Winter Tree Care: Wrapping Plants for Winter
Introduction During winter, plants are often subjected to inclement weather. Heavy winds and blizzards can decimate vulnerable plants. Certain materials, such as burlap and twine,…
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Insect Profiles: Pink-striped Oakworm Moth (Anisota virginiensis)
Introduction Pink-striped oakworm moth (Anisota virginiensis) is a species of silk moth in the family Saturniidae. It is notable for the distinct coloration of the…
Insect Profiles: Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth (Anisota senatoria)
Introduction Orange-tipped oakworm moth (Anisota senatoria), also referred to as orange-striped spiny oakworm moth, is a defoliator of oak trees. It is native to North…
Fall Tree Care: Identifying Common Tree Insects in Fall, Part Four
This is the final article of a four part series on fall tree insects. Introduction In fall, while preparing for winter dormancy, many plants shed…
Fall Tree Care: Identifying Common Tree Insects in Fall, Part Three
This is the third of a four part series on fall tree insects. Introduction In fall, while preparing for winter dormancy, many plants shed their…
Fall Tree Care: Identifying Common Tree Insects in Fall, Part Two
Introduction In fall, while preparing for winter dormancy, many plants shed their leaves in a burst of color. During this period, certain tree insects can…
Fall Tree Care: Identifying Common Tree Insects in Fall, Part One
This is the first of a four part series on fall tree insects. Introduction In fall, while preparing for winter dormancy, many plants shed their…
Tree Diseases: Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa)
Introduction Bacterial leaf scorch is a disease of various shade trees, perennials, and crops that is caused by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa. The bacteria invade…
Tree Diseases: Brown Rot Blossom Blight (Monilia fruiticola)
Introduction Brown rot blossom blight is a fungal disease that infects a bevy of stone fruit trees. The disease is caused by the pathogen Monilia…
Tree Diseases: Bacterial Leaf Spot
Introduction Bacterial leaf spot is a disease that affects various crops and ornamental plants. It is most often caused by the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas spp.…
Fall Tree Care: Plants to Avoid Pruning in Fall
Introduction Fall is an ideal time to tend to your landscape. Raking and disposing of leaves and plant debris can help to reduce the presence…
Tree Diseases: Seiridium Canker (Seridium)
Introduction Seiridium canker is a fungal disease caused by three species of fungi in the genus Seiridium. Of the three, Seiridium cardinale is the most…
Inspecting Plants for Damage After a Winter Storm
Introduction During the winter months, frigid temperatures and heavy winds can combine to produce fierce storms. Winter storms can feature abundant precipitation – often in…
Insect Profiles: Oak Leaf Gall Mite (Pyemotes herfsi)
Introduction Oak leaf gall mite (Pyemotes herfsi), also known as itch mite, is an ectoparasitic insect in the genus Pyemotes. It is a secondary invader…
Tree Diseases: Hypoxylon Canker of Oaks (Hypoxylon atropunctatum)
Introduction Hypoxylon canker of oaks is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen, Hypoxylon atropunctatum. The fungus infects weakened, injured, and dying wood on oak…
Insect Profiles: Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununguis)
Introduction Spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) is a small pest that infests numerous conifers. The insect is native to North America. It is one of…
Tree Diseases: Honey Fungus (Armillaria)
Introduction Honey fungus, or Armillaria, comprises a genus of parasitic fungi that infect a variety of plants. It is one of the most destructive fungal…
Insect Profiles: Knopper Gall Wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis)
Introduction Knopper gall wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis) is a gall wasp species that infests two types of oak trees: common oak, and turkey oak. The word…
Insect Profiles: Magnolia Scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum)
Introduction Magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) is an insect that feeds exclusively on magnolia plants. It is one of the largest scale insects in the United…
Physiological Disorders of Trees: Fertilizer Burn
During the growing season, one of the most common horticultural practices is the fertilization of plants. While fertilizer accelerates the growth of many plants, it…