Landscape Message: December 6, 2019

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.

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 data was collected on or about December 4, 2019. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2019 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.

n/a = information not available

According to the US Drought Monitor, as of December 3 there are no areas in Massachusetts that have drought or dry conditions: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature over the period from October 30 thru December 4 was 43˚F with a high of 67˚F on 11/1 and a low of 18˚F on 11/14. The first frost for many areas of the Cape came on November 8. Precipitation has continued to be abundant with over 6 inches of rain in Barnstable. The first measurable snowfall occurred on December 3. The period has been dominated by cloudy days particularly since mid-November. Topsoil and subsoil moisture is adequate to excessive. Turf has gone dormant but was actively growing through mid-November. The sound of lawn mowers could even be heard over this past weekend – trying to suck up the last of the leaves before snow fall. Leaf drop on oaks - which is notoriously delayed on the Cape - happened early this year with most oaks having dropped their leaves by mid-November. This was aided by the series of high wind and rain events in October.

Pests/Problems: The first winter moths were seen in mid-November. Populations of winter moth have decreased sharply over the last few years and no longer require management in most landscapes. Lecanium scale, which has been a widespread problem for the Cape the past two years on oak, can easily be monitored at this time of year by observing nymphs on twigs; the nymphs appear as small brownish ovals. Other pests prevalent at this time of year include rabbits and voles. Both can do considerable damage over the winter so keep an eye out for girdling on young tree trunks and shrubs or tunnels near borders and garden beds. Lastly, do not forget that ticks can be active throughout the winter on days that are above freezing - be vigilant and keep yourself protected.

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions: The first snows of the season have finally arrived after a spate of fairly mild and wet weather. We had a couple of high wind events resulting in downed trees, many of which have yet to be cleaned up. Most deciduous plants have dropped their leaves. Lawns were still green, and in some spots still growing, previous to the snow cover.

Pests/Problems: Small flights of winter moth have been observed. The expectation for the future seems to be that we will always have a small resident population so plan accordingly. Now is a good time to get out on clients’ properties and inspect for damaged trees and deadwood. Be aware that emerald ash borer has been found in West Bridgewater. Now is the time to inventory and prepare your customers for what will be required if they wish to save their ash trees.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions: Temperatures in the month of November were quite variable, with maximum daily temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 50s, and minimum daily temperatures ranging from the teens to mid-30s. The highest daily temperature for the month of November was 56˚F and the lowest daily temperature for the month was 17˚F. Temperatures below freezing were recorded for 15 days. Approximately 2.15 inches of rain were recorded at Long Hill. The month of December began with a snow storm which started on December 1st and continued through December 3rd. At Long Hill approximately 10 inches of snow was received during this event. The few plants observed in bloom in November include: American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), hardy fall blooming Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium), and Daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii). November was a busy month for many landscapers and homeowners raking leaves and doing other activities for fall cleanup. Fall cleanup was brought to an end by the snowstorm.

Pests/Problems: Deer have been obsrved walking through the property but no browsing was detected. Rabbits have also been seen but no plant damage has been observed. There were no winter moths noticed. Squirrels were observed at Long Hill gathering piles of cedar berries at the base of the trees for winter storage.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: Conditions varied greatly throughout the reporting period. We experienced high temperatures ranging from 70˚F on November 1 to a daytime high of only 31˚F on the 13th, for an average of 48˚F. Low temperatures ranged from 16˚F to 39˚F, averaging 30˚F. The growing season ended at 210 days on November 2 when we reached 30˚F, the first temperature below freezing since April 4. We gained a total of 2879 GDDs. We received 4.84” of precipitation with 1.16” of that falling on December 2. Our first accumulating snow arrived on December 3 delivering 5.3”.

Pests/Problems: An abundance of winter moth was observed on the evening of November 19th. Rabbits have been active throughout the landscape.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: The first winter storm arrived with the new month on December 1^st. It covered the landscape in this area with a thick blanket of snow and was quickly followed by a second storm on December 2^nd. Winter does not officially arrive until December 21^st but looking out on the landscape one would think that it has arrived! For the month of November, the average rainfall is 4.43” but the precipitation recorded for November in this area was a total of 2.71”. The average rainfall for the month of December is 4.32” and a total of 1.24” has been recorded as of December 3^rd.

Pests/Problems: With the recent precipitation events, drought has been alleviated and soil moisture conditions across the Commonwealth have returned to normal. Winter moths have been seen in flight amongst headlights and outdoor lights in the evening hours but numbers appear less than in previous years.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: Winter came quickly and with a vengeance in early December. Snow fell for almost an entire 48-hour period from Sunday, December 1 to Tuesday, December 3. While the totals in our immediate area were just over a foot (14” in Boylston), we experienced thunder snow Sunday evening, and what was forecast to be a minor event turned into the season’s first major winter storm. November weather was fairly typical for the season, with some warm stretches and some very cold stretches; for the most part, November was fairly unremarkable.

Pests/Problems: Winter moth was observed in mid- to late-November, when adults emerge from cocoons and begin to mate. Female winter moth lays eggs on the bud scales of susceptible host plants (maples, birches, beeches, oaks, hickories, cherries, and others) and larvae hatch in spring. New foliage is often eaten by winter moth larvae prior to unfurling, and in years when winter moth is especially problematic, entire trees can be defoliated by late May. Oddly, many deciduous trees and shrubs failed to drop their foliage this year. Ilex verticillata (winterberry), Hydrangea spp., Benthamidia japonica (kousa dowood) and B. florida (flowering dogwood), for example. I normally consider this an indication of drought stress in fall, which we did not experience this year.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: December is upon us in the Pioneer Valley as we conclude this year’s series of Landscape Message reports. Below-average precipitation was recorded during the month of November with less than 3″ logged at several weather stations in the valley. The brunt of that rainfall came in two events, on 11/19 and 11/24. It was also abnormally cold, with night time temperatures dropping below 20°F on 11/9, 11/13–14, and 11/17. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center, November was 3–5°F colder than average throughout a large swath of the northeast. In contrast, we experienced above-average temperatures in October, highlighted by the downright balmy conditions on Halloween (10/31). Due to the late October rainfall and bitterly cold mid-November temperatures, irrigation of fall transplants wasn’t necessary last month. The winter feeling around the region was firmly cemented after a massive snow storm that lasted from 12/1 into 12/3 dumped 15–25″ in the tri-county region. Given the total accumulations and long-term temperature forecast, it doesn’t appear the snow is going anywhere for some time. An insulating snowpack can help protect landscape trees and shrubs from root freezing and harsh, desiccating winter winds.

Pests/Problems: Winter burn is the primary concern over the next several months. There was widespread, and in some cases devastating, damage that occurred last winter. But, the specific conditions that caused the injury remain unclear. One possible scenario is a fall freeze prior to complete cold acclimation. In 2018, we experienced temperatures <20°F during the month of November, but this deep freeze came late in the month (11/22–11/24). This year’s temperature plunge was much earlier (11/9) and occurred several times over the course of the following week. We can only hope that plants were properly acclimated prior to this deep freeze and did not suffer injury. Deer and rabbit repellents should have been applied prior to the snow storm. Reapplications during the winter should take place every six to eight weeks when temperatures are above freezing, to avoid a rapid freeze of liquid on the foliage of plants susceptible to browse (boxwood, yew and arborvitae). Meadow voles will take advantage of the snow cover to feed on the bark and needles of shrubs and smaller-diameter trees. Monitor susceptible plants on a regular basis over the next several weeks if voles have been a problem in the past.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: After a warm start to November when the thermometer in West Stockbridge topped off at 66˚F on the 11/1 (a very brief continuation of the warm weather experienced in October), temperatures took a dramatic turn. From that point on, it was all downhill with the coldest day resulting in a daytime high of 21˚F and overnight low of 11˚F on November 13. Three snowfalls, albeit none more than 1-2 inches deep occurred in October. However, starting on December 1^st, it literally was all downhill, especially for skiers. Snow in West Stockbridge began at 2:30 pm and continued at varying rates into the morning of December 3^rd. Totals for the county ranged from 12 inches in South County to as much as 28 inches in North County and at the higher elevations. Given the depth of snow and time of year, a snow cover should remain for some time. Prior to the snow, soils were partially frozen to a depth of about 1 inch at this site in West Stockbridge. The recent snow should be a reminder to protect the branches of upright evergreen shrubs such as yews, boxwoods, and arborvitae that may spread apart or break under the weight of heavy snow. If not already done, the limbs of these plants should be tied to prevent breakage. The simplest way to do this is to tie a rope at the base of each plant and wrap it spiral fashion up the plant and back down again.

Pests/Problems: The home invasion of nuisance pests, i.e. Western conifer seed bug, multicolored Asian lady beetle, boxelder bug, and stink bugs, was the primary pest issue over the past month. Deer ticks were active but there were not many reports of tick bites. Animal browsing, especially by deer, is a problem, especially now with the deep snow which curtails browsing on grass. Repellants and/or barriers will offer some protection to plants favored by deer, rabbits, and other plant browsers. Mouse invasions into storage sheds and homes pose another problem. Mice can cause serious damage to electrical wiring in houses and to wiring and hoses on tractors and other power equipment. Trapping and use of repellents will help deter these critters.

Regional Scouting Credits

• CAPE COD REGION - Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.
• SOUTHEAST REGION - Brian McMahon, Arborist, reporting from the Dighton area.
• 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 Boston area.
• METRO WEST REGION – Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.
• CENTRAL REGION - Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture reporting from 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

Recent pests and pathogens of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab https://ag.umass.edu/services/plant-diagnostics-laboratory

Diseases

New or updated disease fact sheets:

1. Brown Cubical Root and Butt Rot: http://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/brown-cubical-root-butt-rot

2. Apple Scab: http://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/apple-scab

3. Kretzschmaria Root and Butt Rot: http://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-kretzschmaria-deusta

4. Beech Bark Disease: http://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/beech-bark-disease

Volutella leaf and stem blight of boxwood (Buxus × ‘Green Velvet’) caused by Pseudonectria buxi. Hedge consisting of several plants along a driveway and walkway, approximately 15-years-old and present at the site for 12 years. Symptoms include leaf browning and canopy dieback. An important symptom to note is that blighted leaves are held in the canopy and not prematurely shedding. This is an important distinction between Volutella blight and Boxwood blight, as the latter results in a rapid and substantial shedding of blighted leaves. De-icing salt application during the winter may be a predisposing stress.

Dieback of Cunningham’s White Rhododendron (Rhododendron × ‘Cunningham’s White’) due to transplant shock, overwatering, a lacebug infestation (Stephanitis) and grey leaf blight (Pestalotiopsis). Plant was installed into a shade garden in May of this year and was hand-watered over the course of the growing season. The loam-based soils are described as droughty but the plant was overwatered and symptoms of edema were present on the foliage. A lacebug infestation resulted in chlorotic spots and marginal leaf curling. The feeding sites likely served as points of introduction for Pestalotiopsis, which is responsible for grey leaf blight on Rhododendron. A reduction of water and treatment for the lacebug should help the plant to better establish in 2020.

Stigmina needle cast, caused by Stigmina lautii, on blue spruce (Picea pungens). Eleven trees in full sun, approximately 20-years-old, with a few experiencing minor dieback in the lower canopy branches. Treatment of needle cast diseases at the early stages of development can help to slow their spread to other trees and to upper canopy branches. Stigmina will often sporulate on green needles and the spore-bearing structures appear as tiny black dots arranged along the middle of the needles (emerging from the stomata). They can be readily viewed with a hand lens or magnifying glass.

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, of sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The tree is approximately 10-years-old and has been present at the site for two years. In mid-summer of this year, roughly 1/3 of the canopy declined and died after flushing what appeared to be healthy new growth. This tree is one of several mature and recently planted sugar maples along a gravel road with full sun and no supplemental irrigation. Verticillium is widespread in both forest and landscape settings, suggesting that many susceptible trees are challenged by the fungus but are successful in their resistance. Transplant shock and drought stress are potential predisposing factors that lead to establishment and disease development.

Transplant shock and natural senescence of needles on Hinoki falsecypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa). No cultivar was listed, but it’s highly doubtful the straight species was planted given their ultimate size. The tree is young and one of three, having been only recently transplanted. Site conditions include half sun and drip irrigation. Needle browning was observed on more than 60% of the canopy. Transplant shock often leads to a heavy needle shed for landscape conifers and C. obtusa can retain those dead needles in the canopy, depending on the specific cultivar. Many Chamaecyparis around the region seemed to shed a larger than normal volume of needles this autumn season, likely in response to some abiotic stress.

Report by Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass Amherst.

Insects

Happy Holidays!

Cold and Insect Survival

As we dig out snow buried vehicles and yards, insect management may be the last thing on our minds. They’re all frozen or dead, right? While it is not the appropriate time of year for management, these cold temperatures may have us wondering how insect populations are present year to year. Insects are survivors – depending upon the species, they may overwinter (live) in sheltered areas as adults, as eggs on host plants or other surfaces, and still others survive this harsh New England season as partially developed immature stages somewhere in, on, or near host plant parts. There are many strategies insects employ to survive the winter to allow for the continuation of their species in the New Year. While abiotic conditions over the winter can impact insect pest survival, we know that some pest populations are incredibly talented at rebounding. A typical example of this has been the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) population in Massachusetts. Land managers protecting trees from this insect have noticed significant (over 95% in some cases) winter mortality of these insects in recent years. However, the adelgid’s ability to produce two generations per year, approximately 300 eggs per adult female, and to reproduce in the absence of males allows this insect to recover its population very quickly (all surviving HWA adults in the United States are female; we lack a spruce host found in their native Asia that is needed for sexual reproduction).

Additionally, when thinking about HWA, their ability to survive cold winter temperatures is complex and fascinating. Dr. Joseph Elkinton of UMass Amherst, students, and colleagues determined that hemlock woolly adelgid cold hardiness can vary greatly from year-to-year, week-to-week in Massachusetts, and they found genetic differences in populations ranging from the northern to the southern portions of their range in the eastern United States. Essentially, the cold temperatures required to kill hemlock woolly adelgids will vary year to year and week to week depending upon their exposure to prior temperatures. Their research indicated that adelgid mortality was more highly correlated with variation in temperature, than with an absolute minimum temperature across a range of sites and years (2004-2007) in Massachusetts.

Don’t Forget about Invasive Pests

This also can be a good time of year to keep our eyes open for damage indicative of invasive insects. Damage from the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer can at times be easier to spot in the winter in the absence of leaves (as long as trees are not snow-covered). This is still a time of year to be vigilant for pests such as the spotted lanternfly, as we know a single dead individual was detected in a potted poinsettia purchased in Suffolk County in December of last year. It is important to continue to be on the lookout for this and any other potentially invasive pests, and report any suspicious finds: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm .

Lastly, the MA Department of Agricultural Resources recently reminded us all to shop locally this holiday season, and purchase Christmas trees and holiday decorations from one of the Commonwealth’s many family-operated farms and nurseries. MDAR cites the many benefits of purchasing local Christmas trees, including a note that Christmas tree farms in MA are often sited on soils that cannot support other crops and that the trees may even stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and offer protection of water supplies. An entomologist might also add that purchasing your Christmas tree or other holiday decorations from local farms and nurseries (not out-of-state sources) may reduce the risk of unintended consequences, such as moving around hitchhiking insect pests that favor coniferous hosts. For more information from MDAR, visit: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-declares-november-29-2019-as-green-friday .

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season. The Landscape Message will return in 2020!

Woody ornamental (and other) 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. Be advised that other, native insects may create perfectly round exit holes or sawdust-like frass, which can be confused with signs of ALB activity.

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 or egg sites, 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: (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has recently confirmed EAB in additional communities in Massachusetts. For an updated map of these locations, please visit:https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer .

This wood-boring beetle readily attacks ash (Fraxinus spp.) including white, green, and black ash and has also been found developing in white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) and has been reported in cultivated olive (Olea europaea). Signs of an EAB infested tree may include D-shaped exit holes in the bark (from adult emergence), “blonding” or lighter coloration of the ash bark from woodpecker feeding (chipping away of the bark as they search for larvae beneath), and serpentine galleries visible through splits in the bark, from larval feeding beneath. Positive identification of an EAB-infested tree may not be possible with these signs individually on their own.

For further information about this insect, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer . If you believe you have located EAB-infested ash trees, particularly in an area of Massachusetts not identified on the map provided, please report here: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm .

• Spotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is not known to occur in Massachusetts landscapes (no established populations are known in MA at this time). However, officials with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) urged residents to check plants for spotted lanternfly. On February 21, 2019 MDAR announced the discovery of a single dead spotted lanternfly adult at a private residence in Boston. As a result of this discovery, officials asked the public to check potted plants they purchase and report any suspicious insects. MDAR reports that this particular individual appeared to have been unintentionally transported this past December in a shipment of poinsettia plants originating from Pennsylvania. Officials also report that there is currently no evidence that this pest has become established in MA. For more information about this finding, please visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources press release:https://www.mass.gov/news/state-agricultural-officials-urge-residents-to-check-plants-for-spotted-lanternfly . For a map of the known spotted lanternfly infestations in the United States, as well as locations where this insect has been detected (but not yet established), visit: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/ .

This insect is a member of the Order Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, and others) and the Family Fulgoridae, also known as planthoppers. The spotted lanternfly is a non-native species first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania and confirmed on September 22, 2014.

The spotted lanternfly is considered native to China, India, and Vietnam. It has been introduced as a non-native insect to South Korea and Japan, prior to its detection in the United States. In South Korea, it is considered invasive and a pest of grapes and peaches. The spotted lanternfly has been reported from over 70 species of plants, including the following: tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (preferred host), apple (Malus spp.), plum, cherry, peach, apricot (Prunus spp.), grape (Vitis spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), white ash (Fraxinus americana), willow (Salix spp.), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), American linden (Tilia americana), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata), black birch (Betula lenta), black cherry (Prunus serotina), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), black walnut (Juglans nigra), dogwood (Cornus spp.), Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus), maple (Acer spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera).

The adults and immatures of this species damage host plants by feeding on sap from stems, leaves, and the trunks of trees. In the springtime in Pennsylvania (late April - mid-May) nymphs (immatures) are found on smaller plants and vines and new growth of trees and shrubs. Third and fourth instar nymphs migrate to the tree of heaven and are observed feeding on trunks and branches. Trees may be found with sap weeping from the wounds caused by the insect’s feeding. The sugary secretions (excrement) created by this insect may coat the host plant, later leading to the growth of sooty mold. Insects such as wasps, hornets, bees, and ants may also be attracted to the sugary waste created by the lanternflies, or sap weeping from open wounds in the host plant. Host plants have been described as giving off a fermented odor when this insect is present.

Adults are present by the middle of July in Pennsylvania and begin laying eggs by late September and continue laying eggs through late November and even early December in that state. Adults may be found on the trunks of trees such as the tree of heaven or other host plants growing in close proximity to them. Egg masses of this insect are gray in color and, in some ways, look similar to gypsy moth egg masses.

Host plants, bricks, stone, lawn furniture, recreational vehicles, and other smooth surfaces can be inspected for egg masses. Egg masses laid on outdoor residential items such as those listed above may pose the greatest threat for spreading this insect via human aided movement.

For more information about the spotted lanternfly, visit this fact sheet: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/spotted-lanternfly .

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. Remember, just because there is snow, does not mean we can forget about deer ticks. They may become active any time temperatures are above freezing. Have a tick and need it tested? Visit the web page of the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology (https://www.tickreport.com/ ) and click on the blue Order a TickReport button for more information.

Reported by Tawny Simisky, Extension Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program

Urban and Community Forestry

Planting for Resilience: Selecting Urban Trees in Massachusetts

The new street tree selection guide, titled “Planting for Resilience: Selecting Urban Trees in Massachusetts,'' has been produced by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The guide was authored by graduate researcher, Ashley M. McElhinney, and Extension Associate Professor of Urban and Community Forestry, Dr. Richard W. Harper. It is designed to function as a key resource for anyone interested in selecting and planting a tree in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – tree wardens, urban foresters, professional arborists, volunteers that work with urban trees, and private residents.

The guide aims to provide readers with the information necessary to more confidently choose which tree species is best for their planting site, employing the “right tree, right place” approach. Proactive planning is a critical strategy to creating and maintaining a healthy, diverse urban forest, that ranges from the downtown urban core, to parks and greenways, to private properties. Trees growing in urban areas are becoming increasingly important in maintaining and protecting human and environmental health in the face of urbanization and global climate change.

This guide outlines the characteristics and attributes of each of its tree species, detailing ornamental traits and site preferences. It also includes observations regarding tolerance to adverse conditions often found in urban environments and information relative to climate change adaptability.

Profiles for nearly 80 recommended tree species are included, ranging from native trees found commonly grown and planted in Massachusetts, to non-native trees adept at surviving in toughurban environments. A critical objective of this guide is to encourage diversity among urban trees at the time of selection and planting.

A two-part resource featuring both a video tutorial discussion of the guide and a free downloadable version of the guide (pdf), has also been made available in the “Lectures” section of the menu on the http://www.urbanforestrytoday.org/ website. Certified arborists that view the tutorial and download the guide may obtain continuing education credits (1.0 ISA CEU’s & 0.5 MCA credits).

***

Ashley M. McElhinney, M.S., is a graduate of the Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.

Richard W. Harper, Ph.D., is the Extension Associate Professor of Urban & Community Forestry, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support and expertise of Gwendolyn Stoll and Professors Bethany Bradley, Ph.D., and Mandy Bayer, Ph.D.

This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture – McIntire Stennis Project # 34, Accession #1014171. This reference was funded in part by the USDA Forest Service through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Urban & Community Forestry Program. The University of Massachusetts is an equal opportunity provider.

Reported by Rick Harper, UMass Extension Associate Professor of Urban & Community Forestry, Department of Environmental Conservation, UMass Amherst

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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