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…

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…