The Spruce Bud Worm went through here several years ago and killed many of our White Spruce and Balsam Fir. The only Blue Spruce we had were up near the house and I was able to spray them and save them...although they have some thin spots. I got my forester out here right away and we set up a timber sale while they still had some value. We sold 500-600 cords of it and chipped 1,200 tons of tops.
Is the same thing happening throughout your region? You may want to contact your forester and see what he/she recommends.
Agree with Bowsnbucks...we are being inundated with invasive species from all over the world. Lots of invasive coming into the Great Lakes from ballast water in ocean going vessels that are impacting our fisheries....Now, I understand that some new critter is killing Eastern Hemlock down in lower Michigan. The Emerald Ash Borer has taken its toll, American Beech are being wiped out.... Where does it end? One thing for certain, you don't want to have a monoculture in your forest as a single invasive could wipe it all out.
Our blue and white spruce around here are in serious trouble. Most, but not all of mine are sick to some degree, but when you ride around the roads and look in people's yards, you don't see many spruce that are healthy, and 90% are completely dead. It's just a matter of time until all the blue and white spruce are gone.
My red pines are pretty much toast, too.
White pine and Norway Spruce seem to be doing okay for now. I wonder how long it will be before something kills them.
Eastern Dogwood has some serious issues, too.
The things that seem to be completely healthy and thriving are all the invasive crap.
I really wonder what the woods and waters will be like in the near future. I believe it'll take a toll on American wildlife. Some species will roll with it and some species will actually thrive (woodpeckers and termites capitalizing on the dead ash) and other species won't be able to compete.
It's absolutely sickening to see, not just all the dead ash, but also the explosion of invasive bullshit that's now flourishing under them. Japanese Stilt Grass is a major problem now. I don't know how all the low growing wood forbs can survive...they are being totally smothered by Stilt Grass.
Did I mention Mile-a-Minute? One invasive is worse than the last one.
I'm having trouble remembering what my woods looked like 20 years ago. It's completely changed. Carnage.
