NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging landowners to begin planning for next year’s planting season while also reminding residents to monitor storm-damaged trees for signs of oak wilt.
Forestry Division Specialist Kylie Husman said ordering trees and shrubs early can help improve wildlife habitat and strengthen private woodlands across the state.
“Ordering early can help landowners improve wildlife habitat and strengthen their woodlands,“ Husman said.
Online ordering for Wisconsin DNR tree seedlings and shrubs will reopen Monday, Oct. 5. Husman said landowners can find ordering information by searching for the Wisconsin DNR Tree Seedling Order page on the department’s website.
In addition to preparing for planting season, the DNR is asking property owners to inspect oak trees that may have been damaged during recent severe storms.
Fresh wounds on red oak trees can make them more susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that can spread quickly and kill infected trees.
“If you see any areas that appear to be dying in the upper canopy, that is something that you’re going to want to pay attention to,” Husman said.
She encourages landowners to contact a DNR forest health specialist as soon as possible if they notice sections of an oak tree’s canopy beginning to die.
According to the DNR, early detection is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of oak wilt and protect nearby trees from becoming infected.
State forestry officials say planning ahead for tree planting while remaining vigilant for signs of disease can help maintain healthier forests and woodlands for years to come.
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