Category: Forest Health

Problematic plants and cost-share An expanse of mature or well-developed forestland in the southeast contains plant species deemed undesirable by landowners. Plants may be suppressing 1. forest regeneration, 2. preferred wildlife habitat, 3. aesthetics, or 4. simply hindering overall enjoyment of the area. These plants may be non-native, invasive species such as tree of heaven […]

Occasionally, South Carolina landowners experience storm damage to standing timber. When this occurs, landowners have many questions about what to do with their damaged trees. The following information provides guidelines for quick decision-making and priority setting. There are no simple guidelines that fit all situations. Damage after storms or weather events can occur in many […]

The emerald ash borer (EAB) was first detected in South Carolina in August 2017. This invasive species is now present throughout Eastern North America and has been found in six Upstate counties (Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and York). EAB attacks all species of ash trees (Fraxinus species) and feeding by their larvae will often […]

Forest landowners are often more familiar than homeowners about the pests that can attack their pine trees. Because of this, the phrase “bark beetle outbreak” can strike dread as they envision entire stands of pines being wiped out by aggressive, fast-moving insect infestations. Fortunately, appropriate forest management practices such as thinning can reduce the risk […]

Decline is a generic term used when tree health is getting worse and trees are dying. It is an unfortunate term in that it tells us very little – yes, trees are looking poor, and yes, some are dying. But why? That’s the important question we need answered so we can properly manage the stand. […]