Landscape Message: November 15, 2024

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts land care 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. 

Welcome to Landscape Message #20.. the final message for 2024.  Thanks for a great season, best wishes for the holidays and the new year, and we'll see you again in March of 2025!  To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list 

Click on the headings below to jump to that section of the message.

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In This Issue

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

Regional Notes

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Insects and Other Arthropods

Landscape Weeds

Additional Resources

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Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about November 13, 2024. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50ºF baseline temperature collected via regional NEWA stations (http://newa.cornell.edu) for the 2024 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	2024 Growing Degree Days		Soil Temp (°F at 4" depth)		Precipitation (Gain in inches since last report)	Time/Date of Readings
	Gain since last report	2024 total	Sun	Shade
CAPE	162	2838	51	48	0.16	8:00 AM 11/13/24
SOUTHEAST	158	3122	55	46	0.02	3:00 PM 11/13/2024
NORTH SHORE	151	2849	45	44	0.44	9:00 AM 11/13/2024
EAST	165	3142	47	44	0.29	4:00 PM 11/13/2024
METRO	138	2917	45	44	0.88	6:15 AM 11/13/2024
CENTRAL	141	2979	48	45	0.39	12:00 PM 11/13/2024
PIONEER VALLEY	130	3033	48	50	0.17	1:00 PM 11/13
BERKSHIRES	94	2552	47	43	0.41	6:45 AM 11/13/2024
AVERAGE	142	2929	48	46	0.35	-
n/a = information not available

 

US Drought Monitor: Pronounced dry conditions persist since the last update. At this time all of Massachusetts has an official drought designation of at least D0 (Abnormally Dry). Most of the interior of the Commonwealth, along with Boston north, and south, are classified as D2 (Severe Drought)... nearly 70% of the state's area in total.  The Cape and the islands are at D1(Moderate Drought), representing about 15% of the state's area.  The remainder, including Northern portions of Worcester, Middlesex, and Essex counties, along with small portions of Frankin and Berkshire counties and a swath of both Bristol and Plymouth counties, is classified as D1 (Moderate Drought). State map as of Thursday 11/14: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA
 

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions:

The period from October 16 through Nov 13 averaged 55ºF with a high of 78ºF on October 21 and a low of 28ºF on November 10. While parts of the upper Cape received a first frost on October 17, much of the Cape did not experience frost until October 29, and some locales maybe not until November 10. Interestingly, the average temperature for this period is only a couple degrees cooler than the previous period from mid-September to mid-October. While the previous period saw seasonally normal temperatures with a steady cool down, this period has been unseasonably warm and somewhat erratic, and dominated by bright sunny days.

During the period, less than two tenths of an inch of precipitation has fallen. The warmer than average temperatures, bright sunny days and winds have resulted in soil moisture conditions that are extremely dry. There has also been an elevated fire risk for nearly two weeks straight. Minus a precipitation event in mid-October, soil moisture conditions have been short to dry for months. The need for fall irrigation is certain and extra attention should be given to unestablished plants, as well as needled and broadleaved evergreens, to avoid winter injury and winter desiccation.

Plants seen in bloom recently include dahlias, asters, as well as some ‘PJM’ rhododendron with fall flowering. Fall foliage color has primarily passed, and oaks continue to lose their leaves. The dry conditions have made the corralling of leaves an ongoing process.

Pests/Problems:

Not too much pest pressure observed during the period. The primary issue is the lack of soil moisture. Heavier than normal abscission seen on many arborvitae; this is likley induced by soil moisture stress.

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions:

We're through peak leaf color. The weather is rapidly cooling and becoming more seasonable, off a high of 81ºF on Monday, October 23rd. We've since had at least two light frosts with lows of 28ºF on the mornings of Monday, November 4th, and Sunday, November 10th. The average temperature over the past two weeks was 54ºF. The average humidity was 65%. There was light precipitation on the morning of Monday, November 11th. Other than that, we've had to rely on dew and frost for moisture. Total precipitation was a meager 0.015 inches. The soil temperature in full sun was 55ºF, and in shade was 46ºF on November 13th at 3:00 PM.

Pests/Problems:

The Massachusetts Drought Monitor rates the southeastern region as experiencing significant drought. Vernal water sources are dry. We've had consistent fire weather with dry conditions and gusty winds.

Cluster flies, fruit flies, aggressive yellow jackets, lady bird beetles, stink bugs and seed bugs are common home invaders.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions:

This reporting period (second half of October and first half of November) has been very dry. The whole North Shore region has experienced significant drought conditions for several weeks. The dry conditions and high winds have created a very high risk for brush fires, and over the last few weeks there have been brush fires in some areas in the region. Only 0.24 inch of rainfall has been recorded at Long Hill during the four week reporting period.

Temperatures were variable, with many days above normal for this time of the year. Daytime temperatures ranged from the high 40s to the high 70s, and nighttime temperatures ranged from the mid-20s to mid 50s. Temperatures above 80 degrees F were recorded on two days during this period, October 21 and November 6. Temperatures below 32º were recorded on 5 days during these first two weeks of November. The average daily temperature for the period was 51˚F, with the maximum temperature of 81˚F recorded October 21 and November 6, and the minimum temperature of 25˚F recorded on November 4th. The few plants seen in bloom include American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and 'Sheffield Pink' chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflorum). Fall foliage color is all gone and most deciduous trees and shrubs have shed their leaves. Fall cleanup is ongoing throughout the region.

Pests/Problems:

There was no pest or disease activity observed. The main problem now is the drought. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be well watered until the soil freezes. Disease infected fallen leaves and fruits should be raked up and moved offsite to prevent the buildup of disease inoculum in the landscape.

East (Boston)

General Conditions:

It has been an extended, warm, dry fall. Over the past four weeks daytime temperatures averaged 65ºF. We had a high of 82ºF on both October 21st and November 6th, with nine other days in the 70’s. November 6th we recorded a daytime high of 49ºF, the only day not going above 50ºF. Overnight lows averaged 42ºF; November 6th the overnight low was 60ºF. The night of November 3rd into the morning of the 4th, temperatures dropped to 27ºF. This did not result in a killing frost but did put an end to vegetable gardens and exposed annuals. We received 0.29 inches of precipitation, the majority, 0.21 inches, falling on October 30th.

There remains a significant amount of green foliage in the landscape. We had no true peak of fall color, Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ (‘October Glory’ red maple) is looking especially nice right now. Ilex verticillata (winterberry) fruit is putting on a show, ornamental grasses are adding interest to the landscape, and Hamamelis virginiana (common witchhazel) is flowering.

Pests/Problems:

Lack of precipitation has been the ongoing concern. We have received only 0.71 inches of precipitation from October 1st through November 13th. Recent plantings require supplemental irrigation. Evergreens are experiencing early annual needle drop. Garlic mustard rosettes (Alliaria petiolata) are visible along roadsides and forest edges.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions:

We’ve experienced a range of weather during this past 4-week reporting period, spanning the last weeks in the month of October and the beginning weeks in November. There were 2 days when temperatures were recorded above 80ºF, with a record breaking one recorded on November 6th, and there were 7 days scattered throughout this reporting period when temperatures were recorded in the 70s. Morning temperatures have dipped into the low 20s with a low of 21ºF recorded on both November 4th and 10th . Rainfall has been well below average... October’s average monthly rainfall is 4.32” and a total of 0.82” of rain was recorded for the month. For the month of November, the average rainfall is 4.43” and the precipitation recorded for the month so far, as of the 13th, for this area is a total of 0.14”.

On November 15th, the day length measures 9 hours and 40 minutes. Until the Winter Solstice arrives on December 21st, the day length will continue to decrease to 9 hours and 3 minutes and then the length of our daylight will slowly but surely increase daily.

Pests/Problems:

The dry weather pattern continued throughout this reporting period and as a result, on November 7th, the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs elevated the drought status and declared a Level D3 – Critical Drought for the Central and Northeast regions of the State.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions:

Per the trend with the rest of the region, the weather has been quite warm, breezy, and extremely dry. Temperatures have averaged 64ºF (the highest being 81.5ºF on 10/21), and nights have dropped as low as 26.1ºF, with the first frost having occurred mid-October. More recently, nighttime temperatures have been quite low. Precipitation was recorded at 0.39 inches since the last report, receiving 0.26 inches on 10/30. The rain hasn’t been soaking and has been very spotty, if any. Average wind speed since the last report has been 3.7 mph, with a max of 10 mph on 11/12. Air conditions have been very dry, along with having multiple fluctuations in atmospheric pressure.

All herbaceous material has gone to seed; any leftover flowering material has been bitten by the frost. Witchhazels (Hamamelis virginiana) are continuing to hang on to their blooms. Almost all the tree and shrub foliage has dropped, oaks holding on a little tighter, though, with the dry weather and occasional wind gusts, they likely won't hold on for much longer.

Pests/Problems:

Drought stress has created harsh soil conditions for any newly planted or sensitive plant material. This has also increased fire hazards consistently, especially on windier days and warmer days. Along with a warmer season, ticks can still be encountered in the landscape and will continue to thrive, especially if there are no consistent cold days going into the winter.

Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

General Conditions:

The dry and sunny conditions this autumn season produced a truly spectacular foliar display across the Pioneer Valley. While each autumn season is impressive, the intensity and vibrance of colors this year hit especially hard. But the dry conditions have now become a serious concern. Soils are bone dry in many full sun landscapes, the compounding effect of below-average precipitation in September, October and the first half of November. The US Drought Monitor has designated moderate (D1) drought severity everywhere west of the Connecticut River, while a swath of even worse conditions (severe; D2) characterizes portions of the eastern tri-counties.

While plant water usage is significantly lower this time of year as we settle into the dormant season, drought stress prior to dormancy can result in higher rates of winter injury. The lack of rainfall also makes it more difficult to establish recent transplants. Since 8/20 (our last significant rainfall), recorded precipitation has been paltry in Hampden County (1.0–2.3”), lean in Hampshire County (1.4–2.8”), and insufficient in Franklin County (2.8–3.8”).

The lack of rain, low humidity and gusty winds have also produced numerous brush fires across the Commonwealth, with near daily red flag warnings. One of the largest occurred in Northampton at the Fitzgerald Lake conservation area, where creeping flames charred the forest floor across ~55 acres. It’s a striking end to a prolonged period of wet weather that started in 2023 and carried through the majority of this past summer. Throughout the tri-counties, rainfall was ample (to excessive) during much of the growing season. It’s another reminder of just how quickly soils can dry out and the importance of developing a landscape resistant to drought stress. Specific actions can include soil amendments (e.g. compost) aimed at retaining moisture and mulching to keep the root zone free of moisture-sucking turfgrasses. Proper plant selection and siting is also important to ensure that plants adapted to drier, full sun settings can withstand short-term droughts. Finally, maintaining high vigor by controlling predisposing pest and pathogen issues can ensure plants have all available resources.

Pests/Problems:

Mowing maple, birch and other easily compostable leaves can help to add organic matter to the soil, which is beneficial for trees.

Many needle blight and twig cankering pathogens that can be active during the autumn season likely had a harder time sporulating and spreading due to the prolonged dry and sunny weather. However, the spruce spider mite likely enjoyed a productive autumn season. This cooler season mite thrives during periods of drought. The mild winter of ‘23–’24 was beneficial for garden rodents like voles and their populations have been high this year. Scout for signs of these root and bark eating pests so that repellents can be applied.

Rabbits and deer can quickly negate the annual gains made by plants during the winter months. Depending on local pressure, repellents and fencing should be utilized as needed.

The two previous winters in the valley have seen periods of very wet, heavy snow. As a result, snow loading branch injuries have been common on arborvitae, false-cypress, pine, and yew. Now is a good time to tie up or secure branches that may be injured this upcoming winter. Another form of winter injury that has become more common in recent years is heavy snow sliding off solar panels onto foundation plants. A-frames or other physical barriers should be constructed and put in place soon as early winter snow can often be wet and slushy.

Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

General Conditions:

Though not quite as dry as in central and some eastern parts of the state, the Berkshires are officially in the moderate drought category. Total rainfall since October 16 at the 3 NEWA stations in the county was scant 0.16 inches in North Adams, 0.36 inches in Richmond, 0.39 inches in Pittsfield. It has been dry and the prospect for any significant rain soon remains slim. Lawns on gravelly soils, and often those on slopes, are often brown. Otherwise, the grass is green and growing, though slowly as would be expected at this time of year.

The fall foliage season seemed brief this year and not as uniformly colorful as in other years. This may be due to variations in soil moisture. Deciduous trees and shrubs are now naked, and the foliage of herbaceous perennials is dry.

After a prolonged warm period and some record high temperatures on October 22, temperatures are now more typical of mid-autumn, that is, with daytime temperatures in the upper 40s and lows near 30ºF. The highest temperatures for this scouting period were 77ºF in Pittsfield, 79ºF at Richmond, and 80ºF in North Adams. These were all on October 22 and some were record-setting for the date. The lowest temperatures were all on November 10 with 22ºF in Richmond, 23ºF in North Adams, and 24ºF in Pittsfield.

Pests/Problems:

Pest and disease problems are few at this time. Deer ticks, or blacklegged ticks, (Ixodes scapularis) are mostly in the adult stage and remain active. They are frequently found among thick patches of fallen tree leaves. Pets, i.e. dogs and cats, are especially prone to picking up ticks while wandering outdoors and will haul the pests indoors. Not only should those working outdoors be following the usual precautions against ticks, but pet animals, acting as tick taxis, should be examined for ticks when returning indoors.

Despite the cooling soil temperatures, the Asian jumping worms (Amynthas agrestis, Amynthas tokioensis, and Metophire hilgendorfi) may still be found in upper layers of soil, especially beneath mulch. Rodents, especially voles, remain active and may feed on certain plant roots as well as some bulbs. Tunneling by voles is quite common on lawns. Deer browsing has picked up. Perhaps due to browned turf and dried herbaceous foliage, deer will direct much attention to browsing on the foliage on evergreen trees and shrubs but will also nibble on this year’s growth of woody twigs.

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, and Anna Petrie, reporting from New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 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

Recent pests, pathogens, or problems of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, a select few:

Interior canopy needle browning of Norway spruce (Picea abies) caused by Rhizosphaera needle cast (Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii) and an infestation of the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis). The tree resides in an open landscape in well-drained, loam soils with a road and driveway on three sides. The extremely wet weather in 2023 created ideal conditions for many needle blight fungi on conifers and these diseases were abundant on ornamental spruce in 2024. The premature shedding of older needles creates a chronic stress that reduces growth and makes trees more susceptible to decline from other stresses.

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) wilt of fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’). Young plants that were installed two years ago in a full sun landscape with soils that are clay-based and moderately drained. Starting in July, scattered branch dieback developed across the planting ultimately ending in death of certain plants. Oozing sap was also visible on the main stem. When the bark was removed from the roots and lower portion of the main stem, the infected vascular tissue was blackened and soaked with a very sticky sap. The pathogen persists in the soil and once established in a planting bed, fragrant sumac cannot be replanted. If it is, the new plants will become diseased and die. It’s unclear how widespread Fusarium wilt is on fragrant sumac nursery stock.

Neonectria canker (Neonectria sp.) and Rhizosphaera needle cast (Rhizosphaera sp.) on white fir (Abies concolor). The tree is one of four white firs in a hedge row that are approximately 25 years old and have been present at the site for 10 years. The trees reside in full sun with well-drained, loam soils and receive some supplemental irrigation from lawn sprinklers. One tree has exhibited browning and premature needle shedding in the lower canopy while the other three trees are currently asymptomatic. Neonectria canker on white fir can cause a sporadic dieback throughout the canopy or a more uniform dieback from the bottom up. When other stresses are present, it can be a significant contributor to decline. Rhizosphaera is one of several needle blight pathogens that can weaken white fir. This conifer is like blue spruce (Picea pungens) in that it originates from drier western forests where humidity levels are generally low. The moist, humid climate of southern New England facilitates a variety of diseases that are of little to no concern in its native range.

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

Insects and Other Arthropods

No report available this month. In the meantime, refer to:

Landscape Weeds

No report available this month.

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Additional Resources

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For a complete listing of landscape, nursery, and urban forestry program upcoming events, see our calendar at 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 our Turf Management Updates.

For pollinator interests - Check out the Pollinator Buzz.

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 the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory web site.

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, including current turn-around times, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site. The lab is currently accepting orders for Routine Soil Analysis (including optional Organic Matter, Soluble Salts, and Nitrate testing), Particle Size Analysis, Pre-Sidedress Nitrate (PSNT), Total Sorbed Metals, and Soilless Media (no other types of soil analyses available at this time). Check for current 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.

Acknowledgements: UMass Extension gratefully acknowledges the support of the following funding sources for the production of the Landscape Message –

• The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association Fund
• The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Award #ISADCR28219926UMA24A
• Stakeholders like you! The Landscape Message is partially supported by educational program user fees.