Halloween decoration or something just as cool?

Sharp-eyed visitors to Wisconsin woodlands, might spot large web-like structures on the tips of tree branches this time of year. While it’s entirely plausible that this is the result of an over-eager neighbor getting a jump on Halloween decorating, it’s probably not the case. Large webs (often called tents) are common in Wisconsin forests, as webworm caterpillars spin their way into the public eye. These caterpillars make sizable nests in late summer and early fall, when trees have already started to shut down for the season. Because of this timing, the impact of webworms on tree health is likely to be minimal, and there is generally no need to take action to remove the nests and caterpillars. Wind and rain usually take care of that job within a few months. If there are webworms on a property, a property owner should not burn the tents or caterpillars, or prune webbed branches; these actions do more harm to the tree than caterpillar feeding. It’s also important to note that the state’s fall webworm is a different species than spongy moth, eastern tent caterpillar and forest tent caterpillar, which have caterpillars present in the spring, when feeding is more detrimental to trees. Next time when out in the woods, look for the handiwork of these native Halloween decorators.