Publications

Combined Heat and Biochar

Combined heat and biochar (CHAB) technologies are systems that optimize the combustion of wood residues. The process of combusting

Great Plains Biochar Initiative

In 2017, the Nebraska Forest Service along with partners Kansas Forest Service, High Plains Biochar, and Wilson Biochar Associates

Green Roofs: Biochar and You

“Green roofs” are an increasingly popular practice that can accomplish a wide variety of jobs in the urban landscape. Whether you are

Small Scale Biochar

Nebraska is home to a wealth of untapped resources, some that are viewed as problematic. Nebraska has 1.3 million acres of forested land

Pine Wilt: A fatal disease of Scotch Pine

Scotch pine, a popular tree for ornamental plantings, windbreaks and Christmas trees, is rapidly disappearing from Nebraska's landscape.

Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced May 14th that walnut twig beetle, a carrier of a fatal disease of walnut trees,

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar

Emerald Ash Borer Look-Alikes

There are many bright metallic-green insects in Nebraska, but the emerald ash borer beetle is only a half-inch long and strictly

Pros and Cons of EAB Treatment

Regardless of the decision made, trees should not be left standing until they are dead or have significant dieback. Ash trees

Soil Treatments Emerald Ash Borer: Information for Homeowners

Soil treatments are applied to the soil around the base of a tree. The chemical is picked up by the roots, carried up the

Árboles para Nebraska

Las condiciones ambientales en Nebraska dificultan que muchos árboles sobrevivan o crezcan bien. Varias condiciones como los tipos de

Firewise Landscaping Practices

Homeowners value landscapes for the natural beauty, privacy, shade, and recreation they offer and frequently select properties that

Inspecting Flood Damaged Trees

Even under the best of circumstances, half of a tree’s living tissue is under the soil and out of sight. Since the root system is the

What can you do about flooded trees?

Water is critical to the growth and survival of trees. We often discuss what happens when trees and other plants become dry, but what

Early and Late Frosts and Freezes

Nebraska is well known for being a land of extreme temperature swings. It isn’t uncommon in Fall or Spring to go from a nice day to a

Japanese Beetle in Nebraska

The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive invasive pest that is an annual problem for many Nebraskans. Its presence has grown over the

Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an aggressive invasive species that is present in several states. It is currently

Spotted Lanternfly Look-alikes (Not yet present in Nebraska)

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), is a new invasive species that poses one of the largest threats to American agriculture

Inspecting Flood Damaged Trees

Even under the best of circumstances, half of a tree’s living tissue is under the soil and out of sight. Since the root system is the

Herbicide Damage to Trees

Herbicides can be effective tools for controlling unwanted weeds in the landscape. However, in recent years, the Nebraska Forest Service

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing

Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

Forests cover 947,000 acres in Nebraska. Other land with scattered tree cover, including narrow wooded strips along streams, windbreaks,

Managing Your Woodlands

Nebraska’s forests, also known as woodlands, comprise three percent of the total land base in the state. On an acre by acre comparison,

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar

Redcedar Utilization

Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants,

Combined Heat and Biochar

Combined heat and biochar (CHAB) technologies are systems that optimize the combustion of wood residues. The process of combusting

Forest Products Utilization Program

Healthy forests and strong markets are dependent upon active, responsible forest management. Markets for wood and forest products lead to

Great Plains Biochar Initiative

In 2017, the Nebraska Forest Service along with partners Kansas Forest Service, High Plains Biochar, and Wilson Biochar Associates

Green Roofs: Biochar and You

“Green roofs” are an increasingly popular practice that can accomplish a wide variety of jobs in the urban landscape. Whether you are

Mushrooms in Nebraska

Most of us have probably heard of our friends or neighbors hunting for mushrooms, oftentimes combing woodlands for the elusive morel each

Nebraska Forest Products Industry Economic Contributions

Nebraska has 1.5 million acres of forest land that cover 3 percent of its land base, and most of this forest land can produce commercial

Nebraska's Sawmill Industry

Nebraska is home to a small, yet storied forest products industry with many businesses having been in operation for generations.

Nebraska's Urban Wood Industry

Urban wood is salvaged from tree removal operations typically due to tree mortality, disease, land development, storm damage or

Small Scale Biochar

Nebraska is home to a wealth of untapped resources, some that are viewed as problematic. Nebraska has 1.3 million acres of forested land

Tree Heat Nebraska

Under the Forest Products Utilization program, Trees Heat Nebraska is the Nebraska Forest Service’s technical

Urban Lumber Production

Communities across Nebraska are increasing the management of their community forests in anticipation of emerald ash borer.

Financial Assistance and Grants

There are several opportunities available for financial assistance with the Nebraska Forest Sevice. Each grant has its own unique

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants,

Trees of Nebraska

This manual will show you how to identify 97 tree species by comparing leaves, twigs, fruit, bark, and other parts. You will learn how to

Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

The goal of hazelnut research is to accelerate commercial development of the hybrid hazelnut as a profitable, environmentally friendly

Herbicide Damage to Trees

Herbicides can be effective tools for controlling unwanted weeds in the landscape. However, in recent years, the Nebraska Forest Service

Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced May 14th that walnut twig beetle, a carrier of a fatal disease of walnut trees,

Emerald Ash Borer Frequently Asked Questions

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a highly invasive, non-native insect that attacks and kills all species of North American ash trees, including

Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

The goal of hazelnut research is to accelerate commercial development of the hybrid hazelnut as a profitable, environmentally friendly

Pruning Large Trees

Storm damage to large trees can cause large problems. These problems can exist immediately after the storm or become evident many months

Pruning Trees

Pruning is one of the most important tree maintenance practices.  Over the years, the way in which we, as foresters, have approached

Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree that has always been a fixture on the Nebraska landscape, providing

2018 Annual Report

Download the PDF to read about the accomplishments and highlights of the Nebraska Forest Service in 2018. 

Forest Health 2017

Nebraska boasts a diverse array of forest resources. From the ponderosa pine forests of the Panhandle’s Pine Ridge to the hardwood

Forest Health 2018

Nebraska boasts a diverse array of forest resources. From the ponderosa pine forests of the Panhandle’s Pine Ridge to the hardwood

Implications of Climate Change for Nebraska

This comprehensive report summarized the current understanding of climate change science, projected changes in climate for Nebraska, and

Nebraska Forest Resources

Many Nebraskans would be surprised to learn that in our largely agricultural and grassland state, unique and diverse forest resources are substantial and growing.

Nebraska's Forests 2010

The second full annual inventory of Nebraska's forests reports more than 1.5 million acres of forest land and 39 tree species. Forest

NFS Annual Report 2021

Thank you to our partners for all their support as we tackle the daunting challenges facing trees and forests. We are making excellent

NFS Annual Report 2022

During 2022, Nebraska faced a significant year for both challenges and achievements. Our state’s forest and tree resources faced threats

NFS Annual Report 2023

Within

Woodwaste Supply & Utilization

Increased utilization of wood waste can help decrease our Nation's dependence on foreign energy purchases, generate energy cost-savings,

Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an aggressive invasive species that is present in several states. It is currently

Spotted Lanternfly Look-alikes (Not yet present in Nebraska)

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), is a new invasive species that poses one of the largest threats to American agriculture

Restrictions on Moving Walnut Wood

The movement of walnut wood into Nebraska from other states is restricted by law. Walnut logs, firewood, green lumber, woodchips, and

Tree Care Basics: Finding the Root of the Problem

Homeowners often want a tree that grows fast, isn’t messy, provides abundant shade, and is free of insect and disease problems. However,

Care of Newly Planted Trees

Landscape trees provide beauty and utility. The care they receive during the first few years after planting is critical. Many

Don’t ‘Top’ Trees

Many trees damaged by severe storms have large broken branches. Properly repairing trees with this type of damage is often difficult and

Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs

Most Nebraska soils are fertile enough to support tree and shrub growth without applying fertilizer. However, when woody plants exhibit

How to Select an Arborist or Tree Service

Hiring an arborist deserves careful consideration. A qualified arborist will do tree work properly and safely. An unqualified person may

Ice storms and the effects on communities

Historically, Nebraska’s climate is tough on trees. From high winds and tornados to fires, drought, snow and ice, Nebraska’s

Immediate Care for Storm-Damaged Trees

Trees damaged by storms require immediate attention (removing low-hanging branches, clearing from utility lines, etc.). Homeowners need

Inspecting Flood Damaged Trees

Even under the best of circumstances, half of a tree’s living tissue is under the soil and out of sight. Since the root system is the

Pruning Large Trees

Storm damage to large trees can cause large problems. These problems can exist immediately after the storm or become evident many months

Pruning Trees

Pruning is one of the most important tree maintenance practices.  Over the years, the way in which we, as foresters, have approached

Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards

Trees should be inspected for defects and hazardous conditions after a severe storm. Some trees are in danger of falling and have a high

When to water trees

Drought is a relatively common occurrence in Nebraska. The further west we go, the drier it is and the greater likelihood of serious

Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards

Trees should be inspected for defects and hazardous conditions after a severe storm. Some trees are in danger of falling and have a high

Chlorosis of Trees in Central and Western Nebraska

Chlorosis describes any condition in which leaves or needles develop an abnormally light green or yellow color. The most common cause of

Chlorosis of Trees in Eastern Nebraska

Chlorosis describes any condition in which leaves or needles develop an abnormally light green or yellow color. The most common cause of

Diplodia Blight (Tip Blight) of Pines

Diplodia blight is a common disease affecting pines throughout Nebraska. Trees in landscapes, windbreaks, plantations and native pine

Care of Newly Planted Trees

Many recommended practices for newly planted trees have changed in recent years. Here are some tips that will give newly planted trees a better chance to survive and thrive.

How to Plant a Tree

Proper planting is critical to the establishment of healthy, thriving trees. The planting guidelines below have been developed to help

Replanting After Severe Weather

Tree losses from severe storms can be heavy, and homeowners often lose large trees or trees that have sentimental value. These kinds of

Top 10 Tree Planting Mistakes

Poor quality trees do not grow to be strong, healthy trees, so successful tree plantings must begin with healthy trees.

Tree Care Basics: Finding the Root of the Problem

Homeowners often want a tree that grows fast, isn’t messy, provides abundant shade, and is free of insect and disease problems. However,

Fabric Mulch

Mulch fabric, sometimes referred to as “weed barrier” or "black plastic", has become a useful tool in establishing conservation tree

Celebrating Safely: Fireworks 101

Every Independence Day as we celebrate the birth of America, many first responders across the US are on high alert, responding to the

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) gathers together your community's resources to enhance wildfire mitigation and preparedness.

Nebraska Wildfire Control Act

The Wildfire Control Act (WCA) was passed in 2013 in response to massive and highly destructive fires in the state. The WCA has

Nebraska's Single Engine Air Tanker

The Wildfire Control Act of 2013 enabled the establishment of Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) bases in Nebraska. SEAT bases are staffed

Preventing fires on your farm or ranch

Farm and ranch families have always been concerned with fire. America’s rural residents are 1/4 of the nation’s population living on

Red Flag Warnings: Critical Fire Weather Conditions

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when weather conditions exist for destructive or rapidly spreading

Reporting Wildfires

Reporting wildfire activity is an increasingly vital tool that supports many of Nebraska's core volunteer fire department programs, such

Rural Homes and Wildfire

For many, a rural home has become a dream come true. However, homes are often built for aesthetic values and economic considerations. In many cases, little regard is given to fire protection.

Yellowbook

This publication has been developed by the Wildland Fire Protection Program of the Nebraska Forest Service, as a description of aviation

How Windbreaks Work

Windbreaks are barriers used to reduce and redirect wind. They usually consist of trees and shrubs, but may also be perennial or annual crops and grasses, fences, or other materials. 

Windbreak and Shelterbelt Appraisal

Living windbreaks and shelterbelts are important assets in rural areas of the Great Plains that protect homes, crops and domestic animals

Windbreak Establishment

A successful windbreak planting depends on proper establishment and care during the first few years after planting. Time spent in site

Windbreak Maintenance and Renovation

Windbreaks are integral parts of many Nebraska farming and ranching operations. They protect man, animals, crops and buildings from cold

Windbreak Management

The windbreaks on your farm are an important part of the agricultural landscape. They provide protection for the farmstead, livestock and

Windbreaks for Livestock Operations

Windbreaks play an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds

Windbreaks for Rural Living

In many parts of the United States, the constant force of the wind exaggerates daily weather conditions and can make living in these

Windbreaks for Snow Management

In areas of high winds and blowing snow, windbreaks can reduce the amount of effort spent on snow man­agement. They can be designed to

Tree Heat Nebraska

Under the Forest Products Utilization program, Trees Heat Nebraska is the Nebraska Forest Service’s technical

Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants,

Woody Biomass Energy

Heavy dependence on fossil fuels obtained from politically volatile areas, an emerging consensus that carbon emissions must be

When to water trees

Drought is a relatively common occurrence in Nebraska. The further west we go, the drier it is and the greater likelihood of serious

Mushrooms in Nebraska

Most of us have probably heard of our friends or neighbors hunting for mushrooms, oftentimes combing woodlands for the elusive morel each