NEWS

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue XV: No Deal For Canada: Trump Raises Tariffs To 35% | U.S.

What is the unusual new weapon discovered in the battle against the spotted lanternfly?

Answer: A. Your dog. Our household pets could be the spotted lanternfly’s worst enemy. 

Photo © Clark DeHart for Virginia Tech

Read more: Man's Best Friend Could be the Spotted Lanternfly's Worst Enemy → 

In 2024, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources conducted an aerial survey of its forests, finding that more than half a million acres of trees across the state were sick, stressed, or already dead. While the 545,000 acres affected by tree mortality, defoliation, or disease comprise less than 1% of the forestland surveyed, the count shows an increase of nearly 30,000 acres from 2023 and exceeds the ten-year average of 519,000 acres.

For 35 years, the Hardwood Forestry Fund helped plant hardwood trees across the country and even overseas. HFF funded more than 5 million seedlings for 289 projects across 38 states and 4 countries, helping achieve the goal of expanding U.S. hardwood forests. This year, HFF ceased operations after distributing $190,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation and One Tree Planted to fund hardwood tree-planting projects aligned with HFF's mission.

U.S. imports of hardwood plywood rebounded sharply in May, soaring by 43% vs. the previous month. Year-to-date imports of hardwood plywood have increased by 17% vs. 2024. Imports from Indonesia and Vietnam have grown by 65% and 27%, respectively.

Read more: US and Canada Timber and Wood Product Market Report →