Plants coming out of dormancy too soon can experience cold damage. Learn what Extension educators expect this to mean for gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs.
![Adult, metallic green, emerald ash borer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/EAB%20adult.jpg?h=3ceaf225&itok=Uv89CNyL)
Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to cause problems for ash trees. As of this past year, it has been found in 48 Minnesota counties.
![A drought-stressed maple tree has leaves browning from the tips toward the center of the leaf.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Drought%20stressed%20maple%20tree%20-%20Robert%20L.%20Anderson%2C%20USDA%20Forest%20Service%2C%20Bugwood.org_.jpg?h=5a43c567&itok=yM0kJz2W)
This is the third consecutive year of drought across much of the state, and successive years of drought can compound stress on trees. There are steps you can take to reduce drought stress on your woods.
![A rich, deep green forest with a closed canopy and lush understory plants](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Northern%20hardwood%20forest%20stand.png?h=6f9f2036&itok=IBId3-hQ)
Extension foresters provide recommended tree and plant lists for east-central Minnesota.
![Kiln with branches on fire to make biochar](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/kiln%20of%20fire.jpg?h=174e0aad&itok=0orZcLsU)
Biochar is produced by heating wood chips, plant clippings and other organic waste without oxygen. The end product is a lightweight black charcoal made up of carbon.
![Close-up of the long, soft needles on a seedling of an eastern white pine tree.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/White%20pine%20seedling%20and%20buds.jpg?itok=gxZJMbfA)
Find climate-resilient, native trees and plants recommended for the Northern Superior Uplands.
![Deep in a forest.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Northern%20hardwood%20forest%20stand.png?h=6f9f2036&itok=IBId3-hQ)
Minnesota forests are classified and identified through characteristics like climate and vegetation.
![A person holds a smartphone up to take a picture of a tree](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/adult-blur-camera-731344.jpg?h=cead6201&itok=beDuT1zq)
iNaturalist is a great resource to learn about and record the species you may find while exploring your backyard woods.
![Yarrow plants in a garden bed.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/yarrow-moonshine.jpg?h=6b379294&itok=_hEGg5Pf)
Spring is a great time to divide certain perennials in your garden. Division produces more plants for your garden or to share with a fellow gardener.
![close up of very full and ruffled pale pink roses in bloom with a few still just buds.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/RosaEasyEleganceHeadoverHeelltpink-01-5426-1-1-536x715.jpg?h=17130bc9&itok=Ne1no7bJ)
University of Minnesota Extension has been a part of the national American Rose Trials for Sustainability (A.R.T.S.) program since 2015.