Forest pest first detectors are trained to quickly detect and diagnose pests so that state and federal agencies can control the spread.
Forestry
Extension's forestry team offers learning opportunities for all citizens interested in protecting and improving trees and woodlands in rural and urban environments.
Approximately forty percent of Minnesota's woodlands are privately owned. Caring for our forests is often the job of private landowners. We work with Minnesota landowners, loggers and natural resource professionals to share research and education about:
New forestry markets
Sustainability
Woodland stewardship
Wildlife habitat
Improved water quality
Diversified farm income
Forestry in Minnesota
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Trees are a big investment in money, space and time, so you want to make sure you are caring for them correctly.
Whether searching for guidance on planting the right tree for your situation, finding the right professional for the big jobs, or protecting your trees from harmful pests, Extension experts in forestry, horticulture and forest pests have the information you need to properly care for your woodland, landscape or yard.
Forest pests and diseases — How to identify and deal with some of the most common and troublesome forest pests and diseases in Minnesota.
Recommended trees for climate-ready woodlands — Our changing climate means forests will need to adapt. Get expert advice on the trees you can plant now that are predicted to do well in the future of your woodland.
Seasonal care for trees and shrubs — Learn how to help keep your landscape trees healthy and safe.
Source trees and plants for climate-ready woodlands
Minnesota trees and plants
- For Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) tree sales, visit your county’s SWCD website.
Near native trees and plants
Trees are a natural climate solution. Woodland owners can implement management strategies to store or sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Learn about the carbon in Minnesota’s trees and woodlands.
Below, we list forests by species, but there are many ways to classify and describe forest types.
For example, if you’re an advanced woodland owner or professional, you may also want to familiarize yourself with the from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The system describes and maps progressively smaller areas of Minnesota's four biomes or ecological provinces.
Knowing the tree species present in your woods is important in order to make proper management decisions.
Hardwood forest types
Conifer forest types
Harvesting timber
Get the most out of your forest by improving its health and harvesting in a way that achieves woodland goals.
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are described by how managers harvest and regenerate trees, from individually cutting some trees (single-tree selection) to cutting all the trees at once (clear-cutting).
Over the life of a stand, woodland owners and managers take steps to establish, grow, enhance and harvest their forests. The specific treatments or methods they use will depend on which silvicultural system they select.
Woodland owners and managers should work with professionals to select the best silvicultural system for their forest.
Intermediate treatments and woodland stand improvement are done after trees have been established or regenerated, but before final harvest. They are designed to improve the stand’s ability to grow, while enhancing its vigor, value and quality. Intermediate treatments include:
- Thinnings and woodland stand improvements.
- Pruning.
- Removing undesirable species, such as through girdling.
- Applying herbicides.
When selling your timber, you will want to get the best offer while meeting woodland goals. Foresters can help along the way, from planning and marketing to harvests and making the sale.
Sampling and measuring timber
There are two ways to estimate how much timber you have. You can individually evaluate each tree, or set up sample plots and use them to estimate overall volume.
By measuring timber, you can better understand your woodland’s status and get critical information that can shape management plans and the treatments you use.
Contract for Minnesota timber harvests
Contracts protect woodland owners and buyers during timber sales and harvest operations.
Programs
Minnesota Woodland Steward program
Family forest owners and forest caretakers learn about forest health, timber harvesting, management for recreation and wildlife, estate planning, tax incentive programs and more.
Forestry Webinar series
A monthly webinar series for natural resource managers, landowners, policymakers and educators.
Creating climate-ready woodlands
As Minnesota’s climate changes, forests will face pressures from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures and prolonged drought. You can foster a healthy, resilient woodland by adding species predicted to adapt well to these changes.
Learn more about forestry
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