Category: Forest Health

South Carolina residents should be on the lookout for another invader: the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Originally from Southeastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly (SLF) was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and is now established in 14 surrounding states, reaching as far south as North Carolina. Spotted lanternfly prefers Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) […]

The forests of South Carolina – like those throughout the United States – certainly have their share of pests. While most of these pests are native and typically only impact stressed or injured trees, several non-native species are present and established in South Carolina. And of those non-native species, a few are true invasives, capable […]

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 […]

Take just a short drive down the road or interstate, and I bet you will have a good chance of seeing Tree-of-Heaven. In the last few years, I have really started to notice this tree along the sides of roads. I have also made numerous landowner visits where I have seen it on their property. […]

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is an invasive woodboring pest found in Charleston County in May 2020. ALB primarily attacks maples (especially red maple), elms, willows, birches, and several other tree species. Adults are large (up to 1 ½” long) black beetles with white spots, black and white striped antennae, and bluish feet. ALB signs […]

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 […]

The Asian longhorned beetle has been found near Hollywood, SC. This invasive tree pest primarily attacks maples (especially red maple) but also elms, willows, birches, and several other tree species. Clemson Regulatory Services, Clemson Extension, and USDA APHIS need your help in detecting this beetle, which is currently found only in Charleston County. Adults are […]

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. […]

Large, showy, purple wisteria flowers are covering trees along roadsides this time of year. While they are pretty, most of what you are seeing is also invasive. Several wisteria species live in South Carolina. American (Wisteria frutescens) and Kentucky wisteria (W. macrostachya) are native species. They are not all that aggressive in terms of their […]