Bagworms use debris from a tree to build a bag that provides protection while they feed. Experts say treatment could last 4-5 weeks MANHATTAN, Kan. – State forestry and horticulture experts are urging patience and persistence when trying to control bagworms, noting that multiple hatches of the caterpillars may emerge through late spring and early summer, depending on weather conditions. Ryan Armbrust, forest health coordinator with the Kansas Forest Service, and Raymond Cloyd,…

Christmas tree farms provide an opportunity for family bonding -- as well as a hunt for the 'perfect' tree. Buying a live tree supports local economies, good for the environment MANHATTAN, Kan. – During a year when many activities are limited or prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shopping for a Christmas tree is not one of them. In fact, David Bruton – the utilization and marketing forester with the Kansas Forest Service – said…

Forest and fire managers will focus on priority areas to protect and improve natural resources MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The Kansas Forest Service has received approval from the USDA Forest Service for the Kansas State Forest Action Plan. “The Forest Action Plan provides KFS with the basis to guide our ongoing collaboration with landowners, local partners and state and federal agencies.” said Jason Hartman, Kansas state forester. This edition represents a full revision of…

Program offers species suited for Great Plains states  MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree and Shrub sale opens Sept. 1, providing landowners with a source for low-cost tree and shrub seedlings.  “Large conservation plantings can become very costly when several hundreds or thousands of plants are needed to meet the conservation goals of the landowner,” said Aaron Yoder, conservation trees specialist.  Conservation plantings may function as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, wood…

Kermes scale is a small insect that is often mistaken for small bumps on a tree. Tip dieback caused by the insect may not have any lasting impacts on the tree’s overall health. Trees will rebound from environmental stressors that cause tip dieback on trees, official says MANHATTAN, Kan. – Branch tip dieback, a progressive death of twigs and branches, can be worrisome to see on oak trees in summer, as these long-lived…