Woodland Protection
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Keeping your trees and woodland healthy is a top priority for many woodland owners. Dead trees can create hazards and increase the risk of harm to other trees and property from disease or wildfire. There’s a lot you can do to keep your woods healthy and reduce these risks:
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Implement Firewise practices to reduce fire risk
Removing dead trees near your property, stacking firewood or other flammable materials away from structures, and piling and possibly burning brush can reduce fuel loads and reduce the risk of wildfire damaging your property. Read about hazardous fuel reduction options or find many other resources from Arrowhead Fire-Adapted Communities.
Learn what’s killing your trees and take action
If trees are dying on your land, find out what’s causing it. Insects like spruce budworm have killed a lot of balsam fir and spruce in northern Minnesota in recent years. Some tree loss is normal, but it’s a good idea to learn about common Minnesota forest pests and diseases and to take action to avoid more widespread losses. A forester or the U’s Plant Disease Clinic can help you identify the problem.
Prepare for the emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer, or “EAB” is a little green insect that has a devastating effect on our native ash trees. Introduced from another continent years ago, EAB has recently arrived in Minnesota. If your woods contain a lot of ash trees, learn about your treatment options. You may decide to focus your firewood cutting on ash, or to pay to treat a few trees near the house to protect them from EAB, or to sell timber before EAB arrives. A forester can help you understand your options.
Where to find help
DNR Forestry Offices and forest health info
Arrowhead Fire Adapted Communities
Your local Soil and Water Conservation District
The Minnesota Forestry Association has links and contacts to help woodland owners
Search for local info from UMN Extension
Home fire safety image credit: MN Arrowhead Fire Adapted Communities and Firewise USA