Forest Health Protection

The Forest Health Protection (FHP) unit is concerned about both preventing and treating forest tree problems on 16.0 million acres of state, private, industrial and county forest lands. The staff provides insect and disease management assistance to land managers as well as integrated pest management (IPM) programs and hazardous tree education.

To anticipate future problems and identify current trends, Forest Health Protection personnel participate in programs such as the national Forest Health Monitoring program. They also work with the University of Wisconsin and USDA Forest Service Researchers, along with Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

Wisconsin Forests and Their Health

Our forests are generally in good health, though problems do exist in certain types.

About 34% of the 16 million acres of commercial forest are in the maple-basswood type. This cover type is of a relatively young age and is in very good health, though the basswoods have been declining in some locations. The aspen-birch type makes up 20% of the commercial forest land but is decreasing at a rapid rate as older stands convert to maple and balsam fir. The oak-hickory type makes up about 17% of the commercial forest land. This acreage has increased slightly, but many of the older stands are overmature and are converting to more shade tolerant types. The conifers and the other hardwood types are in generally good health.

For a summary of the state of Wisconsin's forests, read the 2007 Annual Report: Forest Health Conditions in Wisconsin [PDF, 5MB], the results of which are summarized in the Forest Health Highlights [PDF, 4MB].

Have sick trees?
Have a tree health question?
Here's what to do.

For rural forest or wild land tree problems, contact your local DNR forester. The forester can answer most questions and will refer the more unusual questions to the regional forest pest specialist. The forester or forest pest specialist may visit the site if necessary.

For urban and shade trees, contact your city forester or county extension agent.

If you suspect that a tree is being affected by Verticillium wilt, oak wilt or Dutch elm disease, you can collect a branch sample and have it tested by a UW plant pathologist for a fee of about $10.00. Samples should:

• Include 3 1/2" diameter, 4 to 6" long branch pieces cut from recently wilted branches.
• Include a cover letter with the name, address and telephone number of the submitter.
• Be mailed early in the work week to avoid weekend delays (and possible sample deterioration) at the post office over the weekend.
• Include the testing fee (usually $10).

For more information, please contact:

Brian Hudelson
Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1598
(608) 262-2863

If you suspect emerald ash borer, please become familiar with how to identify this pest and its many look-alikes at www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov. You can report a finding by email at: DATCPEmeraldAshBorer@wisconsin.gov or by calling the emerald ash borer hotline at 1-800-462-2803.

Insect samples can be sent, free of charge, to: