Landscape Message: December 3, 2021

December 3, 2021
Issue: 
21

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.

This issue is the last Landscape Message of the 2021 reporting year. We hope you have a restful winter season enjoyed with family and friends! The next message will be posted in March/April of 2022. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list 

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 1, 2021. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via regional NEWA stations (http://newa.cornell.edu) for the 2021 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.

MA Region/Location

GDD

Soil Temp
(°F at 4" depth)

Precipitation
4-Week Gain

Time/Date of Readings

4-Week Gain

2021 Total

Sun

Shade

CAPE

21

3068

41

39

2.16

12:00 PM 12/1

SOUTHEAST

18.5

3059

46

41

1.88

3:00 PM 12/1

NORTH SHORE

18

3108

36

35

1.74

10:00 AM 12/1

EAST

19

3144

39

37

1.55

4:00 PM 12/1

METRO

11

2900

34

34

2.33

7:30 AM 12/1

CENTRAL

12

2977

41

41

1.94

 7:30 AM 12/1

PIONEER VALLEY

10

3018

40

38

2.58

1200 PM 12/1

BERKSHIRES

3

2457

frozen

frozen

2.72

9:00 AM 12/1/21

AVERAGE

14

2966

40

37

2.11

_

n/a = information not available

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature during the period was 44.5˚F with a high of 68˚F on November 9 and a low of 25˚F on November 30. Overall, the month of November felt normal starting with mild days primarily in the 50s, occasionally over 60, and ending with days mostly in the low 40s. The first three weeks of November were primarily sunny; however, over the last 10 days there have been increasingly more cloudy days than sunny days. The first freezes for much of the Cape were experienced between Nov 4 and Nov 7, with nighttime freezes becoming regular over the last week in the upper and mid Cape. A total of 2.16 inches of precipitation fell during the period at the weather station in Barnstable. Rainfall amounts are likely variable across the Cape as much of November’s precipitation was the result of showers. Several thunderstorms occurred during the period including a tornado warning issued on November 13. Soil moisture conditions are adequate. Leaf cleanup is in full swing. The leaves have fallen from most trees and shrubs minus some oaks and beech. Cleanup from the October Nor’easter continues with a lot of tree work. Most herbaceous plants have finally succumbed to repeated frosts. Turf was growing rapidly at the beginning of the period but has slowed significantly in the last 10 days and will likely soon be dormant.

Pests/Problems: Very little pest activity was observed in the past month. Home invaders such as western conifer seed bug, stink bugs and lady bird beetles were active early in the period. Critters such as voles have been active. Rabbit populations seem anecdotally lower than the previous two winters. Heavy abscission of two-year-old needles has been observed on pitch pine. Ticks are still very active!

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions: We've had light frost and ice in the birdbaths for the last two weeks. Presently, days are 40 - 50˚F and nights 28 - 32˚F. Regular rains, light showers and a fairly strong Nor'easter followed by at least one snow shower occurred since the last report. The water table is high. Vernal streams and pools are running and full. The Leonid meteor event produced some evening showers of a different sort earlier in the month. Most herbaceous plants have browned and wilted except for the turf. Hosta have wilted and German iris are reduced to winter leaves. Autumn Joy is still holding up a bit and coloring sharply. Lawns are green but stopped growing and have started to fade. Ash, hickory, and maple have dropped their leaves. Oaks, metasequoia, and “sallows” (willows or Salix spp.), Magnolia stellata and Stewartia sinesis are still holding leaves which are either brown or still have color. Ilex vericillata females are replete with copious red berries. Crickets haven't been heard from in two weeks. Osprey and cormorants are have migrated away but buffleheads are out in small groups on the river shallows. Flocks of small, resident or wintering song birds are all around, such as cardinals, nuthatches, slate-colored juncos.

Pests/Problems: Asian lady bird beetles are typically aggregating on the south side of houses and black fuzzy cluster flies are in basements. Bald-faced hornet nests were mostly knocked down in the Nor’easter. There's been a surprisingly large flight of either winter moth, fall cankerworm moth or Bruce spanworm moth over the past week. It's enough so that they show up in headlight beams and on store signs in the evening. (See Insect section below.) Bagworm are more widespread than I realized until fully visible after leaf fall. Obvious winter weeds are chickweed, thistle, dandilion, and ground ivy.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions: The first two thirds of the month of November were unseasonably mild with day temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s and night temperatures in the mid-30s to the mid-40s. The latter part of November was more seasonable for this time of the year with day temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s and night temperatures in the mid-20s to mid-30s. The highest temperature of November was 70˚F recorded on November 11 and the minimum temperature was 23˚F recorded on November 30. The first frost of the season was recorded on November 4. Several nights during the second half of the month recorded temperatures below freezing. A total of approximately 1.74 inches of precipitation was recorded at Long Hill in the month of November. The few plants observed in bloom include: American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), hardy fall blooming cyclamen/Persian violet (Cyclamen hederifolium), and daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii). November has been a busy month for many landscapers and homeowners, raking leaves and doing other activities for fall clean up.

Pests/Problems: Deer browsing damage was observed on some newly planted shrubs and perennials. 

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: November was mild and dry. Temperatures averaged 52˚F with two daytime highs of 70˚F on both the 9th and the 18th. We had two daytime lows of 33˚F and 32˚F on the 29th and 30th. Overnight lows averaged 33˚F, with one outlier on the 18th only going down to 51˚F. We received a total of 1.55 inches of precipitation over this reporting period. The majority, 1.07 inches, fell on November 12th and 13th. We did receive a light dusting of snow overnight on November 26. Fall color was variable as far as brilliance of color and persistence in the canopy. Chrysanthemum x rubellum (hardy chrysanthemum) continued to flower well into mid-November, attracting the attention of any remaining pollinators. Hamamelis virginiana (American witch-hazel) is in full bloom.

Pests/Problems: Cardamine hirsuta (winter cress) is the predominant winter annual weed popping up in mulched beds. Rabbits have been active. Winter moth (or the moths of bruce spanworm or fall cankerworm) have been observed in flight in driveways around outdoor lighting. (See Insect section below.)

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: The first two thirds of the month of November were unseasonably mild with day temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s and night temperatures in the mid-30s to the mid-40s. The latter part of November was more seasonable for this time of the year with day temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s and night temperatures in the mid-20s to mid-30s. The highest temperature of November was 70˚F recorded on November 11 and the minimum temperature was 23˚F recorded on November 30. The first frost of the season was recorded on November 4. Several nights during the second half of the month recorded temperatures below freezing. A total of approximately 1.74 inches of precipitation was recorded at Long Hill in the month of November. The few plants observed in bloom include: American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), hardy fall blooming cyclamen/Persian violet (Cyclamen hederifolium), and daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii). November has been a busy month for many landscapers and homeowners, raking leaves and doing other activities for fall clean up.

Pests/Problems: Deer browsing damage was observed on some newly planted shrubs and perennials. Because of the low amounts of rainfall received during the month of November, it is important to continue watering shrubs and newly planted trees to prevent water stress.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: The month of November brought the first snowflakes of the season and a range of temperature and precipitation conditions throughout the month that is seasonal for this time of year, albeit a bit more mild than is typical. The first snow in the region fell the day after Thanksgiving, without much accumulation, and melted almost as fast as it fell. Foliage season was prolonged thanks to slightly milder temperatures. 

Pests/Problems: Nothing of note. Deer browse is typical this time of year.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: Winter is upon us in the Pioneer Valley as the days continue to shorten and temperatures steadily decline. Yet, in less than three weeks the winter solstice will have passed and the days will get longer once more (albeit slowly). After a summer with very high mosquito populations, their absence makes the cold weather tolerable. The most noteworthy weather event in November was the heavy rainfall on Friday, 11/12 when nearly 2” was recorded at the Easthampton gauge (1.89”). Severe, localized flooding occurred in the Connecticut River Valley after a particularly intense band of rainfall occurred around mid-day. Scenes of flooded roads and lecture halls were recorded across the UMass campus. This last heavy dose of rain was fitting for a year with record-breaking weather. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the six-month period from May through October in Massachusetts was the wettest (41.71”) and had the warmest average temperature (65°F) since record keeping began in 1895 (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/). These figures are based on statewide readings compared to the 100-year mean (1901–2000). The fall foliage lasted well into November this year and oaks were particularly nice, ranging from red to golden in color. Looking ahead, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above-average temperatures and average precipitation for December through February (https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/). The upper soil horizon has gone through several freeze-thaw cycles over the past few weeks and heaving may be visible. As fall clean-up winds down, winter is a good time for reflecting on the past growing season and planning for the future. Individual plants can be assessed to determine their long-term status in the landscape. Has increasing shade from overhead trees resulted in reduced vigor and appearance? Is competition with surrounding plants becoming a problem? Is the plant’s size and appearance still compatible with the goals of the landscape? Have previous stresses (abiotic, insect or disease) severely weakened or disfigured the plant? Over time, some trees and shrubs can outgrow their allotted space and their removal can create room for something more desirable.

Pests/Problems: With landscape trees and shrubs receiving an abundance of rainfall this growing season, drought-induced winter injury should be minimal. However, too much water has been detrimental to certain landscape plants, especially those growing in poorly-drained soils. Symptoms of edema, which occurs when plants take up more water than they can use, are widespread on rhododendrons right now. Deer, rabbit and vole browsing is a concern and repellents should be applied and physical protection (i.e. bark guards, fencing, etc.) installed. Structural pruning is generally not recommended at this time until trees and shrubs are fully hardened off for cold temperatures. However, pruning of diseased and dead material can be done at any time. Pruning diseased material in the winter eliminates the risk of spreading fungal and bacterial pathogens since they are also dormant for the season.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: The landscape is asleep. Despite later than normal leaf drop for several tree and shrub species, all plants, including turfgrass, are now in their dormant state. Unlike last year when November experienced some record high temperatures, there were no such occurrences this year. The high temperature for the month as recorded at the Pittsfield Airport was 65°F on November 18 while the low for the month was 14°F on the morning of the 30th. Precipitation at the airport was below normal with a total rainfall equivalent of 2.72 inches compared to the norm of 3.52. Yet, the total for the year is at 51.7 inches which is well above the normal year-to-date total of 40.6 inches. Before the ground froze this past week, soil moisture levels were high. Perhaps the most significant weather feature of the month was the snowfall that began in late afternoon on the 26th. Snowfall totals varied quite a bit around the county: 5.6 inches in Great Barrington, 5.0 inches in Stockbridge, 9.5 inches in West Stockbridge, 3.7 inches in Cheshire, and 8.3 inches in Pittsfield. Snow currently covers the ground throughout most of the County. On the plus side, the snow is a good insulator and should prevent deep frost penetration and potential frost heaving of fall-planted plants, at least for the time being.

Pests/Problems: Prior to the drop in temperatures into the teens, deer ticks were quite active and there were many reports of hikers and outdoor workers attracting ticks. With the onset of sub-freezing temperatures during the last week of the month and the post-Thanksgiving snow, browsing on shrubbery by deer and rabbits has picked up. The only other pest issues are indoors where home-invading insects, notably the multicolored Asian lady beetle, are plentiful. Some breakage of tree limbs due to the snow occurred but these were mostly dead branches. When the snow began it was a bit heavy due to the transition from a light rainfall to snowfall. It could have been worse but the sharp drop in temperature changed the snow to a light, fluffy texture.

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 Amherst.
  • BERKSHIRE REGION - Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from Great Barrington.

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Eastern white pine health: interested in receiving updates on what’s happening with eastern white pine health? Follow this link to sign up for periodic newsletters from the newly formed Eastern White Pine Management Institute (a collaborative effort between the University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, and UMass).

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

  • Death of true fir (Abies sp.) caused by Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sp.) and the elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa). The tree, one of several true firs on the property, is approximately 15-years-old and had been present for many years. The site provides full sun with well-drained soils and no supplemental irrigation. A submitted photo showed a variety of grasses and woody perennials around the tree. An established infestation of the elongate hemlock scale was treated with dinotefuran in late June of 2021 and the level of infestation could be described as moderate to severe. In mid-July, needle browning and branch dieback became visible in the canopy and the homeowner was concerned about possible herbicide injury. However, the submitted roots had vascular tissue that was discolored (brown to black) and tested positive for Phytophthora. The combined effects of the EHS infestation and Phytophthora root rot had likely killed the tree before major needle browning developed and herbicide injury is not suspected as having any role. This is one of the issues associated with diagnosing health issues with true firs; symptoms may appear long after the damage has been done.
  • Lower canopy dieback on Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) caused by Phytophthora. Five plants were transplanted in early June into a residential landscape with light shade. The submitted shoots had faint, brown blotching on the foliage and dead stems with brown vascular tissue. Dead sections of the bark and vascular tissue were excised and tested positive for Phytophthora. The plants were likely infected prior to planting, given that a variety of Phytophthora species are common on ericaceous nursery stock.
  • Edema and suspected nutrient deficiency (iron) on a mature rhododendron. The plant is believed to be 25-years-old and has been present at the site for 20 years. In 2016, several rhododendrons at the property were given a rejuvenation prune (cut to the ground) and had responded well. In 2019, new growth flushed normally but since that time, symptoms of decline have appeared. This plant resides near a driveway with full sun in sandy loam soils. The submitted leaves had brown, corky growth along the midrib and scattered across the leaf underside, which is typical of edema. Edema occurs when plants take up water at a faster rate than they can use. In an attempt to expel the excess water, corky growths are produced on the underside of the foliage. Interveinal yellowing was also present on the foliage and likely represents an iron deficiency, which is known to occur on landscape rhododendrons. The abundant rainfall in 2021 resulted in the development of edema symptoms on many landscape rhododendrons and could have leached away vital macro- and micronutrients from sandy soils.
  • Armillaria root and butt rot of sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The tree is roughly 20-years-old and has been present at the site for 15 years. It was planted without properly distressing the root system and as a result, severe root girdling was detected during a root zone excavation. Examination of the root flare and primary laterals revealed dead bark and tan-colored mushrooms consistent with Armillaria. Mycelial fans and pseudosclerotial plates (a cross between a rhizomorph and mycelial fan) were found on submitted bark segments. The tree resides in full sun with well-drained, loam soils and lawn irrigation.
  • Needle browning and canopy thinning of Fat Albert blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’). Two trees on separate properties with symptoms of canopy thinning and needle blight. Symptoms on the first tree were caused by Rhizosphaera needlecast (Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii)and the shortneedle evergreen scale (Nuculaspis tsugae). The tree is approximately 10-years-old and has been present at the site for four years. The tree appears to be in full sun, planted in a mulched bed surrounded by an irrigated lawn. It’s suspected that lawn sprinklers are wetting the canopy, which would contribute to needlecast disease development. The symptoms were present in previous years. While the lower canopy branches exhibited symptoms typical of needlecast (browning of interior needles), mid- and upper-canopy branches had interior needles that were straw-colored and held in the canopy. After a brief incubation, R. kalkhoffii sporulated profusely from these straw-colored needles. Symptoms on the second tree were caused by Sudden Needle Drop (SNEED; Setomelanomma holmii) and R. kalkhoffii. The tree has been present at the site for less than one year and is approximately five to seven-years-old. As such, transplant shock may also be a factor in the observed symptoms. In addition to interior needle browning, shoot dieback appeared as well. Setomelanomma does not infect the needles, but attacks the shoots at the base of the needle, resulting in premature shedding. It still remains unclear how pathogenic this fungus is and how important it might be among the complex of pests and pathogens responsible for decline of blue spruce in landscape settings.
  • Needle blight, caused by Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, on weeping white spruce (Picea glauca ‘Pendula’). Two trees at a residential property exhibited black-colored spotting and necrosis on the needles in late October. The diseased needles were intermixed with healthy needles. The managing arborist was concerned it could be spray damage, as the trees were treated with 1% horticultural oil in mid-October. However, other conifers treated on the property (eastern hemlock and Norway spruce) appeared healthy and unaffected. The white spruce trees were transplanted four years ago and receive a mixture of sun and shade in well-drained, loam soils. Symptoms of Rhizosphaera needlecast can sometimes manifest as scattered, blackened spots and blotches on infected spruce. Over time, the needles become fully blackened and are shed from the canopy. While Rhizosphaera needlecast is nearly always attributed to R. khalkhoffii on spruce, other Rhizosphaera species in the region can also infect this host and may explain the variation in symptoms.

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

Insects

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

This is the last woody ornamental insects report for the Landscape Message for 2021! The next reports will begin again in March/April of the New Year. Thank you to those of you who read these messages, and we hope that this information has been useful to you again this year. The winter is a great time to reflect on the insect pest problems you encountered during the last growing season, monitor and detect and mechanically remove overwintering pest insect life stages on high value host plants, and plan for reduced risk management options starting in the spring of 2022 as necessary. It is also a great time to plan for pollinator gardens or think about plants that you might install in 2022 to support native insect diversity and natural enemies (naturally occurring insects which help regulate pest insect populations).

We hope you have a restful winter season enjoyed with family and friends!

Do You Have Questions about Jumping Worms? If So, This Announcement is for You!

Join UMass Extension’s Jumping Worm Conference on January 26 & 27, 2022 from 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Registration is available: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/jumping-worm-conference .

Are you a land manager and have been receiving requests for more information about so-called "jumping/snake worms"? Are you a homeowner who is looking to learn more, ask questions, or perhaps you just found jumping worms on your property in 2021? No matter who you are, if you are curious or concerned about jumping worms, this conference is for you!

Join UMass Extension as we welcome scientists who specialize in jumping worm research to discuss the latest understanding of these earthworms. How to identify jumping worms, what their potential impacts are, and the latest research into how we might manage them to be discussed. These LIVE virtual presentations will also give you the chance to get your questions answered following each speaker's presentation. So, bring your questions!

For the full agenda, visit the link above.

Winter Flights of Moths:

  • Bruce Spanworm: Operophtera bruceata is a native moth that occurs from New England to the Great Lakes whose caterpillars are periodic defoliators of hosts such as maple, especially sugar maple, beech, birch, cherry, willow, and others. Frequent readers of the Landscape Message might recognize the genus of this insect – Operophtera as it is the same as a well-known, invasive defoliator in eastern Massachusetts – the winter moth, or O. brumata. In fact, the two species are extremely difficult to differentiate, and identification must be done by an entomologist (looking at adult moth genitalia) or through DNA sequencing. Both species are also known to be able to hybridize, and the Elkinton Lab at UMass Amherst reports that they do that with some frequency in parts of central Massachusetts. Bruce spanworm (O. bruceata) has a history of occasional outbreaks that are sometimes widespread geographically in localized patches, and can last 3-5 years. However, in the 1990’s and until recently, the majority of the outbreaks in eastern Massachusetts and coastal New England have been attributed to the non-native winter moth.

Female Bruce spanworm moths are wingless and brown/white spotted in color. They emerge in October and November, at which time the females crawl to their host plants, mate with winged males (males do fly), and deposit green eggs in cracks and crevices of bark or beneath lichens. Bruce spanworm eggs then turn bright orange prior to overwintering and egg hatch occurs at the time of budbreak in the spring. One might look for tiny orange overwintering eggs with a hand lens, however (much like winter moth), finding Bruce spanworm eggs on host plants is difficult. The feeding habits of Bruce spanworm caterpillars are very similar to those of winter moth. Full grown Bruce spanworm caterpillars are approximately 1 inch in length, and typically bright green although some individuals are very dark green-black in color with longitudinal (lengthwise) white to yellow-white lines. Peak feeding by this species (defoliation) can occur by the beginning of June, but this varies season-to-season. By late June, Bruce spanworm drops to the ground to pupate in the leaf litter or soil (similar to winter moth). Bruce spanworm moths are sometimes referred to as “hunter’s moths” as they are one of the few species active in the fall.

Bruce spanworm caterpillars do not typically require management, unless a localized outbreak is occurring. As a native insect, natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens regulate Bruce spanworm populations.

  • Fall Cankerworm: Alsophila pometaria is a native species of inchworm known as the fall cankerworm. Host plants for this species include ash, beech, cherry, red maple, sugar maple, red oak, white oak, and many other hardwoods. As the common name suggests, the adults of this species are active in the late fall. Fall cankerworms usually cause some defoliation in our forests year-to-year, and on occasion localized outbreaks occur. Fall cankerworm adult moths (particularly the males that can fly) may be seen in late fall/early winter and often stand out as one of the few moths that are active at this time of year.

Mature fall cankerworm larvae are approximately an inch in length and also vary in color from light green to dark green/brown. Both color forms have varied light or dark longitudinal lines/stripes. The larvae also have three pairs of hardened thoracic legs and three pairs of fleshy prolegs on their abdomen, yet one of those pairs is much shorter than the others. (Sometimes referred to as “two and a half pairs” of prolegs.) Eggs hatch in the spring just as host plant leaves begin to emerge. Larvae feed and mature in 5-6 weeks. This insect also pupates at the soil surface, after larvae drop to the ground, and adult moths emerge that are brown in color with winged males that fly, and wingless females that cannot. Adult emergence may be seen after late October to early December. The eggs of fall cankerworm are tiny and often laid in clusters on host plant twigs. They appear vase-shaped with a dark colored ring and central spot on the top of the egg. Each female can lay approximately 100 eggs, which overwinter.

Like Bruce spanworm caterpillars, fall cankerworm does not always require management, unless a localized outbreak is occurring. As a native insect, natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens and even seasonal fluctuations in abiotic conditions (ex. cool, wet spring weather) can help regulate fall cankerworm populations. That said, some years and in certain locations noticeable fall (and spring) cankerworm populations may be seen that do require some attention in managed landscapes. In recent years, fall and spring cankerworm caterpillar populations have been noticed in parts of coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Cod. It is important to monitor specimen trees and shrubs next spring for these caterpillar populations, particularly after budbreak.

  • Winter Moth: Operophtera brumata is a non-native insect that was identified in Massachusetts for the first time in 2003 following persistent reports of defoliation in eastern areas of the state such as Cape Anne and on the North Shore near Cohasset, Hingham, and Rockland on the South Shore in the late 1990’s. For more information about the life cycle and management of winter moth, please visit thisfact sheet: Winter Moth Identification and Management . For more detailed information about the history of this insect pest in North America and Massachusetts, please visit this fact sheet: Winter Moth in Massachusetts: History and Biological Control .

Similar to both Bruce spanworm and fall cankerworm, winter moth adult males tend to emerge and are seen flying in mid to late November, typically right around Thanksgiving. Winter moth male flights may continue into January any time temperatures are above freezing. As with the other two native inchworm species, winter moth females are nearly wingless and do not fly. Males mate with females, who lay eggs on host tree bark, which overwinter and give rise to caterpillar populations in the early spring, just as host plant buds are beginning to open. The life cycle of winter moth is described in the identification and management fact sheet above, but is similar to those of Bruce spanworm and fall cankerworm. Landscape message scouts report seeing possible winter moth adult male flights in Dighton and Boston, MA and professionals living and working in Middleborough and Rehoboth, and Cotuit, MA also report possible adult male winter moth flights. Beginning the week prior to Thanksgiving, small brown moths were seen flying in car headlights and attracted to outdoor lights at night in these areas. It is possible that these moths are mixed populations of winter moth, Bruce spanworm, and/or fall cankerworm, however the timing is typical for winter moth male flights. Due to the success of the biological control of winter moth in recent years, we do not anticipate populations will be high or particularly damaging next spring, yet we cannot say anything with absolute certainty for all locations year to year. However – moth flights this time of year always remind us that it is a good idea to plan to monitor for these springtime defoliating inchworm caterpillars next season!

Insects and Other Arthropods of Medical Importance:

  • Deer Tick/Blacklegged Tick: Ixodes scapularis – Adult male and female deer ticks are active any time temperatures are above freezing from October through next May. So do not let your guard down, even though colder temperatures are upon us! For images of all deer tick life stages, along with an outline of the diseases they carry, and their timing of activity, visit: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/species/blacklegged-tick/ .

Anyone working in the yard and garden should be aware that there is the potential to encounter deer ticks. The deer tick or blacklegged tick can transmit Lyme disease, human babesiosis, human anaplasmosis, and other diseases. Preventative activities, such as daily tick checks, wearing appropriate clothing, and permethrin treatments for clothing (according to label instructions) can aid in reducing the risk that a tick will become attached to your body. If a tick cannot attach and feed, it will not transmit disease. For more information about personal protective measures, visit: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/prevention/protect-yourself/ . Check out the archived TickTalk with TickReport webinars available here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/webinars .

The Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment provides a list of potential tick identification and testing resources here: https://ag.umass.edu/resources/tick-testing-resources .

*Note that deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are not the only disease-causing tick species found in Massachusetts. The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) are also found throughout MA. Each can carry their own complement of diseases, including others not mentioned above. Anyone working or playing in tick habitats (wood-line areas, forested areas, and landscaped areas with ground cover) should check themselves regularly for ticks while practicing preventative measures.

Woody ornamental insect and non-insect arthropod pests to consider, a selected few:

Invasive Insects & Other Organisms Update:

  • Current map of SLF detections.Spotted lanternfly egg masses seen on 10/15/2021 in New Haven County, CT. Note that the egg masses from this season are covered by a gray coating that was excreted by the female. Older egg masses seen in this photo are missing that coating, and rows of brownish eggs can be seen. (Tawny Simisky) Spotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) The MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced on September 28, 2021 that a small, established, and breeding population of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was detected in Worcester County, MA in the city of Fitchburg. This finding was confirmed by state officials.

For further details regarding what is currently known about the population in Fitchburg, MA and MDAR’s response, visit the press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-agricultural-officials-discover-invasive-spotted-lanternfly-population-in-worcester-county .

Residents and professionals living and working across the Commonwealth should learn the life stages of the spotted lanternfly and be able to identify their eggs, immatures, and adults. At this time, it is particularly valuable to learn how to ID spotted lanternfly egg masses, because the eggs are the life stage that overwinters. If any life stages of this insect are found in Massachusetts, report them immediately here: https://massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx .

Currently, the only established (breeding) population of spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts is in a small area of Fitchburg, MA. Therefore, there is no reason to be preemptively treating for this insect in other areas of Massachusetts. If you suspect you have found spotted lanternfly in additional locations, please report it immediately to MDAR at the link provided above. If you are living and working in the Fitchburg area, please be vigilant and continue to report anything suspicious.

For More Information:

From UMass Extension:

*Check out the new InsectXaminer Episode about spotted lanternfly adults and egg masses! Available here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/insectxaminer .

https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/spotted-lanternfly

From the MA Department of Agricultural Resources:

https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html

Nursery Best Management Practices (January 2021)

Best Practices for Businesses

Checklist for Residents in or near Infested Areas

Driver’s Checklist in English or Spanish (September 2021)

Moving Industry Checklist (February 2021)

  • Adult emerald ash borer found beneath ash trees in Hampshire County, MA on 8/11/2021. (Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension.) Emerald Ash Borer: (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) in 2021 alone, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has confirmed at least 28 new community detections of emerald ash borer in Massachusetts. To date, 11 out of the 14 counties in Massachusetts have confirmed emerald ash borer. (The remaining counties where EAB has yet to be detected are Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.)A map of these locations and others previously known across the state may be found here: 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. It is interesting to note that woodpeckers are capable of eating 30-95% of the emerald ash borer larvae found in a single tree (Murphy et al. 2018). Unfortunately, despite high predation rates, EAB populations continue to grow.

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: https://massnrc.org/pests/eabreport.htm .

  • 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 .

  • Jumping Worms: Amynthas spp. earthworms, collectively referred to as “jumping or crazy or snake” worms, overwinter as eggs in tiny, mustard-seed sized cocoons found in the soil or other substrate (ex. compost). The tiny, impossible to remove cocoons will overwinter and provide a population of these earthworms next season.

Don’t miss UMass Extension’s Jumping Worm Conference on January 26 and 27th! Register now: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/jumping-worm-conference .    

For more information, listen to Dr. Olga Kostromytska’s presentation here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/invasive-insect-webinars .

UMass Extension Fact Sheets:

Earthworms in Massachusetts – History, Concerns, and Benefits: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/earthworms-in-massachusetts-history-concerns-benefits .

Jumping/Crazy/Snake Worms – Amynthas spp.:

https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/jumpingcrazysnake-worms-amynthas-spp

Suggested reading includes Dr. Kostromytska’s recent “Hot Topics” article in Hort Notes (including an identification guide), here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/newsletters/hort-notes/hort-notes-2021-vol-323

Additional resources can also be found here:

University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/jumping-worms

Cornell Cooperative Extension: http://ulster.cce.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm

UNH Extension: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/invasive-spotlight-jumping-worms

Tree & Shrub Insects & Mites:

*Note: The timing for chemical management options for insect pests of trees and shrubs has passed for this season. The following notes are seasonally appropriate, and many provide scouting tips for the winter in preparation for management options for next (2022) spring.

  • Scout for and remove overwintering bagworm bags to reduce the number of caterpillars on individual plants next year. Bagworm bag seen on 10/15/2021 in New Haven County, CT. (Tawny Simisky) Multiple bagworm bags seen on 10/15/2021 in New Haven County, CT. (Tawny Simisky) Bagworm: Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis is a native species of moth whose larvae construct bag-like coverings over themselves with host plant leaves and twigs as they feed on plant foliage. Bagworm eggs overwinter in the bags created by the females of this season. A great mechanical management option for this insect over the winter is to remove/prune out any egg-containing bags from infested host plants. This will help reduce the number of bagworms present on the plant next season.
  • Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid: Adelges cooleyi overwinters at the base of host plant needles (Colorado blue, Engelmann, and other spruces) below buds and are covered in a white-waxy material. If this life stage is seen, plan to scout for and remove green, elongated, pineapple-shaped galls from the end of new growth next spring. Plan to do this before galls turn brown and open (usually by July). Dormant oils can also be planned for the overwintering nymphs before galls form and when temperatures allow, early next spring. Follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. Note that on Douglas fir, dormant oil applications may result in yellowing of foliage. This insect does not produce galls on Douglas fir, but may result in crooked/twisted needles from adelgid feeding.
  • Eastern and Forest Tent Caterpillars: Malacosoma americanum and Malacosoma disstria both overwinter as ½ to 2 inch long egg masses which encircle the twigs of their host plants (eastern tent caterpillar: wild cherry, crabapple, apple; forest tent caterpillar: oak, sugar maple, poplar, birch, etc.). These shiny, dark colored egg masses can be pruned from these host plants and destroyed over the winter, to prevent caterpillar hatch next spring.
  • Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid: Adelges abietis overwinters as white, wax-covered nymphs at the base of needles on Norway spruce, but also white, red, and blue spruce. Dormant oil applications may be made on plant terminals early next spring to kill overwintering nymphs. Follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. Plan to prune out and destroy any green, newly developing galls next spring before the insects inside emerge.
  • Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs have already found overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes. While such invaders do not cause any structural damage to the home, they can become a nuisance especially when they are present in large numbers. Once they’ve entered the home, they are easy to clean up with a vacuum. Just be sure to empty the vacuum following each use. Chemical management of these insects inside the home is not recommended and is not necessary or effective in the vast majority of cases.
  • Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Adelges tsugae is a bit unique in the sense that this insect does much of its feeding on hemlock hosts over the winter, rather than during the growing season. In mid-October, hemlock woolly adelgid nymphs (which are very difficult to see at the base of hemlock needles) began feeding again. Over the winter, they will continue to feed and develop into adults, which typically produce egg masses again in March. As this development and egg laying occurs, the adelgids produce the white, waxy, woolly material around themselves which becomes easily detectible. This makes the insects look like tiny cotton balls lined up at the base of hemlock needles. While the timing for chemical management options for this insect has passed for this season, dormant oil applications can be planned, as necessary, for next March/April. Do not apply dormant oils when hemlock buds are open, or when freezing temperatures are expected. Follow all label instructions for safety and proper use.
  • Honeylocust Mite: Platytetranychus multidigitali overwinters as bright orange adults that are approximately 1 mm long. These orange colored mites can be found in bud scars and cracks in the bark of their namesake host, Gleditsia triacanthos. Over the winter, host plants can be scouted using a 10X hand lens to find mites overwintering in these locations. This information can be used to plan management options for next spring, such as dormant oil applications targeting the overwintered adults. Follow all label instructions for safety and proper use.
  • Lymantria dispar: formerly known as gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar egg masses will be seen overwintering on just about any flat surface, including host plants such as oak, but also fencing, buildings, steps, outdoor furniture, etc. The winter is a good time to scout properties, particularly in areas of Berkshire County, MA that experienced elevated L. dispar populations in 2021. If large numbers of egg masses are seen, create a plan over the winter to protect susceptible specimen trees and shrubs from caterpillars next spring in the event that caterpillar activity is elevated in these areas again.
  • Magnolia Scale: Neolecanium cornuparvum overwinters as immature scales that are dark in color, found on the twigs of susceptible magnolias. During the dormant winter season, scout trees that are known to have problems with this native soft scale and look at 1 to 2-year old twigs for overwintering crawlers that are approximately 1/16th of an inch in length. If found, plan for dormant oil applications next spring, targeting these locations. Follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. *Note – the winter is a good time to scout for overwintering life stages of many different scale insects on many different host plants. Be sure to bring a 10X hand lens to assist you.
  • Viburnum Leaf Beetle: Pyrrhalta viburni is a beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is native to Europe, but was found in Massachusetts in 2004. This beetle feeds exclusively on many different species of viburnum, which includes, but is not limited to, susceptible plants such as V. dentatum, V. nudum, V. opulus, V. propinquum, and V. rafinesquianum. Some viburnum have been observed to have varying levels of resistance to this insect, including but not limited to V. bodnantense, V. carlesii, V. davidii, V. plicatum, V. rhytidophyllum, V. setigerum, and V. sieboldii. Viburnum leaf beetles overwinter as eggs laid in pits chewed near the tips of twigs on susceptible hosts. A great mechanical management option for reducing next season’s viburnum leaf beetle population is to prune out over wintering egg sites and dispose of them. Do this after several hard frosts to ensure that any lingering viburnum leaf beetle adults from this season have been killed by cold temperatures. More information about viburnum leaf beetle may be found at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/ .

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 .

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

Additional Resources

Pesticide License Exams - The MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is now holding exams online. For more information and how to register, go to: https://www.mass.gov/pesticide-examination-and-licensing. 

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For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our upcoming educational events https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/upcoming-events

For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out UMass Extension's Greenhouse Update website

For professional turf managers - Check out Turf Management Updates

For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out our home lawn and garden resources. 

Diagnostic Services

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 Diagnostic 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 lab provides test results and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use of soils and soil amendments. For more information, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site. The lab is currently accepting new orders for Routine Soil Analysis (including optional Organic Matter, Soluble Salts, and Nitrate testing), Particle Size Analysis, Pre-Sidedress Nitrate (PSNT), and Soilless Media (no other types of soil analyses available at this time). Turnaround time: Please plan for the fact that date of receipt in the lab is affected by weekends, holidays, shipping time, and time for UMass Campus Mail to deliver samples to the lab.

Tick Testing - The UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment provides a list of potential tick identification and testing options at: https://ag.umass.edu/resources/tick-testing-resources.

UMass Extension gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the MA Nursery and Landscape Association Fund in providing funding for a portion of the staff time required to publish the Landscape Message.