Assessing the Damage

The extreme and unusually warm temperatures in March were welcomed by all.

Our trees and shrubs started to bloom 3-5 weeks earlier than usual and put on a magnificent display of color. However, as we all know, that did not last, and on April 11th, 12th and 13th we had low temperatures of 27, 28 and 32 degrees. This was not good! You can be thankful that you did not work here at the nursery as we were all scrambling like crazy people trying to keep our exposed and tender plants from being harmed. Trying to out think Mother Nature can be quite an undertaking to say the least. Talk about stress! Talk about a lack of sleep!

Anyway, the damage is done and as is true of everything else in life, we need to assess the damage and move forward. Many people that called about the condition of this or that particular tree or shrub in their lansdcape had forgotten about the consecutive nights of freezing weather since the damage did not become evident until several days to a week later. Right now many of these early budding trees and shrubs look like they are dead. But do not despair! Most, if not all of these plants will put out new growth and look fine in another month or so. The only words of caution here would be to be vigilant the rest of the year as any further damage (ie.) defoliation from insects could have a more critically detrimental and long lasting effect upon these already stressed trees and shrubs.

 

Here are some photos of possible damage that you may be witnessing.

Knockout Rose

Magnolia -Jane

Boxwood

Bloodgood Japanese Maple

 

  Again,....Don't Panic!!!.....As they say....."Time heals all wounds"

                                                 

     Emerald Ash Borer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                   

                                                             
                                                      Know the Difference!

The proper name of some common pests are often confused and knowing which one is which may keep the pest at bay and your wallet a little fatter. The following are 3 "bugs" that most people all refer to by the same name but look completely different.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar - NOT a BAGWORM

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar builds a silk like tent in the fork of a tree. These appear in late Spring and early summer. Host trees for this little 2" guy and gal are Cherry, Plum, Apple, Crabapples and many other deciduous trees. Mechanical removal with a stick or gloved hands is preferred. Put in soapy water or have a cold stiff drink and then smash the little suckers. If you need to spray make sure you get inside the protective web.

Mimosa Webworm - NOT a BAGWORM

The Mimosa Webworm is a common pest of both Mimosa and Honeylocust trees.

The leaflets turn brown towards the tips and are "webbed" together. Small greenish or brown caterpillars can be found inside. There are 2 generations of this little bug. The first appears in early to mid June and begins the damage. The second appears in late July to mid August and by the time they are all done feeding they can completely skeletonize a tree. Treat in early to mid June and again in August for control.

This" IS" a BAGWORM!

Bagworms are normally found on evergreen trees such a cedar, juniper, spruce and pine but occasionally can also be found on crabapple, sycamore, maple, honeylocust and elm. Believe this or not...I personally witnessed them attached to the vinyl siding of a house and garage. What could they possibly be feeding on?
  

The bags are about 2" long and normally ( I did say "normally") hang from small branches and are covered with bits of needles or leaves from the host tree to provide a disguise. No, the ones I saw were not covered with a freezer bag! Actually they looked exactly like the photo above. If the affected tree is small enough or their numbers minimal you can easily pluck them off and dispose of them. Do this in early May or before, prior to their hatching. If chemical treatment is necessary treat first in late May and then a second time in early to mid June to insure your success. Timing is extremely important in eradication of this little pest.
 

                                              Insecticides for Caterpillar Control

The following is a short list of chemicals that can be used to control caterpillars.

Look for chemicals with one of these active ingredients listed on the label. There are several others but these are ones that should be readily available.

Acephate

Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

Cyfluthrin

Malathion

Hint: Insecticides are available for sale here at the nursery.

Hint: We can spray or "tree inject" insecticides for you.