Filtering by tag: Forest Resources ✕

Cinara Aphids and Christmas Trees

Many of the phone calls Christmas tree farmers receive around the holiday season concern Cinara aphids. These aphids are large (among the largest aphid species in the world), dark-colored, and can be…

Algae on Fraser Fir

Many farmers are finding algae on their trees this year.Algae can be described as grey green dust that will rub off when scraped with a fingernail, exposing healthy green needles underneath. Algae is…

Lanternfly with red, black-spotted wings caught on spider silk over green leaves

Spotted Lanternfly Creeping Toward WNC

A spotted lanternfly (SLF) infestation is now established in Caldwell County, a county abutting some of the highest producing Fraser fir counties in the state. Spotted lantern fly has not caused…

Terrific (And Free!) Opportunity for Learning About Land Succession Tools

Farm succession planning is important for several critical reasons—both for the continuity of the farm operation and for the well-being of the family involved. Farm planning:Ensures Continuity of the…

Young fir trees in a grassy tree farm under a clear blue sky

Rust Mite Check

Hemlock rust mite populations are are particularly high right now in some areas of WNC.This week's temperatures have been quite cool and our March was dry. Hemlock rust mite populations are known to…

photo of scale insect on needle

Native Hemlock Scale Spotted on Fraser Fir

Keep an eye out for native Hemlock Scale Hemiberlesia (formerly Abgrallaspis) ithacae. I noticed some interesting scale insects on Fraser fir on a farm last week and have had them confirmed as this…

Mudslide in a Christmas tree farm, post-Helene

Slides and Video for the Helene Response Resources for Farmers and Farm Workers Webinar Are Available

Many of the slides and the recorded video for the webinar tailored for WNC Christmas tree farmers have been updated on the forestrywebinars.net website. Area Specialized Agent Sam Marshall's slides…

Resources for Growers @Jamie Bookwalter

NCCTA's List for Farmer Assistance Post Helene

The NCCTA (North Carolina Christmas Tree Association) has compiled a list of regional and national resources for farmers post Helene and will be updating the list as more information becomes…

Post Helene Damage on the French Broad. @Jamie Bookwalter

New $25,000 Grant for Small Business Owners

Christmas tree farmers and nursery owners: Businesses that have less than $1 million in annual revenue and experienced physical damage from Helene may be able to apply for an immediate relief grant…

Rust mite damage on Canaan

Fall Rust Mite Watch

Keep an eye out for rust mites! As the weather begins to cool and become very dry, rust mite can flair up. Here's a photo of some rust mites and rust mite damage from a field of Canaan I was in…