WVU experts are finding yellow poplar trees in central West Virginia and eastern Ohio are suffering from both lasting effects of the 2024 drought and pest infiltration, and worry current growth patterns could signal the species’ decline in the region. (Submitted Photo/Ryan Thorn)
Two West Virginia University Extension specialists cite decline in yellow poplar trees in central West Virginia and eastern Ohio as examples of the potentially lasting effects of the 2024 drought.
David McGill, WVU Extension forest resources management specialist and professor, and Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension entomology specialist and assistant professor, note these regions are seeing widespread signs of stress this season.
The decline appears linked to last year’s significant drought and is compounded by repeated damage from yellow-poplar weevil and tuliptree scale.
Quotes:
What to look for
“There are several things you can look for when determining how the poplars are being affected, including delayed or sparse leaf-out, sometimes only in parts of the crown; a sticky residue honeydew and black sooty mold, indicating tuliptree scale activity, and/or same size holes in leaves caused by yellow-poplar weevil feeding.
“While these stressors may not be fatal on their own, together they increase the risk of decline and mortality, especially for older trees or those already weakened by other factors. Trees near homes, driveways or high-value areas should be watched closely.” — David McGill, WVU Extension specialist and professor, forest resources management, WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Managing stress
“Landowners may want to consider good agricultural practices, such as watering and fertilization to improve plant vigor.
“It’s also important to monitor insect pests such as yellow-poplar weevils and tuliptree scale because trees under stress can release volatile organic compounds that can attract insect pests. When infestation of insect pests are high, systemic pesticide treatments, such as imidacloprid, can manage wide range of insects that attack yellow poplar. This product is typically applied to the soil as a drench or root-zone injection, allowing the tree to absorb it through its roots and distribute it internally to control phloem-feeding insects.” – Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension specialist and assistant professor, entomology, WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Find more information from WVU Extension.
In West Virginia, if you suspect yellow poplar decline or other forest health problems, contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Issues are tracked there to help address problems. Landowners should submit reports via email to bugbusters@wvda.us.
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday.
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tec/6/5/25
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