Spring is over and so is the caterpillar problem for another year. Gypsy moths have ended their feeding cycle and are preparing to cocoon to pupate into gypsy moths. the best thing that you can do now is to invest in the gypsy moth traps. these traps are designed to trap the adult moths before they have a chance to mate and lay their eggs for next year.
Don't be fooled however, the insect problems on your landscape aren't over. All the summer insects are beginning their lifecycles.
Some of the major summer pests are whiteflies, which will attack japanese hollies, boxwoods, and azaleas, these pests will cause a stippling pattern on these plants as they suck the chlorophyll out of the leaves. Lacebugs which will attack Andromedas, azaleas, and some rhododendrons, they will cause the leaves to take on a bronzish hue from their feeding. Mites will attack junipers, hemlocks, rhododendrons, spruces and honey locusts. These pests cause a bronzing as well and can multiply very rapidly. Cushion, magnolia and cottony maple scale will be seen on maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, cherris, dogwoods and lindens. These pests can be washed off the tree with a garden hose.
An important note to treating for whiteflies, lace bug and mites, since these insects feed on the bottom of the leaf, care must be taken to treat the bottom of the leaf surface in order to get control.
During the summer you must also adjust your watering pattern to ensure that your plants recieve adequate water. Most sprinkler systems are set up only to water your lawn, unless you had a drip irrigation system installed in your beds. Newly installed plants (anything planted this spring) will need to be watered heavily to ensure their survival through the summer. Many dogwoods that were planted in full sun (these are shade loving trees) are in heat stress at this time and will recover in the fall.
If you have any questions that I can help you with, feel free to call my office at 631-691-2381 or E-mail me at
aplantdoctor@hotmail.com
aplantdoctor@hotmail.com. All consultations are free of charge.
