Invasive insects, disease now kill more trees in the Northeast than logging, study finds
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A new study finds that disease and invasive insects, spurred on by climate change, are increasingly killing trees in Northeastern forests. The study analyzed over 300,000 records of tree death across 18 states from 2009 to 2024, finding that natural causes of tree death have increased by nearly 40% during that time.
Researchers at the University of Vermont studied tree death in Northeastern forests. They found that disease and invasive insects are now killing more trees than logging. Insects account for almost a quarter of tree deaths in the region. Disease is also a growing contributor. Extreme weather is another major factor. Climate change is creating favorable conditions for invasive pests and stressing trees. Tree loss from natural causes now surpasses timber harvests in most states in the region.
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