Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. Phoradendron, the scientific name for Kentucky’s most common type of this parasitic plant, means tree thief. These small leafy plants are commonly found on twigs and…

Laurel wilt is a new disease that was recently detected in southwestern Kentucky. This disease, which is transmitted by the redbay ambrosia beetle, has the potential to rapidly kill sassafras trees. Currently no management options are available for this disease.…

Anthracnose of dogwood is a common problem in Kentucky. Symptoms on landscape and forest dogwoods often first appear during wet periods in late spring. If left unmanaged, the pathogen spreads, eventually resulting in plant death.  Selection of resistant varieties and…

Yellow poplar weevil, also known as sassafras weevil, is a small (1/8”), stout, black, snout beetle that can damage yellow poplar, sassafras, and magnolia. In spring, adults can be found on these trees or, when numerous, in buildings and on…

In some areas of the state, black locust trees have taken on a brown color (Figure 1). This is due to activity of locust leafminer, which results in trees that appear scorched. The adults feed on lower leaf surfaces while…

Anthracnose of dogwood is a common problem in Kentucky. Symptoms on landscape and forest dogwoods often first appear during wet periods in late spring. If left unmanaged, the pathogen spreads, eventually resulting in plant death.  Selection of resistant varieties and…

Since the first discoveries of emerald ash borer in Boone, Jessamine, and Shelby counties in 2009, this invasive insect has spread through normal dispersal flights and the inadvertent movement of infested wood. Tunneling beneath the bark by the larvae (Figure…

After spending about 9 months as eggs in masses on twigs of wild cherry and related trees, the first few tiny eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) of the season should soon be leaving their eggs. The onset of the single generation…

Since its discovery in 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) has continued to invade Kentucky (Figure 1); Cumberland, Green, Taylor, and Wayne counties have been added to the list of counties this year. Designation as “infested” does not mean the insect…

Jumping oak galls, made by tiny non-stinging wasps, can cause white oak leaves to turn brown and drop prematurely (Figure 1). The brown to black spots on leaves are discolorations that galls create on upper leaf surfaces. Tiny button-shaped galls…

Abe Nielsen, Kentucky Division of Forestry Forest Health Specialist, reported first detections of emerald ash borer infested trees at locations in Clinton, Cumberland, and Wayne counties. The map (Figure 1) shows the extent of the known infestation. Is Preventive Treatment…

One of the more curious signs on a tree is one or more rows of regular, shallow holes on the trunk. Usually, this is the work of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, a member of the woodpecker family. The sap that wells…

Since its discovery in 2009, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has spread dramatically (Figure 1) within the Commonwealth. This spread will continue through short-range dispersal flights of the insect and long distance transport of infested wood, primarily firewood. Naturally, those…

Sawflies are members of the insect order Hymenoptera that includes ants, bees, and wasps. The larval stage has a caterpillar-like body that may be brightly marked with stripes or spots. Some species change significantly in appearance as they grow, making…

The second generation of fall webworm is underway and their distinctive silk nests should be abundant in many areas through August. These fuzzy caterpillars have pale green or yellow hairs over their bodies with rows of black spots along their…