Publications

Biochar

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

Read more about Combined Heat and Biochar

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

Read more about Great Plains Biochar Initiative

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

Read more about Green Roofs: Biochar and You

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

Read more about Small Scale Biochar

Diseases

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

Read more about Pine Wilt: A fatal disease of Scotch Pine

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

Read more about Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

Eastern redcedar

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

Read more about Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

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

Read more about Redcedar Utilization

Emerald ash borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB) poses a serious threat to ash trees in both communities and residential landscapes, killing 80% of ash trees in

Read more about Ash Wood Utilization Options for Homeowners

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

Read more about Emerald Ash Borer Look-Alikes

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

Read more about Pros and Cons of EAB Treatment

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

Read more about Soil Treatments Emerald Ash Borer: Information for Homeowners

Español

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

Read more about Árboles para Nebraska

Firewise

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

Read more about Firewise Landscaping Practices

Flooding

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

Read more about Inspecting Flood Damaged 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

Read more about What can you do about flooded trees?

Forest health

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

Read more about Early and Late Frosts and Freezes

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

Read more about Japanese Beetle in Nebraska

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

Read more about Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

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

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

Forest management

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

Read more about Inspecting Flood Damaged Trees

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

Read more about Herbicide Damage to Trees

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

Read more about Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

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

Read more about Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

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

Read more about Managing Your Woodlands

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

Read more about Redcedar Utilization

Forest products

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

Read more about Redcedar Utilization

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

Read more about Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

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

Read more about Combined Heat and Biochar

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

Read more about Forest Products Utilization Program

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

Read more about Great Plains Biochar Initiative

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

Read more about Green Roofs: Biochar and You

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

Read more about Mushrooms in Nebraska

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

Read more about Nebraska Forest Products Industry Economic Contributions

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

Read more about Nebraska's Sawmill Industry

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

Read more about Nebraska's Urban Wood Industry

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

Read more about Small Scale Biochar

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

Read more about Tree Heat Nebraska

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

Read more about Urban Lumber Production

Greenhouse

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

Read more about Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

Guides

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

Read more about Trees of Nebraska

Hazelnuts

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

Read more about Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

Herbicide damage

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

Read more about Herbicide Damage to Trees

Insects

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

Read more about Walnut Twig Beetle & Thousand Cankers Disease

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

Read more about Emerald Ash Borer Frequently Asked Questions

Nut production

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

Read more about Commercializing Hybrid Hazelnuts

Pruning

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

Read more about Pruning Large Trees

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

Read more about Pruning Trees

Reports

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

Read more about Eastern Redcedar in Nebraska: Nebraska Conservation Roundtable

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

Read more about 2018 Annual Report

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

Read more about 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

Read more about Forest Health 2018

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

Read more about Implications of Climate Change for Nebraska

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

Read more about Nebraska Forest Resources

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

Read more about Nebraska's Forests 2010

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

Read more about NFS Annual Report 2021

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

Read more about NFS Annual Report 2022

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

Read more about Woodwaste Supply & Utilization

Spotted Lanternfly

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

Read more about Spotted Lanternfly - What to Look For

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

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

Transporting wood

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

Read more about Restrictions on Moving Walnut Wood

Tree care

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

Read more about Tree Care Basics: Finding the Root of the Problem

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

Read more about Care of Newly Planted Trees

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

Read more about Don’t ‘Top’ Trees

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

Read more about Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs

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

Read more about How to Select an Arborist or Tree Service

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

Read more about Ice storms and the effects on communities

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

Read more about Immediate Care for Storm-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

Read more about Inspecting Flood Damaged Trees

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

Read more about Pruning Large Trees

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

Read more about Pruning Trees

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

Read more about Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards

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

Read more about When to water trees

Tree issues

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

Read more about Recognizing & Correcting Tree Hazards
Many caterpillars that feed on trees produce webs, tents or bags, which provide the insects protection from predation and poor weather.
Read more about Bagworms, Webworms, and Tent Caterpillars

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

Read more about 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

Read more about Chlorosis of Trees in Eastern Nebraska
Many diseases and environmental stresses contribute to the decline of ash trees in Nebraska. This publication describes the common characteristics of these problems.
Read more about Decline in Ash Trees: Diseases & Environmental Stresses An Identification Guide

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

Read more about Diplodia Blight (Tip Blight) of Pines

Tree planting

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.

Read more about Care of Newly Planted Trees

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

Read more about How to Plant a Tree

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

Read more about Replanting After Severe Weather

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

Read more about Top 10 Tree Planting Mistakes

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

Read more about Tree Care Basics: Finding the Root of the Problem

Weed control

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

Read more about Fabric Mulch

Wildfire

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

Read more about Celebrating Safely: Fireworks 101

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

Read more about Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

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

Read more about Nebraska Wildfire Control Act

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

Read more about Nebraska's Single Engine Air Tanker

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

Read more about Preventing fires on your farm or ranch

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

Read more about Red Flag Warnings: Critical Fire Weather Conditions

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

Read more about Reporting Wildfires

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.

Read more about Rural Homes and Wildfire

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

Read more about Yellowbook

Windbreaks

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. 

Read more about How Windbreaks Work

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

Read more about Windbreak and Shelterbelt Appraisal

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

Read more about Windbreak Establishment

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

Read more about Windbreak Maintenance and Renovation

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

Read more about Windbreak Management

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

Read more about Windbreaks for Livestock Operations

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

Read more about Windbreaks for Rural Living

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

Read more about Windbreaks for Snow Management

Wood Energy

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

Read more about Tree Heat Nebraska

Wood utilization

Emerald ash borer (EAB) poses a serious threat to ash trees in both communities and residential landscapes, killing 80% of ash trees in

Read more about Ash Wood Utilization Options for Homeowners

Woody biomass

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

Read more about Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass

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

Read more about Woody Biomass Energy

drought

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

Read more about When to water trees

mushrooms

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

Read more about Mushrooms in Nebraska