On August 14, eight members of the American Tree Experts (ATE) team embarked on a professional development trip to Madison, Wisconsin. The day was spent visiting the renowned Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at UW-Madison, where the team had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Brian Hudelson, the clinic’s director of diagnostic services.
The visit began with an in-depth discussion on current fungal issues affecting trees and plants. Dr. Hudelson provided valuable insights into the challenges posed by these fungal diseases and offered a detailed tour of the clinic. The ATE team was given an inside look at the clinic’s testing methods and procedures, which play a crucial role in diagnosing plant diseases across the state.
The team then headed to the Entomology Department’s Insect Diagnostic Lab, also on campus. There, they met with Lab Director Patrick (P.J.) Liesch, who is widely known as the “Wisconsin Bug Guy.” Liesch guided the ATE team through the process of identifying insects, explaining the lab’s role in addressing both current and emerging insect-related issues.
One of the most pressing topics discussed was the elm zigzag sawfly (EZS), an invasive insect that can harm elm trees, which was discovered for the first time in Portage County on July 4, 2024. Since then, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported EZS sightings in 17 counties across the state. The ATE team also learned about other significant threats, such as the spongy moth, which is prevalent in the south-central region of Wisconsin, and the anticipated arrival of the spotted lanternfly within the next five years.
“This professional development day was invaluable for our team,” says Jesse Ziemienski, ATE President and Board-Certified Master Arborist. “It allowed us to gain firsthand experience at the labs where we regularly send our materials and meet the experts that we collaborate with on plant health-related matters. The insights gained from this visit will undoubtedly enhance our ability to serve our customers better by staying informed about current and emerging threats in Wisconsin.”
ATE regularly uses the clinic’s services to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Residential and commercial clients can also access the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for tree, garden, vegetable, and perennial-related issues.
