Tree Topping

Note from our Forestry chair, Walt Sinnwell:

Many people have tall trees topped around their homes. A tree grows so tall you worry about branches striking your home or outbuildings. But what you may not realize is that a tall tree will always be a tall tree. That tree will put everything it has into regrowth. Both its branches and leafy growth extending as tall or taller than it was. This puts more strain on the entire tree, also causes wounds that are slow to heal exposing the tree to insect and disease damage. Think about planting lower species around your house and buildings. If you topped your tree once it will need it again in time.

Forest Insects and Disease

Courtesy of Commonwealth of PA website

Diseases, such as chestnut blight and Dutch elm disease, and insect pests, such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth), and hemlock woolly adelgid, already have significantly changed our forest landscapes.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry monitors Pennsylvania’s forests for insects and diseases, protecting trees when necessary.
Current Threats to Pennsylvania Forests
Of the pests that affect our Commonwealth’s forests, the insects and diseases that have caused the most damage in terms of defoliation and mortality during recent years include:
Emerald ash borer
Spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth)

Hemlock woolly adelgid
Beech bark disease
Oak wilt
Oaks continue to be at risk from spongy moth defoliation and oak wilt disease, while beech bark disease continues to expand and threaten beech populations.
Threats to oaks and beech are especially important because they are the largest remaining sources of hard mast for wildlife after the demise of the American chestnut.
Additionally, hemlock woolly adelgid, introduced into Pennsylvania in 1967, continues to spread westward and is affecting the eastern hemlock, Pennsylvania’s state tree.
Similarly, the emerald ash borer was detected in Pennsylvania in 2007, and is now found in most of Pennsylvania causing widespread ash mortality.

Monitoring Insects and Diseases in Pennsylvania Forests

DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry has a variety of active surveys and projects to monitor and manage forest insects and diseases.

Each year, the DCNR Bureau of Forestry conducts an aerial survey program to detect and map:

• Tree dieback
• Mortality
• Defoliation
• Foliage discoloration

Ground surveys are done to confirm the suspected insect or disease for each mapped area.

The information is used to:

• Determine the extent of damage for insects and diseases of concern
• Anticipate future outbreaks
• Make management recommendations