UMass Extension Landscape Nursery and Urban Forestry

03/19/2021

☀️Only 1 day left until Spring!!! And what says spring better than the return of UMass Extension's Landscape Message?☀️

The message for March 19, 2021 can be found here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/landscape-message-march-19-2021

While these photos from February don't look much like spring, they illustrate what many of us are seeing in our landscapes right now - damage to trees and shrubs from mammals (in this case, rabbits). Check out the Regional Reports for updates about what is going on in our Massachusetts landscapes, including nibbling from furry friends...

Happy Friday!

Images: Kousa dogwood twigs and main stems damaged by rabbits between 2/11/21 and 2/24/21 in the hilltowns of Hampshire County, MA. Footprints in the snow quickly gave away the suspects. (Simisky)

#Landscaping #Horticulture #Gardening #Plants #Insects #Entomology #Arboriculture #Forestry #UrbanForestry #Turf #TurfGrass

03/17/2021

🌼 One week away: UMass Extension's Spring Kickoff for Landscapers: Landscape Education Days, March 24 & 25 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.🌻

For more information and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/spring-kickoff-for-landscapers-umass-extensions-landscape-education-day

Sustainable landscaping uses multiple management strategies that seek to reduce negative impacts on the environment while maintaining aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us virtually via GoToWebinar to learn management strategies and practices that you can implement to provide beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly landscapes for your customers. Attendees can choose to attend either of these half-day sessions, or the entire two-day program.

☀️Day 1 Topics: Effective Ways to Attract And Support Pollinators in Managed Landscapes, Managing Powdery Mildews in the Landscape, and Taming the Top Troublesome Insect Pests of Woody Landscape Plants.

☀️Day 2 Topics: Diseases of Trees and Shrubs Forecast: What to Expect in 2021, Early Season W**d Management in the Landscape, and Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes.

For EACH DAY, 2 pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License. Association credits: 1 MCH, 1 MCA, and 1 MCLP for each day. CFE and ISA credits have been requested.

#Horticulture #Landscaping #UrbanForestry #Gardening #Insects #Pollinators #Wildlife #Pathology #Insects

Image: European honey bee, Apis mellifera, on Rhododendron spp. (Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension)

03/15/2021

⭐️The last day of UMass Extension's Invasive Plant Certification Program is coming!⭐️

For more information and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/upcoming-events

🌿Developing an Invasive Plant Management Program - March 22 (9:00 AM - 2:30 PM)

Pesticide credits: 2 pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator’s License; valid for equivalent categories in all New England states. Association credits: 1 MCH, 2 MCA, and 2 MCLP. ISA credit requested.

#InvasivePlants #Landscaping #Gardening #Horticulture #Forestry #UrbanForestry #Invasive

Image: Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) fruits. (Randy Prostak, UMass Extension)

03/10/2021

🌼 Don't forget to register for UMass Extension's Spring Kickoff for Landscapers: Landscape Education Days, March 24 & 25 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.🌻

For more information and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/spring-kickoff-for-landscapers-umass-extensions-landscape-education-day

Sustainable landscaping uses multiple management strategies that seek to reduce negative impacts on the environment while maintaining aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us virtually via GoToWebinar to learn management strategies and practices that you can implement to provide beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly landscapes for your customers. Attendees can choose to attend either of these half-day sessions, or the entire two-day program.

☀️Day 1 Topics: Effective Ways to Attract And Support Pollinators in Managed Landscapes, Managing Powdery Mildews in the Landscape, and Taming the Top Troublesome Insect Pests of Woody Landscape Plants.

☀️Day 2 Topics: Diseases of Trees and Shrubs Forecast: What to Expect in 2021, Early Season W**d Management in the Landscape, and Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes.

For EACH DAY, 2 pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License. Association credits: 1 MCH, 1 MCA, and 1 MCLP for each day. CFE and ISA credits have been requested.

#Horticulture #Landscaping #UrbanForestry #Gardening #Insects #Pollinators #Wildlife #Pathology #Insects

Image: European honey bee, Apis mellifera, on Rhododendron spp. (Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension)

03/05/2021

The strong winds that exceeded 50 mph on 3/1 and 3/2 brought down several spruce trees on the UMass campus. However, construction damage was also a factor. The service road adjacent to these uprooted trees was widened in 2016 and no protections were provided within the critical root zone during the expansion. The construction resulted in root severing and crushing, reducing the root area and making the trees more susceptible to uprooting.

02/26/2021

We've reached the final day of #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek and we'd like to share these incredible photos courtesy of Cindy Packard, taken in Lee, MA on Feb. 13, 2021. Have you recently noticed that your ash (Fraxinus spp.) are missing bark? This process known as "blonding" is as a result of hungry woodpeckers (such as the pileated woodpecker pictured here) feasting on insect larvae (immatures) that are overwintering just beneath the bark. As the woodpeckers feed on these larvae, some of the outer bark is removed from the tree, leaving behind the lighter color. This is likely a sign that your ash trees are infested with the invasive wood-boring beetle, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Blonding is particularly noticeable in parts of Massachusetts at this time. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation reports that EAB was first detected in Lee, MA in 2013, just a year after EAB was first detected in Massachusetts in Berkshire County in 2012.

⭐️Fun Fact: Woodpeckers can eat 30 - 95% of the EAB larvae in a single tree. (Murphy et al. 2018) Unfortunately, despite high predation rates, EAB populations continue to grow.

#NISAW #InvasiveSpecies #Invasive #InvasiveInsects #EmeraldAshBorer #EAB #Forestry #UrbanForestry #Coleoptera #Woodpeckers #PileatedWoodpecker

02/25/2021

UMass Extension's InsectXaminer Episode 4: Imported Willow Leaf Beetle

Welcome to day 4 of #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek ! Here's another look at UMass Extension's InsectXaminer, featuring some well-known invasive insects. Last but not least, we have the imported willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora).

https://youtu.be/j4JG04y0vEQ

#NISAW #InvasiveSpecies #Invasive #InvasiveInsects #WillowLeafBeetle #Chrysomelidae #Coleoptera

The fourth episode of InsectXaminer features the imported willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora). Join UMass Extension as we get an up close and persona...

02/24/2021

UMass Extension's InsectXaminer Episode 3: Euonymus Caterpillar Life Cycle

Welcome to day 3 of #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek ! Here's another look at UMass Extension's InsectXaminer, featuring some well-known invasive insects. Next on our list, euonymus caterpillar (Yponomeuta cagnagella).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stct8XdokLs

#NISAW #InvasiveSpecies #Invasive #InvasiveInsects #EuonymusCaterpillar #Euonymus #Lepidoptera

The third episode of InsectXaminer features the euonymus caterpillar (Yponomeuta cagnagella). Join UMass Extension as we get an up close and personal view of...

02/23/2021

🌳Don't forget to register! Coming Tuesday March 2, 2021 - The University of Massachusetts 42nd Annual Community Tree Conference: New Technologies - The Cutting Edge of Tree Care.🌲

For more information, and to register: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/umass-community-tree-conference-new-technologies-cutting-edge-of-tree-care

Join us for this VIRTUAL conference with a full day of topics designed for tree care professionals, volunteers, and enthusiasts including arborists, tree wardens, urban foresters, foresters, landscape architects, landscape contractors, and shade tree committee members.

Topics include: climber safety, biochar, Asian longhorned beetle, new technologies in urban forest management, using computers to identify tree risk, and a review of 2020 tree and shrub insects and diseases and what we might expect in 2021.

1 pesticide contact hour is available for MA categories 29, 35, 36, 48 and Applicators License. Association credits: 5.5 ISA, 1 MCH, 2 MCA (safety), 2 MCA (education), 2 MCLP, 1 (cat 1) & 5 (cat 2) CFE available. SAF and CTSP have been requested.

Cost is $95/per person; $75 for each additional person from the same company.

#Forestry #UrbanForestry #Insects #Pathology #Trees #Horticulture #Landscaping #Arborists #TreeWardens #InvasiveInsects

Image: Ginkgo biloba leaves and fruit. (Dr. Rick Harper, UMass Amherst.)

02/23/2021

UMass Extension's InsectXaminer Episode 2: Lily Leaf Beetle Life Cycle

Good morning and welcome to day 2 of #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek ! Here's another look at UMass Extension's InsectXaminer, featuring some well-known invasive insects. Next on our list, lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii).

https://youtu.be/QB6k5006OBU

#NISAW #InvasiveSpecies #Invasive #InvasiveInsects #LilyLeafBeetle #Chrysomelidae #Coleoptera

The second episode of InsectXaminer features lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii). Join UMass Extension as we get an up close and personal view of this invasi...

02/22/2021

UMass Extension's InsectXaminer Episode 1 Gypsy Moth Life Cycle and Pathogens

To celebrate #NationalInvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek have another look at UMass Extension's InsectXaminer, featuring some well known invasive insects. First up, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar).

https://youtu.be/J-oPJPzKodc

#NISAW #InvasiveSpecies #Invasive #InvasiveInsects #GypsyMoth

The first episode of InsectXaminer features gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). Join UMass Extension as we get an up close and personal view of this invasive inse...

02/15/2021

⭐️UMass Extension's Invasive Plant Certification Program is happening now.⭐️

For more information and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/upcoming-events

🌿State Regulations Pertaining to Invasive Plant Management - March 1 (9:00 AM - 2:30 PM)
🌿The Invasive Plant Issue and Invasive Plant Identification - March 8 (9:00 AM - 2:30 PM)
🌿Developing an Invasive Plant Management Program - March 22 (9:00 AM - 2:30 PM)

Pesticide credits: 2 pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator’s License; valid for equivalent categories in all New England states. Association credits: 1 MCH, 2 MCA, and 2 MCLP. ISA credit requested.

#InvasivePlants #Landscaping #Gardening #Horticulture #Forestry #UrbanForestry #Invasive

Image: Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) fruits. (Randy Prostak, UMass Extension)

02/11/2021

🌱Believe it or not, spring is just around the corner!🌼 Save the dates for UMass Extension's Spring Kickoff for Landscapers: Landscape Education Days, March 24 & 25 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

For more information and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/spring-kickoff-for-landscapers-umass-extensions-landscape-education-day

Sustainable landscaping uses multiple management strategies that seek to reduce negative impacts on the environment while maintaining aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us virtually via GoToWebinar to learn management strategies and practices that you can implement to provide beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly landscapes for your customers. Attendees can choose to attend either of these half-day sessions, or the entire two-day program.

☀️Day 1 Topics: Effective Ways to Attract And Support Pollinators in Managed Landscapes, Managing Powdery Mildews in the Landscape, and Taming the Top Troublesome Insect Pests of Woody Landscape Plants.

☀️Day 2 Topics: Diseases of Trees and Shrubs Forecast: What to Expect in 2021, Early Season W**d Management in the Landscape, and Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes.

For EACH DAY, 2 pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License. Association credits: 1 MCH, 1 MCA, and 1 MCLP for each day. CFE and ISA credits have been requested.

#Horticulture #Landscaping #UrbanForestry #Gardening #Insects #Pollinators #Wildlife #Pathology #Insects

Image: European honey bee, Apis mellifera, on Rhododendron spp. (Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension)

02/10/2021

February is often a time when deer browse intensifies in the landscape, as other food sources are diminished. Frequent snowfall the past few weeks has made it easy to identify deer tracks and preferred plants should be scouted for signs of recent browse injury. While this is a good time to reapply deer repellents, try to make applications when temperatures are above freezing to avoid injury. Below-freezing temperatures can cause the repellent to freeze on contact, damaging needles and leaves.

02/09/2021

🌳Coming Tuesday March 2, 2021 - The University of Massachusetts 42nd Annual Community Tree Conference: New Technologies - The Cutting Edge of Tree Care.🌲

For more information, and to register: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/umass-community-tree-conference-new-technologies-cutting-edge-of-tree-care

Join us for this VIRTUAL conference with a full day of topics designed for tree care professionals, volunteers, and enthusiasts including arborists, tree wardens, urban foresters, foresters, landscape architects, landscape contractors, and shade tree committee members.

Topics include: climber safety, biochar, Asian longhorned beetle, new technologies in urban forest management, using computers to identify tree risk, and a review of 2020 tree and shrub insects and diseases and what we might expect in 2021.

1 pesticide contact hour is available for MA categories 29, 35, 36, 48 and Applicators License. Association credits: 5.5 ISA, 1 MCH, 2 MCA (safety), 2 MCA (education), 2 MCLP, 1 (cat 1) & 5 (cat 2) CFE available. SAF and CTSP have been requested.

Cost is $95/per person; $75 for each additional person from the same company.

#Forestry #UrbanForestry #Insects #Pathology #Trees #Horticulture #Landscaping #Arborists #TreeWardens #InvasiveInsects

Image: Ginkgo biloba leaves and fruit. (Dr. Rick Harper, UMass Amherst.)

02/08/2021

⭐️Tomorrow is the FINAL DAY of UMass Extension's Invasive Insect Webinar Series!⭐️ Join us on February 9th from 10:00 AM - 12:10 PM for the last of these FREE days of education!

10:00 - 11:00 AM: The 1-2-3 Approach For Spotted-Wing Drosophila and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Integrated Pest Management in Small Farms with Dr. Jaime Pinero, Extension Associate Professor and Tree Fruit Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM: 2021 Spotted Lanternfly Monitoring in Massachusetts: Testing Airborne Attractants for Early Detection with Tawny Simisky, Entomology Specialist, UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program, Dr. Jeremy C. Andersen, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Environmental Conservation, Dr. Jaime Pinero, Extension Associate Professor and Tree Fruit Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture, and Dr. Joseph Elkinton, Professor of Entomology, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts

For more information, and to register, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/invasive-insect-webinars

Registration is required to view the webinars. Pesticide contact hours available to participants who attend the LIVE webinars. Association credits have also been requested.

This FREE series is supported by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture through grant AM180100###XG025. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the presenters and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

Images: Brown marmorated stink bug adult. (Steven Valley, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org) and a spotted lanternfly adult. (Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org)

#InvasiveInsects #Horticulture #Landscaping #Arboriculture #UrbanForestry #Gardening #Insects #Entomology

02/03/2021

On the Thurs Feb 04 '#UrbanForestry Today' noonhour (Eastern) broadcast, John Berryhill, Senior Arborist at Smith College, will discuss "Arboreta, Botanical Gardens & Urban Forestry: A Natural Relationship". Attend live & receive Free ISA/MCA CEU's by visiting www.joinwebinar.com & entering: 836-545-899
For more details, visit: www.urbanforestrytoday.org

02/01/2021

On the Thurs Feb 04 '#UrbanForestry Today' noonhour (Eastern) broadcast, John Berryhill, Senior Arborist at Smith College, will discuss "Arboreta, Botanical Gardens & Urban Forestry: A Natural Relationship". Attend live & receive Free ISA/MCA CEU's by visiting www.joinwebinar.com & entering: 836-545-899
For more details, visit: www.urbanforestrytoday.org