Summer 2005 Newsletter

It's a different summer than the past 7. Thank goodness for snow fall.

Because of all the moisture we received, we are witnessing some symptoms on Trees and Shrubs that have been dormant during the drought. Article by Anne Barrett.

(1) Fungus and Black spot on deciduous Trees, especially Aspen - Black, powdery fungus on Bark and/or Black Spots on leaves. . .

Can be treated with Triple-Action or a combination of Daconil and Permethrin. When spraying for fungus, it is a good idea to spray for insects at the same time - just for good measure.

(2) Rodent Damage - WOW, the mice, Voles and Rabbits had a heyday! They nibbled the bark off of many shrubs. . . Especially low growing Juniper. We have seen lots of dead branches with the tell-tale tooth marks of the rodents at large. . .

Some plants can grow out of the damage by shooting new suckers from the roots or growing out where the plants were not damaged. If they are not showing signs of life by now, they are probably goners.

There are Systemic Tablets from Repellex that can be planted in the hole with the tree to help ward off the critters. . . There are also sprays which can be applied to the trunks.

(3) Aphids - Icky little bugs that can be harmful to plants in large quantities.

Try using Lady Bugs for a natural insect control. If you don't have an infestation, the Lady Bugs will leave your yard to find food elsewhere.

(4) Scale on Spruce - I'd never really seen it before. Small, brownish black oval shaped globs on Spruce needles.

It can only be treated with a Systemic like Merit. The problem is that it takes about 3-5 weeks for the chemical to start working. . . . Meanwhile. . . .

FERTILIZE and Watch. . .

(5) Spider Mites - Thought they preferred the Christmas trees turns out, they go for almost any evergreen - To detect them, look for a dull, brownish sheen on the inner needles of your trees. Take a hand full of needles out and shake them on a white piece of paper. Minute, red, spider shaped creatures will appear on the paper.

Do not confuse Spider Mite with natural needle shed. Every so many years, Evergreens will naturally shed inner needles - too dark under there plus, they like to send their energy to the new growth at the other end of the branches.

(6) Grubs in the Grass - Detected by discolored patches in the lawn with no particular pattern. The grubs are very small and barely detectable. "Kill-a-Grub" granules are your weapon of choice!

(7) Mosquitoes - Pesky. Citronella Candles (available at Park City Nursery) Smoke Pots (Available at Park City Nursery) Natural Based yard and home RTU and Hose end Mosquito Repellent Sprays (Available at Park City Nursery) Swatting and Cussing (Available Everywhere)

Everything is green and glorious - Careful not to over water - Fertilizing is essential. This is a catch up year. Let's give our plants every opportunity to flourish and build up energy for the next onslaught of stress!

2005 Fall Newsletter

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