Landscape Message: Oct 3, 2014

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Green Industry professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Scouts compile and record environmental and phenological data for locations throughout Massachusetts to aid in the monitoring of plant and pest development, the planning of management strategies, and the creation of site-specific records for future reference.  Detailed reports from Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. UMass Extension has updated the following issue to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data.

The Landscape Message will be updated monthly for the remainder of 2014. The next message will be available on November 7. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list.

Scouting Information by Region

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable):

General Conditions: The abnormally dry conditions persist for the Cape, even with the arrival of some much needed rainfall on September 25. The amounts varied across the Cape, ranging from 0.5" in the Falmouth area to 0.8" in Marstons Mills. The highest amount was 1.25" which was recorded in Chatham. An additional 1.25" fell on 10/1. Montauk daisies are beginning to bloom and fall Chrysanthemums are brightening up the garden centers. Pests/Problems: Advise clients to continue to water their landscapes, particularly their broad leaf evergreens such as Rhododendrons, if the dry weather pattern continues. There will be increased winter desiccation if plants like these go into the winter in a dry condition. Fall home invaders like western conifer seed bug and the Asian lady beetle are starting to make their appearance. With the advent of cooler weather, adult deer ticks will be more active. Do thorough tick checks when working in grassy and brushy areas. Wasps and bees are still quite active.

Southeast Region (Hanson)

General Conditions: Nice fall weather withcooler temperatures prevailed over the past two weeks with the exception of the sunny, warm daytime temperatures on Sept. 27th and Sept. 28^th, of 81 and 84 degrees, respectively. Dry weather continued and landscape plants continued to show stress with marginal leaf necrosis, dropping of leaves, wilting and premature fall color. Until this week, Hanson only received 2.25 inches of rain between mid-July and mid-September. Fortunately, rain early this week (Oct.1) has resulted in a two week total of 1.75 inches of much needed rain. Much of the landscape color is coming from the fall foliage of red and sugar maples, birch, Rhus copallina (Shining sumac), Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac), Virginia creeper, burning bush (invasive), poison ivy, etc. The colorful fruits of viburnum, hollies, Kousa and flowering dogwoods, Arisaema, lily-of-the-valley are also providing interest. Indigofera amblyantha, Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva', roses, Rudbeckia trilobum, Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers',Sedum sp., Montauk or Nippon Daisy, New Englandasters, Aster divaricatus and other fall asters, Corydalis lutea, Eupatorium rugosum, goldenrod, Persicaria sp., Actea (Cimicifuga) simplex and Phlox paniculata continue to provide bloom. Hydrangea paniculata flowers are turning pink and with the numerous cultivars available, provide a diversity of contrast and color. With no frost yet reported, annuals and tropical plants are providing the bulk of landscape color. Pests/Problems: No new pest problems to report. Dogwood sawfly remains active but in very low numbers and should soon be finished for the season. As the weather turns cooler, clients may soon be seeing the "fall invaders" (lady bugs, boxelder beetles and Western conifer seed bugs) entering buildings to overwinter. These are nuisance pests and do not do any real damage. Continue to monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid, redheaded pine sawfly, and lacebugs and spruce spider mites. Wasps and hornets continue to be numerous and active. The fruits of several Massachusetts invasive plants, Oriental bittersweet, barberry, Euonymus alatus (burning bush) and autumn olive have matured and although proving color, also provide food for birds, etc. which help spread the invasive plants. Now is a good time, (actually any time is a good time) to remove and destroy these plants, where possible. Deer have started to browse hosta and other landscape plants. Repellents, deer fencing, electric fences, etc. or any combination thereof, may help to deter these animals from destroying clients' plants through the winter months.

North Shore Region (Beverly)

No written report available this week, see Environmental Data below.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: The month of September has been quite the month; temperatures have been all over the map. Low temperatures ranged from 37^o F to 59^o F, averaging 49^o F while high temperatures have ranged from 57^o F to 88^o F, averaging 72^o F. We accumulated no GDDs on September 19^th, recording a low of 39^o F and a high of only 57^o F compared to the largest gain of 21.5 GDDs on September 28^th, reaching a high of 88^o F and a low of 55^o F. The last weekend in September was sunny with temperatures in the high 80's, reminiscent of summer days only without the humidity. Drought conditions continued over the last two weeks, the only accumulation occurring on the last day of September, making this month one of the driest ever recorded. [According to the Blue Hill Observatory, September 2014 was officially the driest September on record since climate recording began 129 years ago in 1885. They received 0.41 inches of rain during the month, breaking the previous record of 0.45 inches set 100 years ago in 1914.] We received only 0.39 inches of rain during September, compared to the average of 3.44 inches of rain typically received during the month. These drought conditions combined with the low rainfall amounts during the last couple of weeks of August, translate to accumulations of only 0.83 inches during the last 6 weeks! The effects of this drought are apparent throughout the landscape, soils are extremely dry and the air very dusty. Two of the ponds on the grounds are almost completely dry. Many plants are showing signs of drought stress; severe water stress is obvious on many plants including Hydrangea (hydrangea), Ilex (holly), Lonicera (honeysuckle), Stewartia (stewartia), and Styrax (snowbell). Fall leaf color is visible throughout the landscape: cork trees (Phellodendron) are a strong yellow, maples (Acer) are a bright orange and red, birches (Betula) a glowing yellow, and tupelo (Nyssa) a vibrant red. Pests/Problems: Lack of precipitation is the major concern; even though many plants are receiving supplemental watering, signs of water stress are apparent throughout the landscape. The leaves on many plants are flagging and some turning brown. Fortunately many of these plants have already formed their winter buds and appear to be shutting down for the season. Non-irrigated turf has gone dormant. Evidence of grub damage in irrigated turf is visible through observation of skunk damage. Adult viburnum leaf beetle activity continues with many V. dentatum (arrowwood), V. opulus (European cranberry bush), and V. recognitum (southern arrowwood) showing signs of feeding; high numbers of egg masses are visible on the tips of twigs.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: Again, another reporting periodwithout recording any significant amount of rain. Soils remain dry. Not a good thing, entering into the fall planting season, however there is rain in the forecast. Let's hope that the forecasts are accurate! The Acton area received a mere of 0.16" of much needed rain and gained just 95 growing degrees over the past two weeks. The area experienced its first frost on the 20^th and experienced a spell of summer like temperatures late September with a high of 85° F recorded on the 28^th. Fruits, pomes, seeds and early fall color continue to provide much interest in the landscape. Acer (Maple), Cornus (dogwood), Fraxinus (Ash) and Rhus (Sumac) are putting on a great show with their leaf color as are the red fruits on Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood), C. kousa (Kousa Dogwood) and Viburnum and a variety of colors and sizes of fruit on the Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn), Malus spp. (Apple and Crabapple) and Sorbus spp. (Mountain Ash). Pests/Problems: Showing some fine fall color are some of our worst landscape pests including Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental Bittersweet), Euonymous alatus (Burning Bush) and Rhus radicans (Poison Ivy).

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: Soils continue to be dry and unirrigated turf in the region is browning. Foliage is turning color especially in low lying wet areas and leaves are dropping from Prunus maackii, Betula sp. and Fraxinus sp. Many plants are still blooming in the gardens including Seven Sons Flower (Heptacodium miconioides), Lespedeza thunbergii cultivars, Dahlias, Aster 'Wood's Blue', New England Asters (A. novae-angliae), Colchicum autumnale cultivars, Sternbergia lutea, Goldenrods (Solidago sp.), Waxy-bells (Kirengeshoma palmata), and many annuals. Fruit color on trees and shrubs (and vegetables too) continues to heighten including Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Crabapples (Malus cvs.), and Viburnum dilitatum cultivars. Pests/Problems: During the IPM walkabout with Randy Prostak, Nick Brazee and Rick Harper the following pest & diseases were found: Dogwood Sawfly, Sallow Caterpillar on Witch-hazel, Tar Spot on Holly (Ilex verticillata), Sawfly on Rose, Fungal leafspot on Hydrangea quercifolia, White pine needle cast, Anthracnose/leaf spot on shrubby dogwood, and Phyllosticta on Chamaeycyparis lawsoniana.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: Dry conditions continue to dominate this reporting period, with little measurable precipitation recorded throughout the Pioneer Valley. At Barnes Airport in Westfield, measurable precipitation was recorded on only five days in September, for a total accumulation just over one inch. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center (http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/), rainfall amounts were 25-50% below normal in western Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties. The eastern half of the valley fared only marginally better, with total rainfall 50-70% below normal. While western Mass is not as parched as the southeast, the situation continues to worsen with each dry day that passes. Much needed rainfall occurred on October 1, but totals were not expected to top 0.25-0.50" in most locations. Additional rainfall is forecasted over the next week and hopefully this is a sign that the dry weather will give way to legitimate rainfall in the month of October. Autumn colors are ablaze in the valley, with red/sugar maple, white/green ash, among others in full color. While the peak is still at least a week away, the beauty of autumn is here and no matter how many times it's viewed, the sight never gets old. High temperatures over this reporting period have ranged from the low 60s to the mid-80s, with a brief heat spell descending on the valley on the weekend of the 27^th and 28^th. Low temperatures are also been highly variable, ranging from the high 30s to upper 50s. Pests/Problems: Eastern white pines throughout New England are now shedding interior needles. Concerned clients should be reassured this is natural senescence, during which needles three years and older uniformly yellow on inner sections of otherwise healthy branches (see Fig. 1 under Woody Ornamental Diseases below). Meanwhile, needlecast symptoms typically manifest as blighted needle tips that appear orange to brown and have a patchier distribution on the branch. The dry weather over the past six weeks has prevented many wood-decaying fungi from producing annual mushrooms or conks on infected trees and shrubs. While not a reliable diagnostic indicator of infection, fruiting bodies of root and butt rot fungi can be helpful in detecting infected trees where symptoms are cryptic or nonexistent. With cool autumn temperatures and natural leaf senescence, anthracnose fungi have regained their form after going dormant during the late summer. Sugar maples may exhibit brown, necrotic blotches instead of their normal autumn colors, especially in lower branches. Because anthracnose fungi have been so prominent the past few seasons, it's critical to remove inoculum around infected trees. Thorough clean-up of fallen leaves and pruning of dead branches can help to reduce disease pressure next season. It's time to start thinking about management strategies for bark-chewing rodents like meadow voles. There were widespread reports this past spring of damage caused by these small mammals. The heavy snow cover and extreme cold last winter forced them to seek out alternate food sources to stay alive and many resorted to eating bark at the base of small shrubs and trees.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: Dry, bone dry. September was a very dry month with only 1.43 inches of rain reported in Pittsfield and only 0.91 inches at our Great Barrington monitoring site. The past reporting period has been particularly dry with just a trace of rain. The dry conditions have resulted in early leaf color change for many trees and significant leaf drop. Fall color and leaf drop are about 10 days ahead of normal; the peak time for fall color for mid to south County is around Columbus Day. Interestingly, similar conditions existed last year at this time. Lawns on sandy or coarse soils are browning. Some very warm temperatures, especially in the later part of the reporting period, have raised soil temperatures. Though a light but steady rain is occurring on October 1^st, plants in managed landscapes would benefit from additional water if rainfall over the next few weeks remains well below normal. As far as fall color is concerned, it is shaping up to be a banner season, if not a short one due to early leaf drop. A frost on the morning of September 19 was reported in Windsor, MA but I have not received reports of frost anywhere else in the County. Pests/Problems: Possibly, the most annoying insects of late have been the tiny gnat-like flies which surround anyone working, walking, or wallowing outdoors. These pests – including fungus gnats, flying aphids and psyllids - get into your eyes, hair, and any part of your body which is exposed. Other nuisance pests are also in abundance. These include aggressive wasps, hornets, flies, and mosquitoes. Though deer ticks have not been abundant of late, they are still around and the use of DEET-based repellents is encouraged. The usual array of fall house invaders is common. These include spiders, Western Conifer Seed Bug, lady beetles, cluster flies, Boxelder bugs, and stink bugs. Pillbugs (sowbugs) and millipedes are abundant, often hiding in stacks of firewood. Despite the dry conditions, snails are still feeding on herbaceous plants. Spruce Spider Mites were found on dwarf Alberta spruce but the numbers are few. Crawlers of Euonymus Scale and Magnolia Scale were observed. This is a good time to control these pests. Browsing activity by deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and voles has increased during the past few weeks.

Environmental Data

The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for an approximately 2 week period, September 18 through October 1. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on or about October 1. Total accumulated GDDs represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2014 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

Region/Location	GDD (2-Week Gain)	GDD (Total 2014 Accumulation)	Soil Temp (°F at 4" depth)	Precipitation (2-Week Gain in inches)
Cape Cod	126	2356	62	2.30
Southeast (Wareham)	154	2335	62	0.91
Southeast (Hanson)	134	2471	60	1.75
East	149.5	2617.5	62	0.13
Metro West	95	2186	60	0.16
Central	101	2155	56	1.00
Pioneer Valley	154	2598	65	0.30
Berkshires	98	2035	62	0.03
AVERAGE	126	2344	61	0.82

Woody Ornamentals

Insects

Redheaded Pine Sawfly remains actively feeding, primarily on Mugo pine and other two- and three-needled hard pines in MA, but is quickly coming to the end of its feeding cycle for this autumn. It is capable of causing late-season defoliation. Small populations can be pruned away and destroyed. Larger populations can be sprayed with an insecticide containing Spinosad as the active ingredient, if deemed necessary.

Dogwood Sawfly (caterpillar) remains active but is quickly nearing the end of its feeding for this year. If necessary, spray with a Spinosad product.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) - Although still dormant, this pest will resume feeding and development within the next 2-3 weeks. Inspect for building populations. Oil sprays can still be applied at the summer rate when the correct weather conditions prevail. Now is not an appropriate time for the application of systemic insecticides.

Ticks remain active. Take extra precautions when working in tick habitat to protect oneself from contracting Lyme and other diseases from deer ticks. If infection is suspected, seek medical advice immediately.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) remains active. UMass has a web site for identification and tracking of BMSB in MA: http://extension.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

Yellow-Jackets and other wasps tend to come into contact with humans more often at this time of the year given the diminishing abundance of their naturally occurring food sources. Open-topped trashcans outdoors often act as congregation and foraging spots for these wasps as they seek a source of sugars and protein. Also, monitor trees and shrubs before pruning and scout out areas before digging. By this time of the year wasp population numbers can be quite high (more than 1000 wasps) and should someone accidentally disturb a nest by digging, pruning or stepping on one of these nests, it is highly recommended that you vacate the area immediately to avoid multiple stings. Wasp and hornet colonies will die out after the first deep freeze.

Fall home-invader pests: Such insects as Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Western Conifer Seedbug, Ladybugs, Boxelder Beetles and others seek protected sites as over-wintering shelters. They move onto the outside of homes and all too often, inside. Although neither feeding nor breeding while inside of dwellings they do have the potential to become serious nuisance pests. Inspecting and repairing caulking around windows, doors and attic vents now is essential and effective at keeping them out. The Western Conifer seedbugs, and especially the stinkbugs, emit a foul odor when handled or whenever they are physically disturbed. The Asian Ladybird beetle (ladybug) also emits an unpleasant odor but in addition they are reflex bleeders (from their joints) when feeling threatened. This 'blood' is orange in color and can stain fabrics, walls etc. Therefore, removal of all these insects from within homes is best achieved with a vacuum cleaner. Upon completion of vacuuming, the bag should be removed from the cleaner and sealed in a heavy plastic bag to prevent the insects from emerging.

Report by Robert Childs, Entomologist - Retired, UMass Extension, Amherst

Diseases

Recent pathogens and insect pests of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Laboratory:

Anthracnose caused by Discula campestris, transplant shock and secondary stem cankering caused by Stegonsporium on sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Over thirty, 14" diameter sugar maples were transplanted with a 14' tree spade this past spring. Drip irrigation has been provided all season but some have developed lower limb dieback. Anthracnose fungi on maple were common this season and Stegonsporium is known to kill bark on stressed maples. The fungus produced a very conspicuous black film on the infected branches.

Leaf blotch caused by Tubakia dryina on oak (Quercus). Several, young trees lining a driveway exhibited blighted foliage on the lower branches in late summer. Leaf margins were brown and scorched. Tubakia often creates very large, circular leaf spots scattered across the leaf surface but can cause a leaf blotch that resembles anthracnose.

Hemlock-blueberry rust caused by Thekospora minima on azalea (Rhododendron 'Mandarin Lights'). Plants are young and have present at the site for only four months. The upper surface of the leaves had reddish-brown spots and blotches with yellowing margins. The undersides were coated in large masses of orange-colored spores. As the name would imply, this rust fungus is most often found on hemlock (Tsuga) and blueberry (Vaccinium). However, there are numerous reports of T. minima also utilizing species of Rhododendron to complete its complex life cycle, in lieu of blueberry.

Powdery mildew, caused by either Phyllactinia or Podosphaera, on eastern ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The plant has been established at the site for less than three years and this summer it experienced leaf and shoot dieback. Leaves were stunted and curled and exhibited the typical powdery white growth of the fungus. The stems were killed and had a blackened appearance due to large masses of fruiting bodies, known as cleistothecia. While powdery mildew causes minor damage on most woody plants, on ninebark the disease can be quite serious, killing shoots and foliage. The infected plant is slated for removal and a more resistant cultivar of ninebark will be replanted.

Stem cankering caused by Phomopsis and needle cast caused by Rhizosphaera on Norway spruce (Picea abies). Tree is approximately 60-years-old and resides in a border screen planting. This summer, branch dieback was observed on a heavily shaded side of the lower canopy. Norway spruce is resistant to infection by Rhizosphaera, but at times it can suffer from significant needle loss when needles are in deep shade where moisture lingers on the needles. Increasingly, Phomopsis has been associated with small-diameter stem and branch dieback on spruce.

Needle cast caused by Mycosphaerella laricina on larch (Larix sp.). Tree is 25-years-old and has been present at the site for 15 years. In early summer, needle browning and premature shedding was observed with approximately half of the canopy showing symptoms. It is believed the tree was not symptomatic in previous years, but the damage may have been minor and was simply not observed.

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

Photos of recent samples submitted to the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Laboratory:

Weeds

Inspect areas of the landscape where new trees or shrubs, especially those that were field grown, have been planted early this season or last year.  Look for perennial weeds that may be growing from the root ball.  Canada thistle, mugwort quackgrass, bindweed and horsenettle are some of the possible culprits.

Japanese knotweed is in flower or just past flower so now is the time to manage this invasive plant. Use a 2% spray solution of glyphosate sprayed to the initiation of spray drip.  Do not use herbicide formulations that contain diquat (Reward^TM) or tank-mix pelargonic acid (Scythe^TM) with the glyphosate.  Diquat and pelagonic acid are contact herbicides and have the potential to decrease the efficacy of glyphosate.  In areas near water, a formulation of glyphosate that is labeled for such areas should be used.  Non-chemical products containing clove oil, citric acid, acetic acid or orange extract will not effectively control Japanese knotweed.  The addition of imazapyr will not significantly increase control over that of glyphosate alone.

Treating the biennial weed garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, in the fall will control first-year plants that would flower and produce seed next spring.

Winter annual weeds have germinated.  Apply mulch to landscape beds or areas that are known to have populations of winter annual weeds.  Treat winter annual and perennial weeds in ornamental beds with glyphosate (Roundup Pro^TM or equivalent) and glufosinate (Finale^TM).  Non-chemical products containing clove oil, citric acid, acetic acid or orange extract can be used on small winter annuals but not on large winter annuals or perennials.  Remember these organic/non-chemical products do not translocate and will not control established perennial weeds but will control young winter annual weeds.

Some common landscape winter annual weeds:

• mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana)
• thymeleaf sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia)
• downy brome (Bromus tectorum)
• shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
• bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
• sticky chickweed (Cerastium viscosum)
• horseweed (Conyza canadensis)
• spring whitlowgrass (Draba verna)
• henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
• red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)
• field pepperweed (Lepidium campestre)
• Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum)
• pineappleweed (Matricaria matricariodes)
• annual bluegrass (Poa annua)
• knawel (Scleranthus annuus)
• common chickweed (Stellaria media)
• field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense)
• corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis)
• purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina)

Report by Randall Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program

Be sure to check out UMass Extension's Online Weed Herbarium!

Name that weed! (Click photo to enlarge, and click here for answer)

Other Relevant News / Pest Alerts

UMass Extension's 2014 Green School is a comprehensive 12-day certificate short course for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass faculty and Extension Specialists. Three different track options are offered: Turf Management, Landscape Management and Arboriculture. Offering 60 hours of training, this popular course is designed for professionals who wish to gain a basic understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies, but who can't fit a full academic course into their schedules. For complete program information and registration instructions, refer to our Green School page.

2015 Winter School for Turf Managers: An excellent choice for turf professionals who seek to expand their knowledge and practical skills. Students are immersed in an intensive, full-time program scheduled Monday through Friday for seven weeks. For complete program information and application instructions, refer to our Winter School page.

2015 UMass Extension Garden Calendar, now available. The Garden Calendar presents a selection of plants chosen by UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry staff for pest resistance, adaptability to specific growing environments, and seasonal effectiveness. A brief description accompanies each photo to help understand these plant choices. Furthermore, daily gardening tips provide information on garden pests and management strategies to help gardeners reduce pesticide usage. Also included are "how-to and when" tips such as dates to plant peas, renovate lawns, prune and fertilize roses, conserve water in the landscape, and many more.  The calendars make great gifts, and bulk pricing is available.  Get yours today.

UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Lab Move: The move took place on Monday, September 16.  Please be aware that turnaround time may be delayed by this transition, and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. The new address for samples is:

UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Lab
203 Paige Laboratory
161 Holdsworth Way
Amherst, MA  01003

The UMass Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  As always, if you need to contact the lab call 413-545-2311, e-mail soiltest@umass.edu, or visit http://www.umass.edu/soiltest.