The gypsy moth outbreak has continued into 2018. In 2017, the gypsy moth outbreak was extensive and severe, with 1,175,000 acres impacted by the gypsy moth caterpillars. While gypsy moth will feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, oaks are their preferred food. The caterpillar feeding can cause severe defoliation, and weaken the tree.
Healthy trees can generally withstand one or two partial or complete defoliations, but may experience branch die back or the eventual death of the tree. Dead or damaged trees are considered hazardous. The UCONN Extension Service notes:
Read the full fact sheet from CAES.
The emerald ash borer has arrived in Connecticut, and the State's Urban Forestry Coordinator at the DEEP expects that within the next few years all untreated trees will succumb to damage caused by the emerald ash borer. The consensus is that:
The Connecticut Tree Wardens Association has made available a number of resources on the emerald ash borer so that municipal leaders and Tree Wardens can plan for the removal of damaged trees from municipal property. Details on the emerald ash borer are available at:
> Slowing the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer - CT-Gov/DEEP > Identification of the Emerald Ash Borer - CT-Gov/DEEP > Emerald Ash Borer Information Network
The DEEP has also prepared a background paper on the likely costs associated with dealing with this insect.