Spongy Moth Caterpillar Now Threatens to Defoliate Woodlands

The last few years have not been good for south central Wisconsin’s trees.  Between 2010 and 2017, Dane County lost an average of 12% of its overall tree canopy.  Some places have lost 38 percent of their tree canopy or more.  Emerald Ash Borer, climate change, and clearing for agriculture and development have all contributed to the loss.

With this year’s drought, an old enemy has re-emerged: the spongy moth caterpillar now threatens to defoliate large swaths of already-stressed trees and woodlands.  Lisa Johnson is a Horticulturist with University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, Dane County, and she joins us now by phone.

For more information on tree care, go to treeboard.org

Image Credit RJA1988 for Pixabay

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