Tar Spot of Trees and Shrubs
Tar spot is a common, visually distinctive and primarily cosmetic fungal leaf spot disease that can affect many species of maple, including silver maple, sugar maple and Norway maple. Learn more in this factsheet.
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are the backbone of our landscapes. Properly placed and well-maintained landscape plants help conserve energy, provide shade, increase the property values, attract wildlife, offer privacy and help us create peaceful outdoor living environments. Many trees and shrubs also exhibit showy flowers, vibrant fall foliage colors, and edible fruits. Learn from our publications and fact sheets about selecting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in Wisconsin landscapes.
Featured Tree & Shrub Articles
Choosing the Right Landscape Plants: Factors to Consider
Plant selection is one of the most important decisions a gardener, landscaper or designer makes. Learn more about selecting plants in this publication.
Is My Ash Tree Worth Treating for Emerald Ash Borer?
When should I treat my ash tree for EAB? This factsheet addresses some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the treatment of ash trees for EAB, and the removal and disposal of infested trees.
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Articles
Spongy Moth
Spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) is a destructive insect when the caterpillars occur in large numbers and defoliate trees. This factsheet will help with identification and management of this pest.
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied, insects that feed on plant sap and subsequently excrete a sugary substance that can attract ants as well as support a saprophytic fungus called sooty mold. Learn about aphids found in home gardens in this factsheet.
Herbicide Damage
Herbicide damage is any adverse, undesired effect on a plant that is caused by exposure of that plant to a pesticide designed for weed control. Learn symptoms and more in this factsheet.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB), Pyrrhalta viburni, is an invasive insect that feeds exclusively on and can significantly damage Viburnum species. Identification and control are described in this factsheet.
Armillaria Root Disease
Armillaria root disease, a/k/a shoestring root rot, can affect most conifer and hardwood species, and is an often lethal disease of tree and shrub roots and lower stems. Learn more in this factsheet.
Woody Ornamentals Pest Management in Wisconsin
An indispensable resource for nursery growers, this publication identifies pests of trees and shrubs in the state plus the products available for their control.
Summer Flowering Trees, Shrubs and Vines
Ideas and information about woody plants that flower in summer, to create a landscape with year-round interest.
Aphids, in-depth
Aphids are really fascinating insects, with bizarre lifestyles and eating habits Learn more about this large group of insects and how to manage them in the garden in this article…
Deciduous Tree Galls
Galls are abnormal growths on plants that can result from the feeding of living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects and mites. Learn about common galls in this factsheet.
Maple Gall Mites (Eriophyidae)
Inside little green or red bumps or other weird growths on maple leaves are tiny eriophyid mites, feeding on the developing gall tissue. Learn more about these mites and what to do about them in this article on maple gall mites.
Protecting Your Tree From Emerald Ash Borer
EAB was discovered in Wisconsin in 2008 and has been slowly spreading ever since. In this video, entomologists demonstrate how homeowners can protect their trees from this insect.
