Landscape Message: June 28, 2024 (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 #12 for the 2024 growing season. We will now move to the bi-weekly schedule, and the next message will be posted July 12. Happy Independence Day! To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list

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In This Issue

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

Phenology

Regional Notes

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Insects and Other Arthropods

Landscape Weeds

Additional Resources

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about June 26, 2024. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50ºF baseline temperature collected viaregionalNEWA 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.

US Drought Monitor: At this time, most of Berkshire County, the western half of Franklin County, and the most western 1/3 of Hampshire County are classified as "D0 - Abnormally Dry" (about 16% of the state's area in total, a slight decrease from last week). State map as of Thursday 6/27: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Phenology

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions:

The average temperature for the period from June 19 thru June 16 was 73ºF, with a high of 87ºF and a low of 61ºF, both on June 25. The majority of the period had highs in the 80s, lows in the upper 60s. In Barnstable, a quarter inch of precipitation was received from showers on June 21 and 23. Precipitation amounts did vary across the region... low amounts were near a tenth of an inch and high amounts were near an inch and quarter. Soil moisture is short to dry.

Herbaceous plant material seen in bloom includes Asiatic lily (Lilium spp.), daylily (Hemerocallis spp.), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), catmint (Nepeta spp.), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Woody plant material seen in bloom include mock orange (Philadelphus spp.), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica), and tuliptree (Lireodendron tulipifera).

Pests/Problems:

Unirrigated landscapes are showing signs of water deficit. Scorch has shown up on dogwoods, as well as some marginal necrosis on other woody plants such as maple. Unirrigated lawns are getting crispy.

Box tree moth adults have been captured and seen this past week, meaning eggs and another round of caterpillars will soon be found. Scouting for box tree moth on boxwood should be frequent.

Other insects or insect damage observed during the period includes; Asiatic beetle, Oriental beetle, aphids (on various herbaceous and woody plant material), cottony taxus scale (ovisacs and crawlers) on yew, hemlock elongate scale on hemlock, rose slug sawfly damage on rose (no larvae present), hibiscus sawfly (larvae and adults) on hardy hibisicus, columbine leafminer on columbine, and four-lined plant bug damage on Russian sage.

Disease symptoms or signs observed during the period include beech leaf disease on American and European beech (new growth is also emerging on beech for which the initial buds were damaged); powdery mildew is showing up on numerous plants (aster, phlox, sedum, smokebush, spirea, lilac, rose, dogwood); anthracnose has been observed on sycamore (starting to releaf), oak, maple and birch (some premature defoliation); spot anthracnose on flowering dogwood; pear trellis rust has been observed on Bradford pear; tip blight on Juniper; exobasidium gall on rhododendron; gray leaf spot on Japanese forest grass; white mold has been observed on aster and liatris, and virus symptoms have been observed on astilbe.

Weeds seen in bloom include sheeps bit (Jasione montana), fleabane (Erigeron annuus), white clover (Trifolium repens), chicory (Cichorium intybus), and common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).

Slug, snail, and rabbit damage have all been observed on herbaceous plants.

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions:

Since Wednesday, June 19, the highest temperature was 93ºF on Thursday, June 20^th while the lowest was 64ºF the night of Saturday, June 22^nd. Despite the heat, temperatures averaged around 72ºF for the week. The highest winds blew from the south-southwest at 15 mph on Sunday, June 23^rd, and Monday, the 24^th. Thunderstorms on the evening of Friday, June 22^nd contributed significantly to the weekly total rainfall of 1.70 inches. The soil temperature in full sun was 82ºF, and in shade, it was 70ºF, at 3:00 PM on Wednesday the 24^th.

Among the many plants flowering are: Catalpa speciosa (Northern catalpa), Cornus kousa (Kousa dogwood), C. sericea (red osier dogwood), Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea), H. macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire), Ligustrum spp. (privet), Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac), Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry), andTilia cordata (littleleaf linden).

Pests/Problems:

Stress from heat has dramatically reduced the growth of unirrigated residential lawns. Many are showing signs of dormancy.

Cedar-apple rust has been observed on home apple trees.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions:

The first day of this reporting period was very hot and humid, with the daytime temperature reaching the mid 90s and relative humidity above 90%. Day temperatures the rest of the week were in the mid to high 70s, and night temperatures were mostly in the low to mid 60s. The average daily temperature was 74ºF, with the maximum temperature of 95ºF recorded on June 20 and the minimum night temperature of 62ºF recorded on June 23. Approximately 0.75 inch of rain was recorded at Long Hill. Plants in the landscape are lush and green due to the rain in the last few weeks.

Woody plants seen in bloom include: Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), Peking tree lilac (Syringa pekinensis), Chinese stewartia (Stewartia sinensis), Chinese sweet shrub (Calycanthus chinensis), Privet (Ligustrum spp.), Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), sweet azalea (Rhododendron arborescens), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), smooth witherod (Viburnum nudum), oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala), indigo (Indigofera kirilowii), and Japanese spirea (Spirea japonica). Herbaceous plants in bloom include Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana), cranesbill (Geranium spp.), spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), white clematis (Clematis paniculata), water lily (Nymphaea spp.), and various annual plants.

Pests/Problems:

Cedar-quince rust (Gymnosporangium clavipes) was observed on serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), and cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) was observed on crabapple. These are closely related rust diseases that require two hosts to complete their life cycle. They infect cedar and junipers and a wide range of rosaceous hosts. Avoid planting susceptible cedar and juniper varieties near susceptible rosaceous plants. For more information about cedar-quince rust, see the UMass Extension Cedar-Quince Rust fact sheet.

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria), an invasive weed, is in full bloom and is flourishing in the landscape. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), another invasive plant, is also growing vigorously in the landscape. Pull out Oriental bittersweet vines when they are still young. They can be difficult to control once they become established. Other weeds in the landscape continue to flourish. Ticks and mosquitoes continue to be very active. Protect yourself with a repellent when working outdoors.

East (Boston)

General Conditions:

We received 0.76 inches of precipitation this past week. It was spread out over 5 of the 7 days, a welcome relief following the heat wave. Daytime temperatures averaged 85ºF, with overnight lows averaging 65ºF. We have reached 869 growing degree days (base 50). It has been a good growing season for landscape plants.

Amelanchier canadensis (serviceberry), Ribes uva-crispa (gooseberry), and Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry) are producing fruit. Ilex glabra (inkberry) and Ilex verticilata (winterberry) are flowering... the inconspicuous flowers are bee magnets. Other plants in bloom include; Agastache spp. (anise hyssop hybrids), Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ (daylily), Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), and Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese stewartia). The easily identifiable, silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) has been visiting flowering plants.

Pests/Problems:

Several generations of hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) are active on hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos). Larvae are skeletonizing the foliage while the adult females search for a place to deposit their eggs. We have confirmed emergence of Japanese beetle adults (Popillia japonica). This is a bit ahead of schedule, emergence is typically 1,030 GDD’s (base 50).

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe or Micosphaera) is affecting Baptisia australis (false indigo).

Unmanaged pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is three feet tall. Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) are fighting for curb space along roadside guardrails.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions:

We experienced our first heat wave of the season during last week’s reporting period beginning on June 18^th and continuing through to the 20^th with high temperatures recorded at 93º, 95º, and 97º respectively. Wind gusts were recorded up to 29 mph on the 20^th, a tornado watch was in effect in the afternoon/early evening hours on the 23^rd, and precipitation was recorded almost daily on 5 of the 7 past days. Despite that, for June, the monthly average precipitation is 3.93” and 1.71” of rain has been recorded for this month so far.

The landscape is lush and colorful with all that is in bloom including these following plants: Alcea rosea (hollyhock), Buddleia spp. (butterfly-bush), Castanea mollissima (Chinese chestnut), Coreopsis verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis), Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea), H. quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea), Leucanthemum spp. (Shasta daisy), Monarda didyma (beebalm), Oxydendron arboreum (sourwood), Sedum kamschaticum (Russian stonecrop), Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear), and Syringa reticulata (Japanese tree lilac).

Pests/Problems:

Tree branches are heavy with fruit, flower, and foliage and the strong winds and rain from last week caused many broken limbs scattered throughout the landscape. Leaf spot and rust was observed on Amelanchier spp. (serviceberry).

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions:

Extreme heat made its impact last week, with average day temperatures of 93ºF (highest being 96.6F on the 20^th), though the weekend into this week things have cooled down slightly, and with that, a good amount of precipitation. Max precipitation was 0.79 inches on the 22^nd. With the rain and the air being quite humid, the soil has held on to a good amount of moisture.

Some woody plants that can be seen blooming currently are oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), smooth azalea (Rhododendron arborescens), and Northern catalpa (Catalp speciosa). Some herbaceous material that also can be seen blooming is yarrow (Achillea millefolium), beebalm (Monarda didyma), and selfheal (Prunella vulagris).

Pests/Problems:

The heavy rains have continued to create favorable conditions for different pathogens such as rust and fungal leaf spot, particularly on Amelanchier spp. There also have been some sightings of leaf miners on different species of herbaceous plants.

Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

General Conditions:

We endured our first heat wave of the summer season, and it was a rough one in the Pioneer Valley. Heat index values repeatedly peaked over 100ºF with thick, swampy humidity. Rainfall was recorded five days in a row (6/19–6/23) as a barrage of powerful thunderstorms continued to develop across the Northeast. Accumulations over this stretch ranged from 1.5–2.5” in Hampden County, 2–4” in Hampshire County, and 2.5–5.5” in Franklin County. Some of the western hill towns were repeatedly hit with damaging winds and pounding rainfall from the storms. On the bright side, we received some needed moisture and soils are holding it well right now. Plant growth continues to be strong among herbaceous perennials and woody plants. Blue lacecap hydrangeas are having a year and it’s hard to remember the last time these plants flowered so well. Overall, it’s been a good growing season, but with July on the horizon, there’s a lot of summer left to go.

Pests/Problems:

While the rain is good for plants, it’s also good for plant pathogens. An assortment of minor to serious diseases can be encountered in the landscape, ranging from anthracnose, foliar blotches/ blights, and stem/ branch cankering diseases. Brown rot of cherry, caused by Monilinia, is abundant this year. Many mature flowering cherries are still suffering the fallout from the February 2023 freeze. In the aftermath of this damaging event, opportunistic cankering fungi have established or caused further dieback on stressed trees.

Apple scab is quite serious on scattered crabapples but fortunately these trees continue to produce new growth. Verticillium wilt is starting to appear on sugar maple, redbud and other susceptible hardwoods. Foliage often develops a diffuse bronzing to browning that is distinct from the symptoms produced by foliar pathogens. Given the regular moisture most landscapes have experienced, water starvation from drought is highly unlikely if these symptoms are present.

Slug damage is high in scattered landscapes and trapping may be necessary to save some herbaceous plants from destruction.

Japanese knotweed continues to appear in upland sites, away from streams and rivers. Every effort should be made to eliminate populations while they’re small in scale as this scourge of the valley rapidly expands once established.

Non-native scarab beetles (e.g. Oriental, Japanese and Asiatic garden) continue to appear as we approach their peak season.

Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

General Conditions:

Temperatures soared at the beginning of the scouting period. It was not only hot, but humid, making working conditions difficult if not very uncomfortable. The highest temperatures recorded at the three NEWA sites in Berkshire County occurred on June 25 and 26. (By the way, NEWA stands for Network for Environment and Weather Applications and is a partnership of New York State Integrated Pest Management, Northeast Regional Climate Center, andUMass Extension.) North Adams experienced 93ºF on June 19 and 92ºF the 20^th. Richmond had 91ºF on the 19^th and 20^th while it reached 90ºF in Pittsfield on those same days. The lowest temperatures were all on June 25^th, with 56ºF in Richmond and North Adams and 58ºF in Pittsfield. Rainfall for the period amounted to 1.46 inches in North Adams, 1.49 inches in Richmond, and 1.92 inches in Pittsfield. However, a narrow band on heavy thundershowers and high winds swept through West Stockbridge and some areas east and south of there on Friday, the 21st^nd and Saturday, the 22^rd. These storms caused power outages and considerable erosion on slopes devoid of vegetation, and brought down many trees and large branches that blocked roadways and driveways. The storms were relatively brief but dumped considerable rain each time. At this site in West Stockbridge, 1.15 inches fell in less than an hour on the 21st, and 1.47 inches the next day. The upper strata of soils had been dry prior to the rains but are now moist if not saturated. Temperatures are now cooling down quite a bit from those highs and, with the moist soil conditions, plant growth is rapid, especially turfgrass... and weeds.

Pests/Problems:

The first Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) of the year was found on a rose plant and the emergence of this pest will steadily increase through the rest of this month and peak around the 1^st of August.

An Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis) was also observed on a rose bush. Leaf miners or their damage continue to be found on many tree and shrub species. The damage, for the most part, was not very serious.

Aphids also continue to infest a wide range of herbaceous and woody plants. This week, they were observed on the foliage of a white birch (Betula papyrifera).

Lily leaf beetle adults are still active.

Despite a dry stretch prior to recent rains, much damage to herbaceous plants, especially broad foliage plants, such as hosta, was caused by slugs and snails.

Gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks also remain abundant.

Plant diseases, other than an assortment of leaf spot diseases such as apple scab and cedar-apple rust on Malus species, and black spot on roses, have not been much of a problem this spring.

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

This is the space for recent pests, pathogens, or problems of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, this week, a special case.

Beech leaf disease management recommendations continue to change and evolve, creating a sense of whiplash among pathologists and tree care professionals. However, based on submitted beech samples, observations from managing arborists, reports from other pathologists, and site visits, BLD management does appear possible for certain trees.

First, Broadform^TM applications are providing modest to good control of BLD in select cases. The current recommendation from Bartlett is that Broadform^TM should be applied after full leaf expansion in May or June. When applied at this time, the active ingredient (fluopyram) will be present in the foliage prior to the start of nematode emergence in early July. This is a shift in thinking as prior recommendations were to apply Broadform^TM from mid-July to mid-September, as migrating nematode populations are at their highest in late summer to early autumn. The BLD nematode can emerge and migrate to the buds responsible for next year’s growth anytime from approximately late June into early October. Yet, it appears that even late season applications of Broadform can provide meaningful disease control. The treatments may not be as effective as those made earlier in the season but they can still be worthwhile. For many treated beech, effective control does not mean a complete elimination of symptoms and we will have to tolerate some level of disease. Trees treated with Broadform^TM may have foliage with interveinal banding but the canopies can remain full with only limited foliar distortion and bud dieback. If beech have no symptoms of BLD present throughout the canopy, it’s reasonable to avoid Broadform^TM applications until symptoms are present. However, when minor symptoms are present (i.e. scattered leaf banding in the lower canopy), applications are warranted as disease severity can rapidly increase from year to year.

An important caveat to consider is that trees are dealing with this disease across a range of sites. Trees may reside in poor quality, compacted soils, have girdling roots from deep planting, stress from construction injury, limited rooting zones, or prior stress from drought, insect attack, and disease. Given these predisposing stresses, they may not respond well to treatment. Presently, there is only limited concern about nematicide resistance development, given that the vast majority of the nematode population originates from forest settings where they would never encounter fluopyram. One major limitation of Broadform^TM use is its toxicity to aquatic organisms and ability to leach into groundwater. Therefore, it cannot be used near any bodies of water or properties with private drinking water.

Second, phosphite applications by themselves appear to offer little to no control against BLD. Meaning, there is no significant improvement in tree health and only worsening BLD symptoms on treated beech. However, there are contrasting reports on the efficacy of phosphites, so its effectiveness against BLD remains debatable. Regardless, phosphites still have utility against other stresses that declining beech have and will experience in the future. Branch and trunk cankering pathogens are one example.

Third, initial reports from Bartlett on Arbotect 20-S^TM injections suggest these treatments can provide good control of BLD. But, there remains significant concern and skepticism among arborists about the long-term health ramifications of injecting beech. Specifically, injection site injury and subsequent damage to the root flare. In locations where Broadform^TM cannot be applied, Arbotect 20-S^TM injection may be the only effective management option presently available.

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

Insects and Other Arthropods

Invasive Updates:

• Asian Longhorned Beetleis still present in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn, MA. If you suspect you’ve found this insect or the damage it causes, please report it to 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 to compare it to common insect look-alikes, visit: http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx

• Box Tree Moth has been detected in the following Massachusetts communities: Bourne, Sandwich, and Barnstable. A map of these locations is available at MDAR’s Invasive Pest Dashboard. If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it immediately to the MA Department of Agricultural Resources using their Report a Pest Form. Box tree moth caterpillars were reported to be active at certain locations on Cape Cod, MA as of the week of April 19th. C.L. Fornari reports on 6/8/2024 that box tree moth pupae are present at a location in Sandwich, MA at this time (see photos).These pupae are likely the overwintered caterpillars that were actively feeding in April which will give rise to the next generation of adults.

Adult box tree moths have been reported arriving at blacklight traps on Cape Cod, MA as of 6/24/2024 and by others monitoring the same area the week prior.

The USDA APHIS has announced a new quarantine for box tree moth in Massachusetts and Ohio, and has expanded existing quarantines in Michigan and New York. This includes conditions for interstate movement of regulated Buxus species. This quarantine includes the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The federal order states:

“Boxwood plants may only be moved interstate from a quarantined area from an establishment operating under a compliance agreement, and only if accompanied by a certificate issued by a State Agricultural Authority certifying that the requirements of this Federal Order and the compliance agreement have been met. These requirements will prevent producers and distributors of boxwood from moving infested plants interstate. State Agricultural Authorities may prescribe additional safeguards and protocols.

All other regulated articles of boxwood, including plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clippings, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead, except for decorative purposes, are prohibited from movement.”

MDAR has recently sent a notice to boxwood growers in Massachusetts of the following:

"Effective May 22, 2024, the USDA has issued a Federal Order establishing a quarantine for the entire state of Massachusetts. In an effort to restrict the movement of box tree moth,boxwoods (Buxus spp.) may no longer be exported from Massachusetts except by an establishment operating under a compliance agreement (CA) to be issued by MDAR.Anyone wishing to register for a CA must go to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources box tree moth pageand click on the EXPORTS link, and fill out the form. An MDAR staff person will follow up within one week. Please note that the quarantine does NOT restrict in-state sales, movement within the state, or import of boxwoods into Massachusetts. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact either MDAR (taryn.lascola@mass.gov) or USDA (203-741-5641)."

To read the full announcement of the box tree moth quarantine for Massachusetts from MDAR, please visit the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Blog.

Need information about monitoring and trapping box tree moth?Check out this newly available t from UMass Extension.

• Elm Zigzag Sawfly has been detected in the following Massachusetts communities: Becket, Chester, Windsor, and Williamstown. If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it immediately using MA DCR’s Massachusetts Elm Zigzag Sawfly Reporting Form. Felicia Hubacz, MA DCR, reports elm zigzag sawfly larvae actively feeding in the Becket, MA population as of 5/28/2024. UMass Extension observed tiny elm zigzag sawfly feeding in the Windsor, MA population on 5/31/2024 (see photos).

Now is the time to search for elm zigzag sawfly larvae actively feeding on their host plants! Please report any suspicious defoliation of elm to the previous reporting link.

• Emerald Ash Borer is well established across most of Massachusetts. A map of these locations from the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation is available.
• Hammerhead Worms: Also known as flatworms or land planarians, belong to Phylum Platyhelminthes (flat worms) rather than Arthropoda (arthropods) which makes them different from insects and their relatives. Class Insecta is the taxonomic classification of the Insects, whereas hammerhead worms belong to Class Turbellaria. A few common species of non-native hammerhead worms noted in New England include but are not limited to: Bipalium kewense, Bipalium adventitium, and Bipalium pensylvanicum. For more information, see thisarticle in Hort Notes on Hammerhead Worms in New England.

  Sightings of these organisms have increased in recent years, possibly due to warming winters and wet summers. Hammerhead worms are predators that prefer to feed on earthworms;however, depending upon the species involved, they may not be an effective predator of certain species of jumping worms. Again in 2024, reports of hammerhead worms have come from parts of Massachusetts (in this case, Martha’s Vineyard; see photos) with questions about safety. Hammerhead worms are known to produce a neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin) which they use in self-defense and to subdue prey. Luckily, hammerhead worms do not produce enough tetrodotoxin to be lethal to humans, but if the neurotoxin comes into contact with exposed skin, irritation may occur. It is advised that handling hammerhead worms should be avoided, and hands or exposed skin be washed with soap and water following any accidental contact.

• Jumping Worms are non-native earthworms that impact natural ecosystems. Available resources include a fact sheet about earthworms in Massachusetts and jumping worm FAQ’s.
• Spotted Lanternfly now has established populations in the following locations in Massachusetts: Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Fitchburg, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Ashland, Wellesley, Weston, Chelmsford, Grafton, and Lawrence, MA. The MA Department of Agricultural Resources reportedthat spotted lanternfly egg hatch hadbegun in Holyoke and Springfield, MA as of 5/14/2024.

At this point in the growing season, the life stage of spotted lanternfly that is active are the nymphs (immatures). Spotted lanternfly nymphs are black with white spots (instars 1-3) and change their color to include red patches (instar 4) with the black base with white spots just before maturing into adults. Fourth instar nymphs may not be present until sometime in July.

In areas of the statewhere spotted lanterfly is present and has been observed through monitoring,the SLF Management Guide suggests management options for SLF nymphs. Spotted lanternfly should not be managed using insecticides in locations where the insect has not been confirmed in the state. This may result in unnecessary, costly, and environmentally irresponsible applications. The first step in areas outside of the communities listed above for MA is to report SLF to MDAR (also see link below).

UMass Extension has received reports of suspicious insects that were thought to be adult spotted lanternflies. Adult SLF may not be present in established populations in MA until late July. Right now, we suspect that the suspicious insects that were seen were adult SLF lookalikes, such as some of the tiger moths or underwing moths. The MA Department of Agricultural Resources provides a great spotted lanternfly look-alike sheet for the nymph and adult life stages.

If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it immediately using theSpotted Lanternfly Report Form. Available resources include a map of spotted lanternfly locations in Massachusetts from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, MDAR’s spotted lanternfly fact sheet, UMass Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide, and an SLF InsectXaminer episode.

Medically Important Pests:

• Ticks are a serious public health concern and may be active in managed landscapes any time temperatures are above freezing.Encounters with deer ticks can increase in New England in April, October, and November; however, precautions should be taken year-round to prevent tick bite exposure. Available resources include tick information from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, personal protective measures, and a list of potential tick testing resources. The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) also provides the latest tick information and resources.
• Mosquitoes and the diseases they vector are also a serious public health concern in Massachusetts by summer. Available resources include Mosquito Repellents from the Department of Public Health and Prevent Mosquito Bites from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tests for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) from June to October. BeginningJune 17th, Massachusetts risk maps will be available for both EEE and WNV.
• Wasps/Hornets: Many wasps are predators of other arthropods, including pest insects such as certain caterpillars that feed on trees and shrubs. Adult wasps hunt prey and bring it back to their nest where young are being rearedas food for the immature wasps. A common such example are the paper wasps (Polistes spp.) who rear their young on chewed up insects. Paper wasps can sting, and will defend their nests, which are open-celled paper nests that are not covered with a papery “envelope”. These open-celled nests may be seen hanging from eaves or other outdoor building structures. Aerial yellow jackets and hornets create large aerial nests that are covered with a papery shell or “envelope”. Common yellow jacket species include those in the genus Vespula. Dolichovespula maculata is commonly known as the baldfaced hornet, although it is not a true hornet. The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is three times the size of a yellow jacket and may be confused for the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia). The European hornet is known to Massachusetts, but the northern giant hornet is not. If you are concerned that you have found or photographed a northern giant hornet, please report it using the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Report Pest Sightings page. Some people are allergic to stinging insects, so care should be taken around wasp/hornet nests. Unlike the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), wasps and hornets do not have barbed stingersand therefore can sting repeatedly when defending their nests. It is best to avoid themand, if that cannot be done and assistance is needed to remove them, consult a professional.

Tree & Shrub Insect & Mite Pest Suggested Scouting:

• Andromeda Lace Bug is most commonly encountered on Japanese andromeda, however other host plants may be impacted. Most activity from this insect occurs between late May through September, with several generations occurring per year. Both nymphs and adults feed on host plant leaf undersides and cause white/yellow-colored spots or chlorosis to occur on host plant leaf surfaces.
• Arborvitae Leafminer moths appear from mid-June to mid-July and lay their eggs. Eggs hatch and larvae enter the leaves where they feed, often unnoticed until January or February when browned leaf tips become more apparent. Feeding from this insect is sometimes confused for winter injury, and vice versa.
• Azalea Lace Bug is a pest of both deciduous and evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), however resistance has been reported in Rhododendron atlanticum, R. arborescens, R. canescens, R. periclymenoides, and R. prunifolium. The insects feed on host plant leaf undersides, and cause chlorosis on leaf surfaces. Azalea lace bugs are activethroughout the summer.
• 
  Bagwormcaterpillar feeding is underway! By August, caterpillars and their associated bags will be very large, and the defoliation and feeding damage on host plant leaves they can cause will be quite noticeable by then.
  
• Boxwood Leafmineractivity in the summer may be difficult to detect. While scouting, check the undersides of older (previous year's) boxwood leaves to find signs of infestation. Mines in the current season's leaves may not become noticeable until the fall. Resistant varieties of boxwood are availble; see preceding link.
  
• Bronze Birch Borer adults emerge from susceptible host plants in early mid-June. Mating and egg laying will occur, and eggs will be laid singly or in groups on host plant bark. Eggs hatch and larvae bore beneath the bark to feed. European white birch (Betula pendula) and Himalayan birch (Betula jacquemontii) are preferred host plants.
• Cottony Camelia Scale/Cottony Taxus Scale crawlers are typically active between 802 to 1388 GDD's and can be targeted for management on infested host plants. Monitor preferred hosts such as camellia, euonymus, holly, Japanese maple, pittosporum, and yew. Plants may seem off color, with light green foliage. Honeydew and sooty mold may also be present.
• Cottony Hydrangea Scaleis the likely culprit on hydrangea in Plymouth County, MA seen on 6/19/2024 and photographed by Deborah Swanson.Pulvinaria kuwacola(formerlyhydrangeae) is previously known to Massachusetts and other parts of the US. Hosts include hydrangea and many others. In some areas, it is considered a pest of ornamental plants.
• Cottony Maple Scales are two species of soft scale that are present on a variety of host plants, including but not limited to maple, apple, dogwood, and many others. Crawlers may be active between 802-1265 GDD's. Crawlers may be present on the undersides of host plant leaves. Management may not be necessary unless the population on an individual plant is high.
• Cryptomeria Scale first generation crawlers are present from approximately 600-800 GDD's and second generation crawlers are present from 1750-2130 GDD's. Look for discolored needles on susceptible host plants. Check the undersides of needles for the hardened scale covers and/or yellow crawlers. Crawlers present in June and August. Scout for scale insects on the underside of needles on the inside of bottom branches first. Scouting on overcast days may make it easier to see the symptoms caused by cryptomeria scale infestation. Yellow sticky cards can be placed in infested trees to aid in scouting for adult (winged) male emergence. Egg laying will begin soon after males are seen. Check scale covers for round exit holes left behind by natural enemies.
• Dogwood Borer is a species of clearwing moth whose larvae bore not only into dogwood (Cornus), but hosts also include flowering cherry, chestnut, apple, mountain ash, hickory, pecan, willow, birch, bayberry, oak, hazel, myrtle, and others. Kousa dogwood appears to be resistant to this species. Signs include the sloughing of loose bark, brown frass, particularly near bark cracks and wounds, dead branches, and adventitious growth. The timing of adult emergence can be expected when dogwood flower petals are dropping and weigela begins to bloom. Adult moth flights continue from then until September.
• Dogwood Sawflylarvae feed on the foliage of dogwood.Dogwood sawflies are not susceptible to Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki) however, spinosad should be effective on young dogwood sawfly larvae.
• Euonymus Scale overwinters as a fertilized female. Eggs are laid beneath dark brown female scale covers in the early spring. Egg hatch occurs over a 2-3 week period, with crawlers present by early June. A second generation of crawlers may be present by mid-July, with adults present again in August and September. While Euonymus spp. host plants are preferred, additional host plants have been reported.
• Fall Webworm eggs may hatch by late June or early July, depending on local conditions. Young larvae begin feeding in groups, and eventually cover entire branches with webbing as they mature. This native insect can typically coexist with its host plants. If webs cannot be tolerated on ornamental trees or shrubs, monitor for them on the tips of branches when they are still small, and prune out and remove.
• Hemlock Looper collectively refers to two species of geometrid (inchworm; looper) caterpillars. Overwintered eggs hatch by late May or early June, at which time young larvae begin their messy feeding on host plant needles. Hemlock and balsam fir are preferred hosts.Hemlock looper caterpillars mature slowly, and may not begin pupation until late July with adults emerging by September and October.
• Hibiscus Sawfly: The larvae of the hibiscus (mallow) sawfly, likelyAtomacera decepta, may be observed feeding on hibiscus hosts at this time. Sawfly larvae develop into wasp-like adults (Order: Hymenoptera) and therefore these "caterpillars" will not be managed byBacillus thuringiensisvar. kurstakiwhich is specific to the Lepidoptera (caterpillars that develop into moths or butterflies as adults). Reduced risk active ingredients such as spinosad are labelled for use against sawfly larvae. However, given that hibiscus are very attractive to pollinators, non-chemical management options such as hand picking and disposing of larvae, when possible, are best. Spinosad is toxic to pollinators until it dries.

The hibiscus (mallow) sawfly adult female uses her ovipositor to cut slits into leaf surfaces to deposit her eggs. Larvae emerge from these eggs and begin by first feeding on leaf undersides when small, and then move to feed on leaf surfaces as they grow in size. Only large leaf veins may be left behind if the population is large enough. Larvae have been observed moving to the base of the plant to pupate. Adults emerge and in some locations in the US, multiple generations have been recorded per year. This insect is known in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, but was reported feeding onHibiscus spp.in Connecticut in 2004 and 2005 and has previously been reported in Massachusetts. The timing of the life cycle of this insect, as well as how many generations occur per year in Massachusetts, however, is not fully understood.

Some research has shown thatHibiscus acetosella,H. aculeatus,andH. grandifloraseem to either exhibit some resistance to or tolerance of hibiscus sawfly feeding. In one study, all three had few if any eggs or larvae and were given the lowest damage rating among the species evaluated. This insect also does not feed on rose of Sharon orH. rosasinensis. It has, however, been reported to "voraciously" feed onH. moscheutos, H. palustris, H. militaris,andH. lasiocarpus.

• Imported Willow Leaf Beetle adults overwinter in loose bark or other sheltered areas near susceptible Salix and Populus spp. host plants. Once the host plant leaves emerge in the spring, adults will begin to feed and lay tiny, yellow eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Additional resources include an InsectXaminer episode about imported willow leaf beetle.
• Japanese Beetle adults have been reported active at the end of June in MA in 2024 (see scouting reports above). Adult beetles skeletonize the leaves of susceptible host plants, often feeding on roses, grapes, and shrubs first and moving to the foliage of trees as the season continues. Adults are typically active from late June to early August.
• Juniper Scaleegg laying and crawler emergence may be complete by the end of June. Yellowed foliage and premature needle drop may occur. Heavy infestations (10 or more scales per 1/2 inch of branch) can kill host plants.
• Mimosa Webwormcaterpillars should be monitored on susceptible hosts for activity and webbing beginning in the end of June, early July. The larvae (caterpillars) of this insect tie the foliage of their hosts together with silken strands and skeletonize the leaves. Injury to host plant leaves may be noticeable by early July in Massachusetts. Foliage can appear bronzed in color from the feeding. Webbing usually begins at the tops of trees. An entire tree may become covered in the webs created by these caterpillars.
• Oriental Beetleadults are active from mid-June through early August in Massachusetts. Adult activity occurs in the evening and at night, so the feeding they do on certain flowers (daisy, roses, phlox, and petunia) may not be seen by the observer.
• Pitch Mass Borer overwinters in the pitch mass found on the host plant. This insect tunnels beneath the bark, into the cambium. It may take up to two years for the pitch mass borer to mature. Pupation typically occurs by the end of May through June, in time for adult clearwing moth emergence in July and August.
• Privet Thrips are a non-native insect pest of privet, lilac, and ash. Thrips feed on the leaves of privet, causing them to appear gray in colormade up of chlorotic spots. Immature thrips may be viewed with magnification on the undersides of host plant leaves. Several generations per year may be possible throughout the summer.
• Redheaded Flea Beetle (Systena frontalis) has been identified as a native pest of nurseries in many locations in the eastern United States. Suspected redheaded flea beetle damage was seen on Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda' (Dwarf Pagoda Japanese holly) on 3/27/2024 that was purchased in Massachusetts but may have originated in NJ. While identification of this species of insect is uncertain based on host plant damage alone, it appears to be a reasonable and educated assumption. Redheaded flea beetles are known to feed on a wide variety of host plants. These include but are not limited to: cabbage, beans, beets, blueberries, and other agricultural crops as well as Physocarpus, Weigelia, Cornus, Forsythia, Itea, Hydrangea, and Ilex. Adult beetles are active and feed from approximately late-June to mid-September on the upper and lower leaf surfaces of their hosts. This can cause damage that looks like skeletonization and eventually holes in the leaves. Leaves appear covered in brown patches as in these photos. This damage was caused last season on this evergreen plant.
• Redheaded Pine Sawfly larvae feed on the outside of host plant needles. This results in shriveled, browned, and straw-like needles that remain attached to the hosts. Older caterpillars are capable of eating the entire needle. Feeding began in the spring and early summer, and can sometimes be extensive by the fall.
• Rhododendron Borer is one of the smallest of the native clearwing moths. Adult emergence may begin in May and can last through July, depending upon local temperatures. Rhododendron are preferred host plants, with the larvae of this species boring into stems, often near the base of plants. Injured plant parts may be more attractive to these insects.
• River Birch Aphid/Spiny Witch-hazel Gall AphidHamamelistes spinosusfeeding causes raised ribs or corrugated-looking galls to form on river birch leaves. The aphids themselves live on the river birch leaf undersides. These insects overwinter either as eggs on the bark of witch-hazel or immature females beneath the bark of river birch. In the spring on river birch, the female aphids move to the newly expanding leaves where they feed and give birth to a new generation of aphids. Aphids cover themselves in a white, waxy coating when found on the undersides of birch leaves. Affected leaves may turn brown and fall off the tree, however populations of this insect can often be tolerated. A winged generation is formed on the river birch, which disperses to witch-hazel. That generation lays eggs on the witch-hazel bark which will overwinter only to later hatch to form the stem mothers on that host in the spring. These individuals feed on the newly developing bugs of witch-hazel and cause them to form hollow, spiny, greenish-colored galls (may eventually turn brown) on that host. Winged individuals are formed again on witch-hazel and they disperse back to river birch. On both hosts, this insect is typically only of aesthetic interest and does not require management.
• Roseslugs is a common name for at least two species of sawflies whose larvae may be found feeding on the foliage of roses. These small larvae will skeletonize the upper leaf surface and leave a “windowpane”-like pattern behind. If present in large numbers, entire shrubs can be defoliated. Monitor for feeding larvae from the end of May through June.
• Southern Pine Beetle has been trapped in Massachusetts since 2015. By 2022 and2023, southern pine beetle has reached outbreak conditions in small areas of the state, killing pitch pine (Pinus rigida). (Particularly on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands in MA.) If you believe you have found infested pitch pine in Massachusetts, please report southern pine beetle using the Massachusetts Southern Pine Beetle Reporting Form from MA DCR.
• Spittle Bugs areinsects that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to pierce plant stems and remove host plant fluids. The “spittle” or froth is created as the nymphs (immatures) pump air bubbles into fluid they secrete as a foamy substance while feeding. This foam keeps the insects moist and prevents desiccation, while also protecting them from natural enemies. Spittle bugs seldom, if ever, require management. But they can become very noticeable!
• Spruce Bud Scale overwinters as an immature scale on the undersides of host plant needles. Once spring temperatures warm, the dormant scales become active by late March and in April female spruce bud scales move to host plant twigs. Adult females are reddish-brown and round, and usually found at the base of new twig growth. In this location, they finish maturing and eggs are retained in the female spruce bud scale body cavity where, eventually, crawlers develop. These immature and mobile crawlers appear by approximately the beginning of June and may remain active through July. They then find suitable locations to settle and begin their feeding on the new growth of the plant. During this time, copious amounts of honeydew (sugary liquid excrement) may be excreted.
• Tuliptree Scale is a soft scale pest of Liriodendron and Magnolia spp. among others. Second instar nymphs overwinter, begin feeding as temperatures warm in the spring, and mature into adults by the late spring/early summer.
• Twospotted Spider Mite season is under way as warm temperatures rise! Populations on many different deciduous and some coniferous hosts may rise from 363-618 GDD's and again from 1300-2000 GDD's. Twospotted spider mites prefer hot, dry conditions in the summer and fall. Population increases and subsequent plant damage can occur under these conditions. Using piercing-sucking mouthparts, mites feed primarily on the underside of host plant leaves and remove fluids. This feeding causes graying or yellowing of the leaves. Necrotic spots can also occur in advanced stages of leaf damage. This may lead to a stippled/bleached appearance of leaves; on occasion, complete defoliation due to spider mite activity is possible under high populations. Twospotted spider mites also create a fine webbing which can be found on infested plants.

Magnification is needed to visually detect twospotted spider mites. At least a 10-15X hand lens is required. The undersides of host plant leaves can be examined for the mites themselves or their shed or cast skins, as well as the fine webbing left behind by spider mites. However, it may be easier to view twospotted spider mites when a branch that is suspected to be infested is shaken or struck over a white piece of paper.See previous link for more details.

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle larvae may be found anywhere on the leaves and usually in groups. When young, larvae feed on the undersides of the leaves. As they grow larger, they may feed on the upper surface. Larval development may take approximately 8-10 weeks to completeand 3 larval instars are reported. Pupae are yellowish and are found in the soil beneath the host plant. Adults emerge around the middle of July and are brown, smaller than the largest larvae (approximately ¼ inch), and will also feed on the leaves. Adults are present in the landscape until the first hard frost.
• White Pine Aphid is a large, black, long-legged aphid found on twigs and small branches of eastern white pine. Search for aphids beginning in May and June. As the season progresses, honeydew and sooty mold may coat branches and needles of the host plant.
• White Prunicola Scaleis an armored scale that has been on occasion found in samples submitted to the UMass Plant Diagnostics Laboratory. Trunks and branches primarily of Japanese flowering cherry, lilac, and privet are infested by the white prunicola scale. Feeding may reduce tree vigor, and foliage may yellow or become sparse. Two generations may occur per year in New England, with eggs/crawlers in early June and again in early August. However, under warmer conditions, three generations per year are possible.
• White Spotted Pine Sawyer is a native longhorned beetle that is often confused for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (see entry above). White spotted pine sawyer adults emerge in late May throughout July in MA. This insect completes its life cycle in weakened or recently dead conifers, particularly eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). It is not a significant pest. However, if you are unsure of the identification of a longhorned beetle, always take a photo and report it. You can report suspicious insects atthe MA Department of Agricultural Resources Introduced Species Outreach Project Report a Pest Form.
• Yellow Poplar Weevilis also known as the sassafrass weevil, the magnolia leafminer, or the tulip tree leafminer. This insect, as all of these common names suggest, feeds on yellow poplar (tulip tree;Liriodendron tulipifera), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), magnolia (Magnolia spp.), as well as bay laurel (Laurus nobilis). Adult beetles lay eggs in the midribs of host plant leaves by May, after which the eggs hatch and larvae feed by creating blotch mines in the leaves. Larvae can be observed in May and June, and adults emerging to feed again by August, prior to overwintering in sheltered areas.

Beneficials/Non-Pests:

• Promethea Moth Caterpillarsshould not be mistaken for pests. Callosamia promethea is another one of North America’s gorgeous giant silkworm moths. The adult has a wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches, with females typically larger than males. This caterpillar is being reared indoors on black cherry (Prunus serotina); however, in the wild caterpillars typically complete their development by late summer or early fall. Caterpillars pass through at least 5 instars. The 3rd and 4th instars are shown here.

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

Landscape Weeds

For information about identification of weeds noted below, check out UMass Extension's Weed Herbarium.

Thin or bull paspalum, Paspalum setaceum, is beginning to rear its ugly head in turf:A large crabgrass look-a-like, this grassy weed is a warm-season perennial. Standard cultural practices and herbicides that manage crabgrass will not manage paspalum.Paspalum setaceum is often misidentified as dallisgrass, Paspalum dilatatum, a weedy perennial grass of southern turf. Applications of Pylex^TM are the best choice. Apply Pylex^TM only if the turfgrass is not under moisture and/or heat stress. Use sequential applications if the paspalum should rebound. Applications of Pylex^TM can begin now and continue through the month of August. The active ingredient in Pylex^TM is topramezone. Its mode of action is an HPPD inhibitor and, like mesotrione, will cause the bleaching of cool season turfgrasses. The addition of triclopyr will reduce bleaching symptoms. Consider physical removal where populations are small. Widespread populations may require a reseeding renovation after an application of a translocated non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate.

Crabgrass (and other annual grassy weed) management in turf: Recent rainfall and very warm weather is moving crabgrass along and you need to bring your “A Game.” Routinely monitorall turf areas regardless of whether they received a preemergence herbicide application or not. Postemergence herbicides will effectively manage crabgrass. Determination of the predominant growth stage will dictate the herbicide selection(see table below).

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) in turf and landscapes: This often “tough-to-manage” weed is currently just past its flowering period. Management of ground ivy is usually not effective during the early part of the growing season. Application of triclopyr in September and October is the best option. Treat ground ivy in landscape beds with a direct-spray application of glyphosate or glufosinate.

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica): Do not attempt to control Japanese knotweed, as herbicide applications are not effective in the early part of the growing season. In preparation for a late season herbicide application, cut or mow stands of knotweed to the ground in late May and early June. This practice will facilitate later herbicide application by removing the dried stems from the previous year’s growth and will control plant height to make herbicide treatment easier in late summer. Removal of new top grow can reduce the plant’s carbohydrate reserves with this early season mowing.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata): A biennial weed considered invasive in Massachusetts and other Northeast states. Second year plants have completed their flowering period and seedpods are still green. Green seedpods contain seeds that are not yet mature and lack reproductive ability. An herbicide application now will control the second-year plants before they produce viable seed as well as the first year seedling plants that have germinated below the canopy of the second-year plants.

Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus): In the last week, this tough weed has become very apparent in landscape beds. Now is the time to treat yellow nutsedge. The best products for yellow nutsedge control in landscape areas are the translocated, non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate applied as a directed spray or wick application. In turf settings, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, mesotrione and sulfentrazone can be used. Turf and landscape applications should be completed by the first week in July.

Report by Randy Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program

Additional Resources

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

For professional turf managers - Check out ourTurf Management Updates.

For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out ourhome 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 thePlant DiagnosticLaboratoryweb 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). Checkfor 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 athttps://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.