Why Are So Many Trees Dying Across Missouri Right Now?

If you've noticed there seems to be more dead trees than usual in Missouri right now, you're not alone in your wondering. It's a question being asked by many and the answer as to what's going on is complicated.

I just saw this question being asked on the Missouri sub-Reddit about "Abnormal amount of dead adult trees?".

Abnormal amount of dead adult trees?
by
u/SaphireShadows in
missouri

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, they say "large numbers of northern red, southern red, black and scarlet oaks are declining and dying in southern Missouri". They say there are a number of factors at work including the age of the trees, where they've grown and can be affected additionally if there's excess burning or harvesting. The abnormally large number of dead trees in Missouri has also been affected by the ongoing drought that many parts of the state are still dealing with.

Many are also concerned that the amount of dead trees they're seeing in Missouri are the work of the Emerald Ash Borer whose larvae can do incredible amounts of damage to a tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. These exotic pests from Asia have been transported when firewood is harvested and moved to different parts of the state. I've not seen an updated map on the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer in Missouri, but it's very possible that it is a factor behind the larger than normal amount of trees who have met an untimely demise in Missouri this year.