Diseases and pests.

[Jesseb24]

Does anyone have any frequtned websites or books they go back through to read about tree diseases and pests. I have a strong interest in arboriculture but I haven't taken my license exam. I've worked for the state dealing with invasive insects and have a solid background in entomology and forestry. I hope to start a small business diagnosing diseases, pruning and small removals. Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[ATH]

You have to have Johnson and Lyon: Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs and Sinclair & Lyon Disease of Trees and Shrubs. They are not great for narrowing down a diagnosis quickly, but they are comprehensive. When all else fails, I go to the index, search for the host and start to turning to every page that has a potential problem for that species. Most can be ruled out quickly by flipping to the page, but it is a good way to narrow down your potential pest.

Online:
Penn State, Ohio State, Purdue, and Minnesota Extension are sites I frequent. WVU, Cornell and Virginia Tech, NC State, Michigan State, and Clemson all have some good stuff as well...just seems like their library is not as complete and I don't end up at those as often as the first 4. US Forest Service has many good publications as well - the best by far for some of the pests.

Ed Gilman's site at the University of Florida is great for everything except tree pests.

For evergreens, my first goto is the Christmas Tree Pest Manual. It is online, but it is one hard copy I use often.: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/xmastree/

Here are just a few other links that might be a useful place to start. (My whole favorite's list is too long to post!):
http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets

http://extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-025/view (book to buy)

http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu...pests-of-conifers-evergreen-trees-by-species/

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/f...st Service - Forest Insect & Disease Leaflets

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_non/non_all.htm