WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST
Some of you are probably seeing some growing bald spots on our mountains recently. In recent years, that can be attributed to emerald ash borer damage on white ash trees. Although white ash continues to decline, the Catskills are now seeing damage from forest tent caterpillar defoliation, which prefer sugar maple. Forest Tent Caterpillars are a native insect that return every 10 to 20 years. The last time they made their presence felt was from 2004 to 2007 depending on where you’re located. Healthy trees can tolerate several years of defoliation, but trees that are already stressed can lead to mortality. For sugar maple, this mainly occurs on ridge-tops that offer less suitable conditions than mid-slope or lower elevations. Sugar maple will generally refoliate after being completely stripped. So far, the most impact I have seen has been in the Town of Lexington, Greene County.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association