Drought and Watering of Ornamental Plants
Learn how to water woody plants to help them survive prolonged periods of drought in this article.
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
Controlling Deer Damage in Wisconsin
This publication describes plant damage caused by deer, and illustrates numerous methods for protecting plants from deer.
Invasive Exotic Shrub Honeysuckles
Includes history, distribution, habitat, similar species, threats, identification and impact, of the shrub honeysuckles that are invasive in the Midwest. Photos and discussion of control strategies are also included.
Honeylocust Disorder: Canker Diseases in Wisconsin
Honeylocust is a common street and landscape tree. This factsheet presents the signs and symptoms of canker diseases of honeylocusts and how to best treat them.
Nectria Canker
Nectria canker is a common and potentially lethal disease that affects many species of trees and shrubs. This factsheet describes what nectria canker looks like and management options.
Southern Blight
Southern blight is a lethal fungal disease that is most common in the tropics and subtropics, but can cause problems in temperate locations like Wisconsin during periods of warm, moist weather. Learn more here.
Tatters
Tatters is a leaf disorder affecting primarily trees in the white oak group. This factsheet has more information about what Tatters is and symptoms to watch for.
Tubakia (Actinopelte) Leaf Spot
Tubakia (Actinopelte) leaf spot is a common late-season leaf disease of oaks, especially those in the read oak group. Learn symptoms and management in this factsheet.
Crown Gall
Crown gall is the most widely distributed bacterial disease of plants in the world. This factsheet describes what crown gall looks like and how to avoid problems with this disease.
Butternut Canker
Butternut canker is a fungal disease that affects native butternut trees, causing multiple cankers on trunks and branches, eventually killing the trees. Learn to recognize this disease in this factsheet.
Bird’s Nest Fungi
Bird’s nest fungi are not harmful to plants, but grow on decomposing organic matter, such as on mulch in planting beds with damp, shady conditions. Learn more in this factsheet.
Black Spot
Black spot is a common and potentially serious leaf spot disease affecting many types of roses. Learn about symptoms and management in this factsheet.
