Summer

This is a good time to inspect your trees for structural weaknesses. Most people worry about protecting their trees from winter ice storms, but late summer is when we see the most storm damage of the year. The foliage and fruit on the branches not only add a tremendous amount of weight to the tree, but collect huge amounts of rain water. The increased weight and wind resistance created by the presence of foliage combine to create perfect conditions for tree failure.

The second generation of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid has hatched out and settled to feed on the twigs of hemlock trees by mid-July and will go into summer dormancy by the end of the month. This is a good time to apply control measures as long as weather conditions are favorable. No new generations will disperse until next April, so a single application will provide control until next year.

By the end of July we begin getting calls from clients whose crabapple trees are losing their leaves prematurely. The primary cause of this early defoliation is a fungal disease called Apple Scab. Apple Scab will not kill a tree, but reduces the aesthetic value of the tree. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear it is too late to control the disease. Infection occurs in early spring. Make arrangements now to have preventive applications made next spring.

Dutch Elm Disease has decimated our population of majestic American elm trees. If you have a valuable elm tree on your property, this summer is a good time to make preventive fungicide treatments to protect your elm tree. Systemic fungicides are injected directly into the trunk of your elm to provide up to three years protection against Dutch Elm Disease.

This time of year, many clients call about birch trees dying back from the top of the tree. This is most often caused by the Bronze Birch Borer, a beetle whose larvae feed on the nutrient rich tissue just below the bark. The Bronze Birch Borer can only successfully attack birch trees that are under stress. Unfortunately, most mature birch trees in our landscapes fit this profile. Bronze Birch Borer can be controlled with systemic insecticides and proper tree care.

For information on other common seasonal pests to look for in your yard visit the UMass Extension Landscape Message website or contact us to schedule an inspection of your property.