Brown leaves and bare jack pine trees in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula may be due to an outbreak of hungry caterpillars.
The jack pine budworm is a native moth caterpillar that feeds on pine needles. Budworms can cause die-back among tree crowns and leave trees with damaged, reddish needles.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said budworm outbreaks happen every six to 12 years – and can last a few years.
This summer’s outbreak is a continuation from last year, when budworms defoliated 28,000 acres of jack pine forest.
Severe outbreaks can kill jack pine trees, and that creates fuel for wildfires. The state said it’s working to minimize wildfire risk from the short-lived – and highly flammable – jack pines.
In the interest of transparency, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is a financial support of WCMU.
