Missouri Department of Conservation

Forest Health

Healthy, productive forests are necessary to meet the diverse needs of Missouri citizens. Although wildfires burn thousands of acres each year, the losses to insects and diseases are even greater. Native tree species have some natural resistance to native insect and disease pests. However, introduced pests are particularly hard to control. The forest health program monitors pest populations to ensure forest health concerns are incorporated into the management of state and private forests.

Firewood Pests

Don't give bad bugs a free ride. Emerald ash borer and other tree-killing insect pests travel in firewood. Burn firewood where you buy it.

Forest Grazing Hurts

Quality trees and quality livestock can grow side by side; together they spell trouble for both.

Forest Health News

Information on causes of branch flagging, insect defoliators, exotic insect and disease pests, conifer problems and current disease issues.

Oak Decline: Why it's happening and what we can do about it

Large numbers of northern red, southern red, black and scarlet oaks are declining and dying in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Damage has been increasing on the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, as well as in the Ozark and Ouachita national forests in Arkansas.

Periodical Cicadas

Don’t be alarmed when you see and hear armies of these big, loud insects emerge from the ground in May and start “singing” in the trees. Their appearance doesn’t last long—and while they can damage young trees, they don't create much impact on mature ones. This page helps you understand periodical cicadas, anticipate their appearance, plan outdoor events and protect young trees accordingly.

Plant Diseases

Protect your forests, wildlife habitat and crops. Learn to identify and control or report common plant diseases.

Tree Care After Storms

Snow, ice, tornadoes, hail and high-velocity winds can damage or destroy your trees. Here are some tips that will help you care for storm-damaged trees.

Tree-Branch Flagging

Brown leaves can appear on trees in many patterns for many reasons. This condition of “branch flagging” can be caused by insects, diseases or weather-related injury. Learn how to identify the causes and what you can do to treat it.

What makes a healthy forest?

From the oak/hickory savannas down through the Ozarks and the Bootheel’s tupelo swamps, Missouri’s forests are complex ecosystems and they are vital to our state’s overall well-being.