Tree Health in Florida
A comprehensive state guide for Florida is coming soon. Below are current tree health alerts tracked for this state.
View all Florida alertsCurrent Threats in Florida
Southern Pine Beetle
INSECTThe most destructive bark beetle in the southeastern United States, capable of killing vast stands of pine trees during outbreaks. Adults bore into bark and introduce blue stain fungus that clogs water-conducting tissues.
Ips Bark Beetles
INSECTA genus of bark beetles that attack stressed and weakened pines throughout North America. While they typically colonize dying trees, drought and overcrowding can trigger outbreaks that kill healthy timber.
Bagworm
INSECTA moth whose larvae construct distinctive spindle-shaped bags from silk and foliage fragments. They feed on over 100 species of trees and shrubs, with conifers being most vulnerable since they cannot regrow lost foliage as readily.
Anthracnose
FUNGUSA group of fungal diseases causing leaf spots, cankers, and shoot blight on many shade trees. Sycamore, dogwood, maple, and oak are commonly affected. Cool, wet spring weather promotes infection of newly expanding leaves.
Powdery Mildew
FUNGUSA widespread group of fungal diseases that produce a distinctive white powdery coating on leaves and shoots. It affects hundreds of tree, shrub, and plant species. Unlike most fungi, it thrives in warm, dry conditions with high humidity.
Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing / HLB)
DISEASEThe most devastating disease of citrus worldwide, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. There is no cure. It has caused billions of dollars in losses to the Florida citrus industry and threatens production in Texas, California, and other citrus-growing states.
Armillaria Root Rot
FUNGUSOne of the most widespread and destructive forest diseases in the world, caused by a complex of honey mushroom species. It attacks stressed trees through root contact and can persist in dead stumps for decades, infecting nearby healthy trees.
Fusiform Rust
FUNGUSThe most damaging disease of loblolly and slash pines in the southeastern US. It causes spindle-shaped galls on stems and branches that weaken trees and make them susceptible to wind breakage. Oaks serve as the alternate host.
Laurel Wilt
FUNGUSA lethal vascular disease of trees in the laurel family, vectored by the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle. It has devastated redbay populations in the southeastern coastal plain and threatens sassafras, avocado, and other lauraceous species.
Phytophthora Root Rot
FUNGUSA group of water-mold diseases that attack the roots and root collar of many tree species. Phytophthora thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. It destroys fine roots and can girdle the trunk at the soil line. Affected trees show a general decline that is often misdiagnosed as drought stress. Oaks, dogwoods, rhododendrons, and many other species are susceptible.
Leaf Spot Diseases
FUNGUSA broad group of fungal diseases that cause discrete spots on the leaves of deciduous trees. Most are primarily cosmetic and do not seriously harm established trees. They are most common during wet spring and summer weather. Many different fungi cause leaf spots on different tree species.
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle
INSECTThis is a picture of a Coccinella septempunctata at Fort Armistead Park in Baltimore City, Maryland.
Asian Lady Beetle
INSECTFound alive but in terrible shape. Was swimming around in the water bowl we put out for feral cats here. Also appeared to have had a run in with a spider web, as it had something stuck all over it. Got a lot of suggestions for fungi and parasitoids that target ladybeetles, so maybe its appearance is more a function of a disease or parasite process taking place. It was definitely having trouble getting adound, but could be due to having been in the water for a long time and/or having bits of web
Convergent Lady Beetle
INSECTData collected in collaboration with Field Assistant Ryan Brockette & Thionna Strack.
Chilocorus nigritus
INSECTChilocorus nigritus observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.
Fiery Searcher
INSECTCrawling around in Publix. I can attest to the horrid smell. It stank me up badly when I brought it outside and released it.
Phanaeus igneus
INSECTPhanaeus igneus observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.
Zebra Longwing
INSECTZebra Longwing observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.
Fir Tussock Moth
INSECTFir Tussock Moth observed in the wild. Research-grade iNaturalist observation.
Pearl Crescent
INSECTThe two butterflies appeared to be mating, remained attached as they flew away