LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan DNR is offering some advice to limit the damage caused by an invasive species to trees in the state this year.
It’s not exactly the picture painted by the phrase ‘Pure Michigan.’ with nearly leafless trees, munching sounds from thousands of feeding insects, and pellets of waste raining down day and night. This year’s bumper crop of hairy, yellow-faced gypsy moth caterpillars is near the cocoon stage feeding on oaks, willows, and other host trees.
The Michigan DNR advises defoliated trees be watered frequently to help them produce a second set of leaf buds this year. This won’t work for pines, spruces, and other conifers which can’t produce another set of buds. Here, you’ll need to remove the caterpillars to prevent tree loss.
This year’s gypsy moth outbreak is one that residents should take seriously, according to DNR officials.
