Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing

As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape.
Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore common (and not‑so‑common) tree troubles, including eastern tent caterpillars, bagworms, wood‑boring insects, cedar apple rust, needle cast diseases, and oak wilt. Along the way, they explain the difference between biotic and abiotic problems, how environmental stress sets trees up for decline, and why some “pests” are actually just doing their ecological job.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:31 Hey Ken! Are you there? 
01:15 Welcome, Emily! 
01:54 What are biotic problems? 
06:05 How did we choose what biotic tree problems to share today? 
07:49 Eastern tent caterpillar 
16:01 Wood boring insects 
31:25 Cedar apple rust 
43:59 Bagworms 
52:01 Spruce needle cast diseases 
01:00 Oak wilt 
14:25 Thank yous and see you next week! 

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Emily Swihart [email protected]

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