! Beautiful flowers budding, green grass in yards, and butterflies fluttering around in the sunshine are all things you can see outside. However, if you look hard enough, you may find a few other things outside in your backyard. One little […]
Approximately 270 million black cherry trees are scattered across North Carolina’s forests and they just recently began displaying their show-stopping flowers. Black cherry is the largest native cherry and an economically valuable species, second only to black walnut in the Eastern U.S. It is prized for its strength and rich red-brown color. The fruit is […]
Pondberry, a small, wetland shrub with yellow flowers that pop up each spring, may soon be gone forever in the state. The shrub, native to the Southeast and historically found in wetland habitats, was essentially wiped out last century as an unintended consequence of wetland draining. Now, the remaining populations are endangered by a non-native […]
As its name suggests, the invasive emerald ash borer feeds on ash trees, killing them. All species of ash native to the U.S. are susceptible to the beetle, which puts at risk the four species that can be found in North Carolina: white ash, green ash, Carolina ash and pumpkin ash. In forested areas alone, […]
The beauty and productivity of North Carolina’s forests have historically been challenged by a variety of threats. Healthy forests are generally accustomed to pests and conditions that are native to the area where they grow. Outbreaks of common pests may occur periodically and cause a great deal of damage; but, for the most part, forests are […]
Spanish moss is an icon of beauty in the Southeast. However, this drooping, hair-like plant might make some people’s hair stand on end! It summons a somewhat creepy vibe, one that can be especially appreciated with Halloween lurking around the corner. And let’s be honest– when one envisions a haunted Southern plantation, it’s not quite […]
In the past several weeks, severe storms plagued North Carolina, leaving paths of destruction behind. Tornadoes, high winds, hail and flooding can all cause major damages to forest trees, urban and shade trees, and structures. Last week, the N.C. Forest Service aerially surveyed counties affected by tornadoes in the northeastern part of the state. During […]
Along with the frigid temperatures we’ve seen lately, the bare branches of trees around us serve as a reminder that we are still deep in the throes of winter. But not all branches have shed their leaves. Some trees are evergreen while others, such as the American beech, retain their light brown leaves until late […]
The N.C. Fraser fir is the most popular Christmas tree around. It has been dubbed the “Nation’s Best” by the National Christmas Tree Association and has been selected as the official White House Christmas tree more than any other tree. Each year, millions of homes become more festive with ornamented N.C. Fraser firs. North Carolina […]