Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife

An Update on the Asian Longhorned Beetle in South Carolina

Adult Asian longhorned beetle. Photo Credit: Dr. David Coyle, Clemson Extension.

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 […]

Update on the Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine in South Carolina

Adult emerald ash borer. Photo Credit: Dr. Matt Bertone, NC State University: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/profile/matt-bertone/

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 […]

Common Pine Bark Beetles in Urban Settings: Identification and Treatment of These Species

A comparison of sizes for pine bark beetles. Photo credit: Laura Costa, Southern Regional Extension Forestry

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 […]

Asian Longhorned Beetle Detected in South Carolina

Figure 1. Picture of Asian Longhorned Beetle. Photo credit: Dave Coyle, Clemson Extension

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 […]

Tree Declines

Figure 1. Picture of pine showing decline. Photo credit: Dave Coyle, Clemson Extension

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. […]

Herbicide Application: Label is the LAW

Off-label use of diuron lead to the death of all pines within 30 feet of this pond’s shoreline. Shrubs were also in decline and will likely die. TJ Savereno, 2020, Clemson Extension

Phone calls from landowners having problems with aquatic weeds are pretty common for Extension Agents every spring, and this year has been no exception. Due possibly to the mild winter from which we just emerged, calls seemed to start earlier than normal and have been coming in steadily. Some aquatic vegetation is beneficial to a […]

Flowering Dogwoods – Diseases and Pests

Spring has sprung and the landscape is rapidly greening up. Many trees and other plant species are putting on leaves, blooms, and other springtime features. One showy species that is common across the state is the dogwood. When most people think of the dogwood, they are thinking of the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), however, there […]

Wisteria is in Bloom Across South Carolina

Long flowers of the non-native invasive forms of wisteria Photo Credit: Dave Coyle, Clemson Extension.

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 […]

Chemical Release of Planted Pines

Excerpt taken from the label of Arsenal AC®

In pine plantations, competition for available resources such as water, nutrients, and growing space can slow growth and decrease survival. Often, a chemical release is needed to help remove competing vegetation for your pines to thrive. There are several herbicides approved for forestry use that are available for pine seedling release. The selection of a […]

Using Hack-and-Squirt Method to Control Undesirable Vegetation

Hack-and-squirt, sometimes referred to as frill-and-spray, is a herbicide application method that applies the herbicide into the stem (trunk) and is used to target specific undesirable trees. There is a slight variance between hack-and-squirt and frill-and-spray. Generally, hack-and-squirt refers to a cut or series of cuts around the trunk of the tree determined by tree […]