ADA Releases New Guide to Tree Health in Arkansas

A new guide is available to help people keep trees healthy in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced the release of the Pocket Guide to Arkansas Forest Health, a guide to insects, diseases, and other tree-injuring factors in the Natural State. The handbook is designed to serve as an identification tool and includes example images of injury, potential causes, and management strategies.

The guidebook was co-written by Chandler Barton, Forest Health Specialist for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, with assistance from Southern Regional Extension Forestry and Clemson Cooperative Extension.

“The Pocket Guide to Arkansas Forest Health is an excellent source of information for landowners, forestry consultants, forest enthusiasts, and more,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We appreciate the co-authors for their contributions to this helpful and practical resource.”

The guidebook describes many of the common causes for tree injury in Arkansas, what resulting damage may look like, and what management tools are available. Although some management recommendations are offered in the guide, Barton recommends contacting a specialist to determine how to mitigate an issue.

Barton also said, “This guide can be used to enjoy observing trees and the organisms that interact with them. I hope readers will cultivate an appreciation of living things and be good stewards for our environment.”

The Pocket Guides are available free of charge at all Forestry Division District Offices, as well as the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Little Rock Headquarters. Find your local District Office at agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/district-headquarters/.

More than 55 percent of Arkansas’s land mass, or 19 million acres, is forested with more than 12 billion trees. Arkansas produces timber valued at more than $400 million annually and ranks sixth in the nation in forestry products valued at over $6.4 billion. More information about Arkansas’s forests and how the Arkansas Department of Agriculture serves the forest industry can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/.

(From KTLO)