During the last I 0 years, the region averaged 9,500 fires per year with 127,000 acres burned per year. Drought, flooding, frost damage, ice damage, and strong winds all stress or kill trees. There are numerous insects and diseases, both native and non-native, that stress and kill trees. Insects and diseases that are currently important problems in this region include gypsy moth, Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, bark beetles, and spruce budworm. In the North Central Region, elevated concentration of ozone during the summer months is causing visible injury to plant leaves.
Most trees have no damage.
Some trees have wounds or damages on them. This does not mean that the damage is necessarily fatal. Overall, the forest is in good condition. Percent of trees over 10 feet tall that die annually from all causes in the North Central Region. Percent of trees that become new saplings annually in the North Central Region.