Bark Beetles are an important type of wood-boring insect that have been increasing the last few years. It is prudent to consider all the major types to see how they work, why they are a concern, and what can be done about them. All Bark Beetles are small as adults –...
The two-lined chestnut borer was once a principal pest of American chestnut trees. Now that most American chestnuts have died due to chestnut blight, it has become a common secondary pest of oaks. It is likely one of the most important insect causes of oak mortality....
Trees rarely make headline news. When they finally do, it can inspire action and lead to positive outcomes. In October 2025, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Oak wilt had been confirmed in Whitnall Park. The story struck a nerve across Southeastern Wisconsin....
Plants naturally resist infections through a process called Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). This is similar to our own immune system. The understanding of this phenomenon is quite complicated, involving numerous hormones, proteins and other compounds inside and...
The big snowstorm in January and its after math certainly dominates the big picture and has laid down a few hair-pin turns as we navigate a new year’s tree and landscape season. While snow totals were heaviest in the western parts of the metropolitan area, and tree...
Water from snow melt, excess seasonal rainfall, and overland drainage settling into the lowest area(s) of a property can cause a common spring experience—temporarily wet areas in the yard. They might cause actual wet feet for homeowners, but these wet spots also cause...
Spotted lanternfly is a type of leafhopper. Although it has wings, it is a weak flier. Unfortunately, this doesn’t make capturing them any easier because of their strong legs. They are incredibly good jumpers, avoiding predators by gliding to other trees. As a nymph,...
Cambistat is a product that specializes in reducing tree canopy growth. Its active ingredient Paclobutrazol causes a hormonal change in trees which slows the growth of the canopy. It does this by interacting with two of the hormones that lead to canopy growth in...
We’ve had it again: the kind of weather that breaks records. Three years ago, we had a record-breaking wet spring; this spring has broken that record. Wet weather has dominated the first half of the 2024 growing season. Evidence of thriving fungi is everywhere to be...
Wisconsin is home to a range of native coniferous and deciduous trees that provide many benefits to your property. Well placed trees can reduce your cooling costs in summer by providing shade, act as a windbreak against bitter winter winds, decrease stormwater runoff...
Like something out of a children’s story book, galls come in many different shapes and sizes. Galls are also a common type of damage affecting tree leaves, needles, and/or twigs. Their size and shape can range from pointy to round and small or large. The color of a...
