Viewing: Forestry Files
Tubakia, or not Tubakia? That is the Question.
Recently, oak trees throughout North Carolina are falling victim to a disease, evident by browning leaves and premature leaf drop. When encountering a situation like this, forest health professionals handle it like a detective case, examining the available evidence, ruling
Stressed Out by Hurricanes!
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
A Bird’s Eye View: Aerial surveyors map timber damage from Hurricane Florence
As one of the top 10 most damaging hurricanes, Hurricane Florence dealt North Carolina a staggering blow in September 2018. As Florence battered North Carolina’s coast, it brought wind gusts of more than 100 mph, a pre-landfall storm surge that
When it comes to incident response, it’s all about Brotherhood
By Carrie Harmon MOREHEAD CITY- “Upbeat but tired”, “Same people there every day”, “Putting in long hours” and “Very appreciative” are some of the phrases used to describe the multitude of firefighters from different departments scattered across Carteret County responding
Saving North Carolina’s Urban Ash Trees
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
Bagworms on the Move
Everyone expects pinecones to fall to the ground and stay put, so when one encounters a small ‘pinecone’ crawling across the ground, it is often met with surprise! Since when did pinecones have legs!? Fear not: evolution hasn’t taken us
Guess Who’s Back: Yellow-poplar leaf mining weevil returns 3 years after last outbreak
In 2015, an outbreak of the yellow-poplar leaf mining weevil caused widespread browning and defoliation of yellow-poplar trees in western N.C. The event was unexpected, as this native insect causes insignificant damage most years. Now, three years later, this weevil
Caring in Cary: Protecting unique hemlocks from a tiny tree-killing insect
Nestled in Cary, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is home to an isolated population of more than 200 eastern hemlock trees. Hemlocks, primarily found in the mountains, are long-lived evergreens prized in nature for their vital role in the ecosystem and
Disease of Leyland Cypress on the Rise
Leyland cypress is a popular tree in North Carolina landscapes. Desired for its fast growth and evergreen needles, it makes an ideal wind or privacy screen. However, it can’t serve that purpose very well if branches are dying. Unfortunately, that’s
Season Confusion: Fall webworm making its debut
It may seem early to be talking about fall, but the fall webworm is already beginning to rear its ugly web. Called the fall webworm because the web nests in which it makes its home are highly visible in the