Overlapping Plagues Are Killing American Forests

American forests are being hit by multiple, overlapping tree plagues, with billions of trees dead or sick since the start of the 20th century, according to the reporting summarized in this piece. In one New York grove, a beech tree suffered two invasive diseases; aphid-like insects attacked Eastern hemlocks; and ash trees were killed by the emerald ash borer. The article says the pace is accelerating as new pests enter regions while older diseases continue spreading. International trade is a key driver, moving insects and pathogens via wood packaging and live plants. The Northeast U.S. is highlighted as a hotspot, including a hemlock grove where 80% had died by 2023.