PHC on the Lookout – Maple Tar Spot
Just as the name indicates, this plant fungus disease appears as black spots on the leaves. It’s as if someone flung paint or tar all over the tree leaves. Occasionally, the tree also develops lesions, or wounds on the leaves that appear more yellow or rust colored. Several varieties of Maple trees are affected, but […]
PHC on the Lookout – Maple Bladder Galls
There are thousands of types of galls produced on a variety of trees, including Maples, Oaks, Hackberry and Spruce.95% of galls are formed by different parasitic insects, usually microscopic or very small in size. Galls develop when the plant tissue is irritated. It’s believed that the parasitic insect produces a plant-growth-regulating chemical that deforms the […]
PHC on the Lookout – Got Scale?
Scale insects are a large family that feed on a wide range of host plants and have many different appearances. Scale is usually divided into two categories: armored and soft body scale. Armored scale insects, in the adult stage, have a hard outer cover that makes treatment timing critical. All scale insects have a series […]
Tip of the Week – Tree City USA in Illinois
Have you seen the sign that designates a community as a Tree City USA? Ever wondered what it means to be a Tree City USA town or city? Illinois is currently home to approximately 167 Tree City USA communities. In the recent past, Illinois was second in the nation for the number of Tree City […]
Tip of the Week – Lightning Tree Damage
The strong storms we’ve experienced recently are a reminder of the tree damage that can occur during high winds and from lightning strikes. Every strike of lightning may reach more than 5 miles, produce temperatures higher than 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and an electrical charge of 100 million volts. Imagine that force hitting a tree. If […]
Tip of the Week – Viburnum Leaf Beetle
Have viburnums? If so, it is time to scout your plants. The Viburnum Leaf Beetle (VLB) is voracious, insatiable and will treat your shrubs like an “all you can eat” salad bar. The eggs have hatched and the larvae are currently feeding on the undersides of foliage, defoliating between the midrib and larger veins. The larvae […]
PHC on the Lookout – Black Knot
Black Knot is a fungus that primarily affects plum and cherry plants, both ornamental and edible varieties. Some commonly used landscape plum and cherry varieties are affected. Brown, swollen growth on twigs and branches that grow larger over time are indicative of Black Knot. Most infections occur during wet conditions and cooler spring temperatures. Plants […]
Tip of the Week – Where Did That Firewood Come From?
The summer is almost upon us, which means camping for many people. Campfires and camping go hand in hand. Before you purchase firewood for your campfire this summer keep in mind that many tree-killing pests are transported by hitchhiking on infested wood. Prevent the spread of harmful diseases and insects by following these steps: Purchase […]
PHC on the Lookout – Likin’ Lichens
Although a bit intimidating to look at, lichens are a symbiotic combination of a fungus and algae that appears mainly on older trees, but also occasionally younger trees. Lichens are also found growing on rocks, houses and tree stumps. The appearance of lichens may actually be a good thing, as it indicates the air quality […]
Tip of the Week – Fire Blight
New leaf growth that appears water-soaked or wilted and turns from brown to black are symptoms of Fire Blight. New leaf growth is most affected and stems may fold over. The leaves appear as though they were torched with fire, hence the name, Fire Blight. Fire Blight is a bacterial disease that affects plants in […]