Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is a vascular disease of red, pine, white and bur oaks. It is primarily transmitted through root grafts between oak trees.  Over land infections are made by picnic beetles feeding on oak wilt fungus mats that are then attracted to fresh wounds on trees. Oak wilt tends to occur in new infections areas…

Bur Oak Blight (BOB)

This past week we were asked to inventory oak trees in a western suburb of Minneapolis.  The charge was to identify and mark trees with oak wilt disease and to identify homes with trees showing symptoms of bur oak blight (BOB).  Based on our observations, homeowners in the community with affected trees will be notified…

Garlic Mustard is an invasive species.

Removing Invasive Plants

“The philosopher who said that work well done never needs doing over never weeded a garden.” – Ray D. Everson It’s true that getting rid of weeds and unwanted, non-native plants is a serious chore. Invasive species ruin habitats and food sources for native insects, birds and other wildlife, as well as cause a significant…

Spider Mites

Spider mites on spruce, oaks and shrubs The moist weather conditions that are creating a bumper crop of mosquitoes are also benefiting other pests in the Twin Cities. The Japanese beetle population this year was higher than the last two years combined. According to Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist, all signs point to…