Got Moths? Your Trees Might be in Danger


Moths of different types find food and shelter in various places in the home. Some nest in carpets while others infest clothes closets and creating significant damage.
However, outside your home, another type of moth, winter moths seek out hardwood trees to infest. Between November and January, they find homes in trees and their larvae feed on the developing leaves in the spring, causing noticeable defoliation of the trees as summer approaches. Over several years, the tree will eventually die.
Where is Winter Moth Prevalent?
According to the National Institute of Health, winter moths originated in Europe and spread to North America. Their infestation is most prominent in the Northeast section of the United States although other areas have experienced the problem. The outbreak causes severe damage to tree varieties that include oak, maple, ash, elm, beech, fruit-bearing trees and more.
Symptoms of Winter Moth Damage
Presence of the moth larvae is usually not detectable until the leaf bud opens to reveal small feeding holes. Eventually, new caterpillars descend to the ground on silken threads to start the process again in late fall.
Treatment for Winter Moths
Chemical injections in late fall or early spring before the buds begin to break is the best time to prevent winter moth infestation. The impact of these injections is most significant if the soil has adequate moisture during application. After treatment, the larvae should die. The trees should be closely monitored to determine if an additional application is needed.
An interesting approach to eliminating winter moth infestation was cited in a Newport This Week article in January 2017. The strategy to resist a severe outbreak was to introduce a type of fly that loves eating winter moths. The long-term plan is for the fly population to become established and act as a control agent. However, this natural process, effective in Nova Scotia, may take up to 10 years to control the winter moth population here.
Learn About ProLine™ Nursery and Landscaping Equipment
Heritage Oak Farm has developed a full line of their easy-to-use tree and plant equipment for nurseries, tree farms, and professional landscapers. One favorite product, ProLine Pot Handler™, is designed to gently handle and transport tree and shrub pots up to 40” in diameter.
Visit the ProLine website to view their time and money saving equipment. For answers to your questions, call 1-888-288-5308.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming a New Japanese Blueberry Tree: The Rising Sun

Image
TreeTown USA has officially recognized a new variety of Japanese Blueberry tree to be officially known as “Morning Sun” PP#29,266. This variety can reach up to 40-feet in height casting luxurious shade. Or, if the owner chooses to keep it smaller, the tree can become a trimmed and shaped accent plant. The foliage is a vivid red-orange shade in the fall that instantly draws attention and adds emphasis to certain areas of the landscape. This cultivar, officially known as “Elaeocarpus decipiens,” is a fast-growing addition with dense foliage. A hearty tree when established, the “Morning Sun” thrives in full sun or partial shade and survives best in well-drained soil. The tree is hardy in Zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained soil. The fruit of the Japanese Blueberry is ornamental, not considered edible for humans. Birds do consume the berries in the winter, however. Attributes of the Japanese Blueberry Tree The Japanese Blueberry root system does not grow deep into the ground but prefers...
Read more

How Landscape Designers Add Real Value

Image
As you drive through certain neighborhoods, some landscapes capture your attention immediately. Most eye-catching surroundings are not that way by accident. Those attractive lawns and gardens are likely the work of a gifted professional landscape designer who worked with the contours and planting areas to create the most appealing settings for plants, trees, lawns, hardscapes, and other decorative features. Homeowners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over time to improve the appearance and functionality of the exterior facade of their homes while balking at paying extra to enhance the presence of their landscapes. An elegant and inviting lawn can do as much for the curb appeal and value of the home as any other exterior upgrade. Why Hiring a Professional Landscape Designer Adds Value An experienced landscape designer has acquired knowledge and experience of identifying what works in any setting, soil type and climate, creating and maintaining a kaleidoscope of col...
Read more

Common Midwest Oak Tree Diseases: Botryosphaeria Twig Canker

Image
Do my trees have Botryosphaeria twig canker? Botryosphaeria twig canker is a disease that affects red and white oaks. Properly caring for your trees, keeping landscaping tools and equipment clean, and watching out for signs of lesions on leaves can help you avoid this common oak tree disease. What Causes Botryosphaeria Twig Canker? A fungus is the cause of Botryosphaeria twig canker. As its name suggests, the specific fungus identified for this disease is Botryosphaeria spp. Symptoms of this disease typically present in the mid-summer, after periods of heavy spring rainfall, and dead branch tips may remain visible through the fall.     Signs of Botryosphaeria Twig Canker When the fungus attacks a tree, it causes brown, wilted leaves on the tips of tree branches, extending 4-6 inches in from branch tips. Upon closer inspection, you will see brownish-black elongated lesions (cankers) on affected limbs. Within the lesions, black, pimple-like fruiting struct...
Read more