We have entered another spring on Long Island, (even though it felt like summer for a few days) and as the plants wake up from their dormancy, so do the insects that damage them. I have already seen eastern tent caterpillars in wild cherries and since this is usually one of the first caterpillars to appear, I know that cankerworm, gypsy moth and inch worms are not far behind.
Other insects that we will be seeing in the near future are aphids, spring mites, mealy bugs, holly and birch leafminer, lacebug, spruce gall adelgid and dogwood and rhododendron borer.
The biggest problem that the landscapes face is the winter drought that we just went through. You will see a decline in the overall health of all landscape plants from the severe lack of moisture over the winter. Fertilization is recommended for all plants in order to help replace nutrients and moisture in the plants tissues.
Recently, a bill was proposed in the State Legislature by assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (D-Thomaston) and supported in the Senate by Senator Ken LaValle (R-Pt. Jefferson). This bill seeks to ban certain types of pesticides and weed controls that are used for purely "aesthetic" purposes on residential lawns, golf courses , school grounds and around homes. There has been no mention of what chemicals are being targeted or if the law is aimed only at commercial pesticide applicators or if they will do the smart thing and look to take these materials out of the hands of the homeowner and do-it yourselfer. This bill is just another attempt by the neighborhood network and the breast cancer coalitions to try to put honest hard working people out of business and expand the unemployment roles. The breast cancer coalitions will try to tell you that the chemicals used on your lawn and around your home can cause cancer. They have said they have a map of breast cancer cases that was finished 2 years ago, however no one has seen this map outside of the council that the breast cancer factions have formed. What is on that map that they don't want us to know about? If anyone knows, I think that the public would like to know as well.
As always if there is anything that I can do for you or if you have any questions, feel free to call me at 631-691-2381 or contact me by E-mail at aplantdoctor@hotmail.com.
