Georgia to Celebrate Trees’ Many Benefits on Arbor Day
Citizens across the state are observing Georgia’s Arbor Day this month to celebrate the many benefits of trees. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp acknowledged the occasion by signing a proclamation and meeting with forestry representatives at the state capitol this week.
Appreciating “Good Fire” in the Forest
The many benefits of fire on Georgia forestland are being recognized February 3-9 during “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week.” Prescribed fire is known as “good fire,” because it is carefully applied to forest vegetation under specific weather conditions to advance defined forest management objectives.
Cogongrass in Georgia
Cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica (L.), is considered the seventh worst weed in the world and listed as a federal noxious weed by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Plant Protection and Quarantine. Cogongrass was first introduced into the United States near Grand Bay, Alabama in 1911 via seed packing material in shipping containers from Japan.
Help at Hand for Michael-Struck GA Landowners
Emergency assistance for landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael is being rolled out by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Aid approved by the Georgia Legislature in November includes $20 million for debris cleanup in areas where the storm decimated millions of acres of forestland and tree orchards.
Georgia Forestry Commission offering help to landowners following Michael
The Georgia Forestry Commission is helping Georgia’s landowners get back on their feet following Hurricane Michael. Aid approved by the Georgia Legislature in November includes $20 million for debris cleanup in areas where the storm destroyed millions of acres of forestland and tree orchards.
Laurel Wilt Disease Associated with Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
Laurel wilt is a deadly vascular disease of plants in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). It is caused by the fungus Harringtonia lauricola and vectored by the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, … Continue Reading →
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Updated September 26, 2023 The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic insect that belongs to a group of metallic wood-boring beetles. Unlike our native beetles that kill weakened trees … Continue Reading →
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in Georgia
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) was first reported in 1995 in central coastal California. Since then, tens of thousands of tanoaks (Lithocarpus densiflorus), coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), and California black … Continue Reading →
Heterobasidion Root Disease (formally Annosum Root Disease) in Georgia
Many Georgia landowners with property along, or south of, the fall line (running from Augusta to Columbus) are noticing dead and dying trees in their pine stand. These stands were … Continue Reading →
Sirex Woodwasp in Georgia
A non-native woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, was detected in New York (NY) in 2005 and likely entered a port via solid wood packing material in cargo. This insect is native to … Continue Reading →