UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts Green Industry professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Detailed reports from scouts and Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. The following issue has been updated to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data.
The Landscape Message will be updated monthly October-December. The next message will be available on November 4. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list.
NEW! To read individual sections of the message, click on the section headings below to expand the content:
Scouting Information by Region
Environmental Data
The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for an approximately two week period, September 22 through October 5. Soil temperatures and phenological indicators were observed on or about October 5. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2016 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.
|
Region/Location |
GDD |
Soil Temp |
Precipitation |
Time/Date of Readings |
||
|
2-Week Gain |
2016 Total |
Sun |
Shade |
|||
|
Cape Cod |
127 |
2753 |
65 |
60 |
2.17 |
6:00 PM 10/5 |
|
Southeast |
100 |
2581 |
63 |
57 |
2.45 |
5:15 PM 10/5 |
|
North Shore |
139 |
2739 |
56 |
52 |
1.11 |
9:00 AM 10/5 |
|
East |
141.5 |
3004.5 |
65 |
62 |
1.22 |
3:30 PM 10/5 |
|
Metro West |
85 |
2667 |
54 |
51 |
1.35 |
5:30 AM 10/5 |
|
Central |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
|
Pioneer Valley |
129 |
2904 |
60 |
55 |
1.23 |
12:00 PM 10/5 |
|
Berkshires |
114 |
2490 |
62 |
58 |
0.49 |
10:00 AM 10/5 |
|
AVERAGE |
249 |
2626 |
78 |
72 |
1.65 |
- |
|
n/a = information not available |
||||||
Drought Conditions Update: 100% of Massachusetts is currently under official drought status, of that approximately 98% of the Commonwealth is classified as at least 'Moderate Drought', 90% is classified as 'Severe Drought', and approximately 52% is classified as 'Extreme Drought'. For more information see http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA. On a positive note, this current status represents virtually no net change in drought affected area since our last Landscape Message two weeks ago, after many weeks of progressively advancing drought in the Commonwealth.
For UMass Extension drought resources for landscapers, see https://ag.umass.edu/news/dry-dry-dry-resources-for-landscapers.
Regional Notes
Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)
General Conditions: The weather pattern changed completely for this reporting period. A stubborn low pressure area has hung around long enough to keep the skies cloudy, temperatures on the cool side, and damp days the norm. Semi blue skies returned on October 5th, with the forecast for partially sunny, cool days and nights for the next few days. The Cape has actually received a decent amount of precipitation, with 0.81” falling on 9/30 and 1.25 falling on 10/1. Other damp days have added amounts in hundredths of an inch at a time. Dormant lawns are starting to green up. Fall asters are in bloom and garden chrysanthemums are everywhere. There is little in the way of fall color so far, with the exception of some native red maples.
Pests/Problems: With the return of cooler temperatures and some adequate precipitation, lawns are greening up and areas that have been killed by the prolonged drought are evident. It is getting somewhat late to reseed lawns, although if temperatures remain in the 60s for several weeks, some grasses may become established before soil temperatures drop too low. Sodding may be a more successful way to correct damaged lawns. For more information, go to https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/late-season-establishment-considerations. For the rest of the landscape, while the recent rain is appreciated, it hasn’t broken the drought. Continue to water the landscape, especially all newly planted material. It is especially important to have broadleaved evergreens go into winter well hydrated.
Southeast Region (Hanson)
General Conditions: At the beginning of this reporting period two weeks ago, days remained warm, sunny and dry, giving way to cooler temperatures and some much needed rain in Hanson and other areas in the Southeast. Hanson received 2.45 inches of rain and while the area remains in a rain deficit, the rain we received is appreciated. More rain is needed, especially as plants go into dormancy. We may receive more rain from Hurricane Matthew but we certainly don’t need the high winds. Continue to remind clients to water trees and shrubs especially those recently planted, or of high value.
The following plants continue to bloom: roses, fall asters, goldenrod, Butterfly bush, Hydrangea paniculata, Persicaria sp., Actaea (Cimicifuga) simplex, Tricyrtis formosana ‘GiltyPleasure’, Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’, Sedum sp., Japanese anemone, Corydalis lutea and Lamium. Fruits of Kousa dogwood, flowering dogwood, viburnums, staghorn sumac, hollies, as well as the fruits of invasive plants like, burning bush, barberry, Oriental bittersweet, etc. are providing some landscape color. (Once again, now would be a good time to remove those invasive plants before the brightly colored fruit is devoured by birds, etc. and distributed elsewhere). Fall color is beginning on some plants but many plants are so drought-stressed, that fall color may not be as great as in previous years. Some trees have shed their foliage and the foliage is brown on others. With no killing frost yet, annuals and tropical plants continue to flourish, providing great landscape color and a food source to the many bees and few moths and butterflies that remain active.
Pests/Problems: There are no overt insect pest problems to report. As usual at this time of year, insect activity has slowed down. There certainly are some insects like slugs, snails, lacebugs, mites, aphids, etc. that remain active but most of those do not appear to warrant treatment.
Adult deer ticks are active so continue to conduct tick checks frequently, and use insect repellent, especially while raking/blowing leaves, etc. while doing fall cleanups. Mosquitoes, while not in high numbers, also remain active. Continue to monitor for red-headed pine sawfly and hemlock woolly adelgid. The fall insect invaders, like lady bugs, western conifer seed bugs, etc will begin, (if not already) entering buildings to overwinter. Most of these insects are considered nuisance pests, and while not harmful, they do tend to annoy clients.
This is the time of year when many clients might ask if there is anything that can be done to avoid winter moth emergence in November and the answer is “no”, not that we know of. However, monitoring the moths by banding trees is a great way to determine if there are high numbers of winter moths emerging to lay eggs and also banding can be used to monitor egg hatch in the spring. (See Tawny Simisky’s Insect Section of the Message).
Turkeys appear to be roaming in high numbers in many neighborhoods and deer are browsing hosta and other landscape plants.
North Shore Region (Beverly)
General Conditions: We received rainfall on some days during this period and things are starting to turn around in the landscape. Rainfall was recorded at Long Hill on September 24, 27 and October 3rd. However, the amount of rain received was not enough to make a big impact on the drought. Approximately 1.11 inches of rain were received at Long Hill during this two week period. Temperatures were more like what is expected for this time of the year. Day temperatures were in mid 60s to low 70s and night temperatures were in the 50s with a few nights going down into the 40s. The only woody plant observed in bloom wasRussian Daphne (Daphne x transatlantica). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include: False aster (Boltonia asteroides), Chocolate Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium rugosum), Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis), Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen coum), Japanese anemone and Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Some annuals are also contributing color in the landscape.
Pests/Problems: Some shrubs and trees are showing signs of drought stress such as early fall color, leaf scorch and early leaf drop. The rains that have come in the last few days have helped to start green up non irrigated turf that had turned brown due to the drought. Some weeds continue to thrive. Goldenrods continue to display full color bloom in some unmanaged landscapes. It is important to remember that ticks are still active and they will continue to be so whenever temperatures are above freezing.
East Region (Boston)
General Conditions: We began this reporting period with conditions in the low 80’s from September 21st to the 23rd before temperatures dropped more than 10 degrees, averaging 67°F from the 24th to the 28th. Temperatures continued to drop and failed to reach 60°F from the 29th to October 2nd, as highs averaged 58°F before rebounding on the 3rd, reaching 71°F. Rain has been regular over the last two weeks, we received 1.22 inches on 7 occasions, most notably on September 30th/October 1st, amounting to 0.86 inches. The days are getting shorter; we are experiencing only 11½ hours of daylight. For the month of September, temperatures averaged 66.7°F, with average highs of 75.6°F and average lows of 57.8°F; precipitation for the month totaled 1.05 inches. Early leaf drop continues to be prevalent in the landscape. Fall color is beginning and is especially apparent on Acer (maple), Nyssa (tupelo), and Quercus (oak). The majority of the color in the landscape is fruit of many deciduous trees and shrubs: Crataegus (hawthorn), Euonymus (euonymus), Ilex (holly), Magnolia (magnolia), Rosa (rose), Symphoricarpos (snowberry), and Viburnum (viburnum). Quercus rubra (red oak) continues to drop acorns; Juglans nigra (eastern black walnut) continues to drop fruit. Aster ssp. (white, purple, New England fall asters), Chelone cultivars (turtlehead), and Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus) are in full bloom.
Pests/Problems: Despite cooling temperatures and 1.22 inches of rain received, soils remain dry as we remain in an extreme drought according to the US Drought Monitor. Many invasive species have gone to fruit: Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (porcelain berry), Arctium minus (common burdock), Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed), and Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed).
Metro West (Acton)
General Conditions: Fall is here; it officially arrived mid-reporting period and brought with it cool mornings and nights and a frost! The first frost was recorded in this area on the morning of September 26th. The average monthly precipitation for September is 3.77” and the total measured for the month, was 1.91”. The average monthly precipitation for October is 3.39” and just 0.57” has been recorded so far, but the month has just begun. The Acton area gained 85 GDD during this two-week recording period. Woody plants seen in bloom this week are Buddleia spp. (Butterfly Bush), Franklinia alatahama (Franklin Tree), Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son Flower), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon), Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose), and R. 'Knockout' (The Knockout family of Roses). Woody vines in bloom are Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine) and Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis). Plants seen in bloom this week are: Aster spp. (New England Aster, New York Aster, Smoother Aster, White Wood Aster), A. tataricus (Tatarian Aster), Colchicum spp. (Fall Crocus), Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower), Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk Daisy), Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox), C. paniculata (Phlox)and its many cultivars, Patrinia gibbosa (Patrinia), Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black-Eyed Susan), Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Upright Stonecrop), and Solidago spp. (Goldenrod). Fruits, pomes, seeds and early fall color are providing some additional interest in the landscape. Seen are the red fruits on Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood), C. kousa (Kousa Dogwood) and Ilex verticilata (Winterberry), a variety of colors and sizes of fruit on the Callicarpa dichotoma (Beautyberry), Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood), Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn), Malus spp. (Apple and Crabapple), Rosa spp. (Rose), Sorbus spp. (Mountain Ash), and Viburnums spp., seedpods on Catalpa sp. and nuts on Carya spp. (Hickory), Juglans spp. (Walnut) and Quercus spp. (Oak).
Pests/Problems: Despite the recent rain, drought conditions remain in effect throughout the state with extreme conditions existing for this area and for most of the central and northeastern regions of the state and severe conditions exist for most of the remaining portions of the state as declared by the National Drought Mitigation Center. Signs of plant stress are apparent in the landscape including premature leaf wilt, drop, discoloration, scorch, and early fall color.
Central Region (Boylston)
No report available this week.
Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)
General Conditions: Autumn has descended on the Pioneer Valley with cooler temperatures, shortening days and the beginning of the foliage season. With peak foliage season rapidly approaching (typically middle October in the valley), maples, elms and ash are the most prominent trees changing color at present. We experienced several days of cloudy weather this reporting period, which has been a rarity this season. There were also multiple rainstorms, although none provided the soaking rains (e.g. >1″) the soil needs to become saturated. While it never registered on the radar, we also experienced multiple days of a light, misting rain, which in conjunction with the cooler temperatures has dramatically improved the health of turfgrasses. Areas of turfgrass that were brown and dead in July are now green and vibrant once more. Soils in exposed areas are moist but those covered by tree and shrub canopies are still dry at a depth of just a few inches. Soil temperatures have cooled substantially in the past few weeks, reaching only 60°F in the full sun sampling location. Air temperatures varied dramatically since the last report as well, with high temperatures ranging from 49–88°F and lows ranging from 35–59°F in Northampton. The early morning hours of 9/26 saw the mercury drop to the low to middle 30s and pockets of frost were reported. But, the frost event was not widespread and damage appeared to be very minimal if present at all. Since then, low temperatures have been consistently in the 40s and 50s. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center, September temperatures were above-average throughout the entire northeast. In the Pioneer Valley, temperatures were generally 3– >6° above normal (http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/services/blog/2016/10/3/index.html). Rainfall was slightly less than average, with most of the valley recording >3″ during September. While those totals won’t alleviate the drought, it’s at least close to normal precipitation for this time of year.
Pests/Problems: The cooler temperatures, cloudy days and minor rainfall have helped slightly with the ongoing drought. However, stressed and recently transplanted trees and shrubs should continue to receive regular irrigation, if possible given water-use restrictions. The interval between watering can be lengthened at this point and it should be given the harmful effects of flooded soils on roots. Arborvitae are actively senescing older foliage and the drought may be causing some trees to shed larger volumes than normal. White pines will soon be shedding needles and this will lead to calls from concerned homeowners. Conifers such as spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, etc. transplanted this year will also be shedding older foliage, typically more than what is normal, regardless of species. The dry soil conditions have likely suppressed many wood-rotting fungal pathogens from producing annual fruiting bodies this autumn. Reliable locations on the UMass campus where Phaeolus schweinitzii (cause of brown cubical rot of conifers) have yielded zero fruiting bodies so far this season. Laetiporus (chicken of the woods)has been abundant this year and has been observed growing on the trunks of infected trees. The dry spring has suppressed some fungal pathogens that emerge late in the season, such as Entomosporium leaf spot of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). The one upside to the drought is that many fungal pathogens are reliant on rainfall as well for spore production and infection of host tissues. However, this benefit is completed negated if plants are watered with overhead sprinklers, which wet stems and leaves and create conditions necessary for establishment and spread of fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)
General Conditions: The drought continues. The County is now designated in the moderate and severe category by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Tilling or digging in soils demonstrates how little soil moisture there is, with upper soil layers being powdery. Fall foliage is beginning to take shape but is far from peak. A few specimens, mostly maples, are in full fall color but these are clearly stressed trees as leaves of some adjacent trees of the same species are still green. Not surprisingly, leaves of many trees are rapidly dropping after turning from green to brown. There are numerous trees which are completely denuded, another indication of the severity of the drought. It also seems that many herbaceous perennials have withered prematurely. It is clearly time for fall cleanup.
Air temperatures over the two week reporting period have been, for most days, above normal. However, frost was observed on the mornings of September 25 and 26. In most areas, the frost was light, and only the most sensitive plants showed any damage to foliage.
Interestingly, the number of honey bees observed at this time seems far greater than at other times this year. The bees can be seen visiting the blossoms of plants still in bloom.
Pests/Problems: Drought stress is the major problem in landscapes and gardens. This is particularly critical for evergreen trees and shrubs which are prone to winter desiccation. The potential for winter injury is much greater when these plants are exposed to soil moisture deficits.
There has been a definite uptick in the numbers of ticks of late. After a scarcity of reports through much of the summer, outdoor workers are now reporting finding deer ticks attached to their clothing or person. The use of repellents is advised.
The chipmunk population remains very high and it is not uncommon to see holes in turf and garden soils. Most of the chipmunks seen have their cheeks stuffed with foodstuffs they are storing in preparation for winter.
White grubs are just beneath the surface of soil in turf areas.
Regional Scouting Credits
- CAPE COD REGION - Roberta Clark, UMass Extension Horticulturist for Barnstable County - Retired, reporting from Barnstable.
- SOUTHEAST REGION - Deborah Swanson, UMass Extension Horticulturist for Plymouth County - Retired, reporting from Hanson.
- NORTH SHORE REGION - Geoffrey Njue, Green Industry Specialist, UMass Extension, reporting from the Long Hill Reservation, Beverly.
- EAST REGION - Kit Ganshaw & Sue Pfeiffer, Horticulturists, reporting from the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain.
- METRO WEST REGION – Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.
- CENTRAL REGION - Joann Vieira, Superintendent of Horticulture, reporting from the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.
- PIONEER VALLEY REGION - Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, reporting from UMass Amherst.
- BERKSHIRE REGION - Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from Great Barrington.
Woody Ornamentals
Diseases
Recent pathogens of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab:
Lower canopy decline of Norway spruce (Picea abies) caused by the Norway spruce gall midge (Piceacecis abietiperda), spruce bud scale (Physokermes piceae)and eastern spruce gall adelgid (Adelges abietis) with a needle cast infection by Rhizosphaera. Multiple trees in a full sun hedgerow that are estimated to be less than 45-years-old are suffering from lower branch dieback. Needles on interior portions of the branch are prematurely shedding leaving only the newest growth at the tips. Norway spruce prefers full sun to thrive and shading of the lower branches may be a predisposing stress. All three insects were present in low levels but collectively they appear to be causing considerable damage. The needle cast infection is likely secondary as Norway spruce is highly resistant to Rhizsophaera.
Needle and stem blight of Cryptomeria japonica caused by Pestalotiopsis. A tall hedge of cryptomeria that is approximately 15- to 20-years-old began to exhibit needle yellowing and browning this season. Symptoms were present in previous years but the damage was minimal. Roughly three weeks before the sample was submitted, the soil grade was increased by three feet at a distance of approximately 10 feet from the trees. Overhead watering is utilized which is likely facilitating disease development. Pestalotiopsis can be a damaging needle and shoot blight pathogen on evergreens like arborvitae, falsecypress and cryptomeria.
Dutch elm disease, caused by Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, of Valley Forge American elm (Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’). Tree is approximately 15-years-old and was transplanted at the site five months ago. The shock of transplanting likely exacerbated an established infection, leading to symptom development. At the time of planting, the tree did not exhibit any symptoms of DED. Many of the DED-resistant cultivars are able to effectively resist the disease but they are not immune, especially given the tremendous stress of transplanting a tree this size.
Canopy dieback of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) due to an infestation of the elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa) and Fabrella needle blight caused by Fabrella tsugae. In many areas of southern New England, the elongate hemlock scale has supplanted the woolly adelgid as the primary cause of hemlock decline. This was the first diagnosis of Fabrella needle blight at the UMass Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. The pathogen is widely distributed in southern New York and Pennsylvania and may be widespread in Massachusetts as well. A secondary pathogen, Fabrella causes a rapid browning of older needles on lower canopy branches (see photos below). Pads of fungal tissue can be observed rupturing through the underside of the needles at this time. Tree is approximately 30-years-old and was likely weakened by drought stress, in addition to the insect infestation and fungal disease.
Report by Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass Amherst.
Insects
Woody ornamental insect and non-insect arthropod pests to consider, a selected few:
- Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB: Look for signs of an ALB infestation which include perfectly round exit holes (about the size of a dime), shallow oval or round scars in the bark where a female has chewed an egg site, or sawdust-like frass (excrement) on the ground nearby host trees or caught in between branches.
The regulated area for Asian longhorned beetle is 110 miles2 encompassing Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn. If you believe you have seen damage caused by this insect, such as exit holes, on susceptible host trees like maple, please call the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090 or toll free at 1-866-702-9938. To report an Asian longhorned beetle find online or compare it to common insect look-alikes, visit: http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pests-diseases/alb/report.
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): Agrilus planipennis readily attacks ash (Fraxinus spp.) including white, green, and black ash and has also been found developing in white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus). For a map of the known locations of emerald ash borer in the state, as well as further information about this insect, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer.
- Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs are actively seeking overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes. While such invaders do not cause any measurable structural damage, they can become a nuisance especially when they are present in large numbers. If you are not willing to share your home with such insects, repair torn window screens, repair gaps around windows and doors, and sure up any other gaps through which they might enter the home.
- Winter Moth Monitoring for Next Season: To make monitoring of winter moth egg hatch easier next season, tree bands can be set up in the middle-end of this month (emptying them throughout the adult flight season) which encourages female winter moths to deposit eggs above and (primarily) below the tree band. These eggs can then be monitored next spring for the color change indicating hatch is fast approaching. Adults will emerge in November through January and mate and the flightless females will lay the eggs that will overwinter on host trees such as oak to hatch next spring. The use of these tree bands is recommended for monitoring purposes only, in order to plan management strategies directed at the caterpillars next spring. Although they may capture many adult winter moths in certain areas, these bands are not recommended as a management tool.
Concerned that you may have found an invasive insect or suspicious damage caused by one? Need to report a pest sighting? If so, please visit the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm.
A note about Tick Awareness: deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) are all found throughout Massachusetts. Each can carry their own complement of diseases. Anyone working in tick habitats (wood-line areas, forested areas, and landscaped areas with ground cover) should check themselves regularly for ticks while practicing preventative measures. Have a tick and need it tested? Visit the web page of the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology (www.tickdiseases.org) and click on the red Test a Tick button for more information.
Report by Tawny Simisky, Extension Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program
Management Practices
Plant of the Week: Ilex verticillata
lex verticillata is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America. Plants grow 3-12’ tall and wide. The common name, winterberry, comes from the bright red berries that persist fall through winter and even into spring. Plants are dioecious, meaning that there are both male and female plants. Female plants produce berries and at least one male plant is needed for every 6-10 female plants for good fertilization and berry set. Ilex verticillata’s native habitat is wet, swampy areas which make them a good choice for rain gardens and areas with wet soil. Plants do well in full sun to part shade with an acidic soil. Fall color is not always good but can be purple-red. Winterberry does not have any serious insect or disease issues. Cultivars have been developed that offer variations in fruit in terms of size, color, and number.
Report by Mandy Bayer, Extension Assistant Professor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture
Landscape Turf
Is It Too Late to Plant Grass? - The often difficult reality is that, after the autumnal equinox, establishment projects become less of a sure thing and more of a gamble with each passing day. When the calendar flips from September to October, "is it too late to plant grass?" becomes a common question and a frequent topic of discussion and debate... Read more >>
Other Relevant News/Pest Alerts
2017 UMass Garden Calendar - Free Shipping Ends Nov 1st!: Each year, the UMass Garden Calendar presents a selection of plants chosen by the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry staff for pest resistance, adaptability to specific growing environments, and seasonal effectiveness. Shipping on orders of 9 or fewer is FREE until November 1st! Bulk discounts are available... Go >>
Additional Resources
To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Upcoming Educational Events page.
For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out the New England Greenhouse Update website
For professional turf managers - Check out Turf Management Updates
For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out home lawn and garden resources. UMass Extension also has a Twitter feed that provides timely, daily gardening tips, sunrise and sunset times to home gardeners, see https://twitter.com/UMassGardenClip
Diagnostic Services
A UMass Laboratory Diagnoses Landscape and Turf Problems - The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries and other green industry professionals. It provides woody plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed identification, and offers a report of pest management strategies that are research based, economically sound and environmentally appropriate for the situation. Accurate diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate or reduce the need for pesticide use. For sampling procedures, detailed submission instructions and a list of fees, see Plant Diagnostics Laboratory
Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing - The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is located on the campus of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Testing services are available to all. The function of the Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is to provide test results and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use of soils and soil amendments. For complete information, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site. Alternatively, call the lab at (413) 545-2311.
Ticks are active at this time! Remember to take appropriate precautions when working and playing outdoors, and conduct daily tick checks. UMass tests ticks for the presence of Lyme disease and other disease pathogens. Learn more
