Author Archives: Grand Traverse Conservation District

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic pest introduced to Michigan ports through wooden pallets and packing materials from China. It is believed that all varieties of ash in Michigan will eventually be at risk to this devastating insect. For … Continue reading →

Early symptoms of tar spot fungal infection are now appearing on maple leaves. Leaves are infected in late spring when wind-borne spores land on leaves. Infected tissue turns light green or yellowish-green. As the infection progresses, the yellowish spots turn … Continue reading →

The maple eyespot gall is caused by a small midge. The fly lays its eggs in the undersurface of the leaves. The maggot that hatches develops quickly and produces a growth regulating hormone that causes the bright red and yellow … Continue reading →

Oak apple gall is an abnormal growth of plant cells, formed as a response to a cynipid wasp laying eggs in the leaf or stem. These growths are called galls because they contain large amounts of tannin, which has a … Continue reading →

Anthracnose is a very common springtime disease affecting many different shade trees. Ash, oak, and maple are among the most severely affected. The name – Anthracnose – is given to a variety of shade tree fungi. These fungi cause similar … Continue reading →

The term “bark beetles” refers to numerous varieties of very small beetles which attack weakened or dying conifers. Though they will attack pine, spruce, or fir, in this part of Michigan they are mainly associated with red and white pine. … Continue reading →

Despite winter dormancy, trees and shrubs can suffer severe injury over the winter months. Most winter injuries are associated with cold temperatures. Low temperatures injure plants more often than high temperatures. However, extreme temperature fluctuation is more damaging than prolonged … Continue reading →

Despite winter dormancy, trees and shrubs can suffer severe injury over the winter months. Most winter injuries are associated with cold temperatures. Low temperatures injure plants more often than high temperatures. However, extreme temperature fluctuation is more damaging than prolonged … Continue reading →

White-tailed deer are present in every Michigan county. They make use of a wide range of habitats, and are prolific reproducers – a healthy herd grows an average of 20 to 30 percent each year. More than 75 percent of … Continue reading →