The forests of Kentucky are a diverse and beautiful ecosystem, dominated by two main forest types: oak/hickory and oak/pine. Even though hardwood species dominate in the state, (including walnut, oak, maple, cherry, hickory and yellow-poplar), there are considerably large areas of natural and commercial pine forests across the state. Common pine species include Virginia, pitch, loblolly and eastern white pine.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry's forest health program focuses on identifying and monitoring for potential insect, disease, invasive and exotic plant problems that threaten our forestlands.

One of the most recent threats to Kentucky's rural and urban forests is the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This insect was initially discovered in Kentucky in 2009. For more information about this insect, the threat it poses, the state's quarantine and what you can do to help, click the following link:

 
Emerald Ash Borer in Kentucky   
 

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid  

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has now been found in 15 eastern and southeastern counties.  Click on the link above to see the most infestation map. Additional surveys have begun in the northeastern part of the state. 

• A Key to Important Diseases of Common Trees of Kentucky
• A Key to Identifying Insects

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