The most serious and urgent near-term ecological threat for many U.S. forests and urban and suburban trees is the repeated introduction of insects and pathogens from other continents. The risk of new invasions remains high, even though the ecological and economic consequences of invasions are well-documented. Recent analyses of efforts to prevent the arrival of new forest pests show that prevention can reduce the rate of invasion while also providing a significant economic benefit. Yet most public attention remains on slowing the spread of pests, instead of doing more to prevent new arrivals. We are applying an integrated approach to the problem of invasive forest pests and pathogens, combining science, policy, and strategic communication, with a focus on prevention.