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Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra), also known as Japanese forest grass, is often used for massing in beds in where a low maintenance ground cover is needed in semi-shaded areas. The graceful arching stems along with the availability of gold or white striped variegated cultivars make it an attractive option. There are few reports of disease…Read more about Gray leaf spot/blight of Hakone Grass[Read More]


The Invasive Terrestrial Plant Rule was signed by Governor Holcomb and published on March 18, 2019.  The rule goes into effect 30 days after publishing, so it will be effective later in April. The rule states with respect to the 44 plant species included on the rule: “a person must not: (1) Sell, offer or…Read more about Terrestrial Invasive Species Rule Signed by Indiana Governor[Read More]


As I type this article, the outside thermometer is showing 10 degrees F.  Ouch!  And the calendar reads March 4.  Double ouch!  Winter is stubbornly hanging around for a few more days, maybe weeks.  Eventually, the dreary cold weather will surrender to spring and life will return to the woods.  However, subtle changes are occurring…Read more about Early Spring in the Woods[Read More]



Volutella stem and leaf blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Coccinonectria pachysandricola (=Volutella pachysandricola),  can cause major damage to Pachysandra – destroying large areas in a bed. (Fig 1)  Infected leaves first develop tan or brown blotches with dark brown margins, which expand, often with concentric lighter and darker target-like zones. (Figs 2a,b) Stem and…Read more about Volutella leaf blight and stem canker of pachysandra[Read More]


It is easy to confuse Hemlock (Tsuga spp.) and Yew (Taxus spp.) unless you can see the overall plant habit or have them both side by side.  Further confusing them is that both species may be pruned into hedges or other shapes that obscure the natural plant habits. Hemlock has short needles, 1/4 – 3/4″…Read more about Distinguishing Hemlock from Yew[Read More]


Fungal diseases of ornamentals will always be a limitation to profitable plant production and management—how significant that limitation is in your hands. Fungicides are effective in reducing the risk of loss– in numbers, in quality and in terms of aesthetics. However, fungicide costs in terms of product cost, number of applications and labor need to…Read more about Fungicide Costs[Read More]



When emerald ash borer swept through the Midwest it left three kinds of ash trees in its wake: the dead, the dying, and the diligently protected and thriving. The hunt was on for ways to stop this insect and save North America’s ash trees. Now, nearly 20 years later, not only do we have tools…Read more about New tips for managing emerald ash borer[Read More]




Sitting in your back yard on a warm day under the shade of a tree is one of the joys of spring, but there are a growing number of threats that could destroy this experience. Invasive species present dangers like those from above in the form of fragile dead ash trees and from below in…Read more about Emerald Ash Borer University Announcement[Read More]


A look back at the past year may help us be alert to problems ahead. Here’s a summary of the most common problems received in the diagnostic lab on woody ornamentals in 2018. As is typical for most years there were more non-disease (abiotic) problems than infectious  (biotic) diseases found on PPDL lab samples in…Read more about Woody Ornamentals Summary 2018[Read More]


The Professional Landscape Management School is held annually in Evansville, IN.  The two day conference for Green Industry professionals focuses on current, research-based best management practices. Leading experts and specialists will be speaking on various topics, such as insect and pest management, plant health care, weed control, and more. Continuing educational credits will be requested…Read more about Professional Landscape Management School[Read More]


The 2019 Indiana Arborist Association Annual Conference will be held in Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Marriott East, January 22-24th, 2019. The IAA and our partners will be offering a full 3-day program with educational opportunities and trade show for anyone involved in planning, planting or managing trees in the built environment. The conference proceedings will…Read more about Indiana Arborist Association Annual Conference[Read More]


This short course has been cancelled for these dates.  We’re working on a new set of dates to offer this program, so keep checking back with www.PurdueLandscapeReport.org for updated information. The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Short Course is an immersive, condensed, intensive entry-level educational experience for personnel in the Controlled Environment industry, as well as those with CEA…Read more about Controlled Environment Short Course[Read More]


This short course has been cancelled for these dates.  We’re working on a new set of dates to offer this program, so keep checking back with www.PurdueLandscapeReport.org for updated information. The Landscape Management Short Course is an immersive, condensed, intensive entry-level educational experience for personnel in the Green industry, as well as those with experience…Read more about Landscape Management Short Course[Read More]


The Indiana Green Expo is Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive Green Industry educational conference and trade show serving Indiana and the Midwest.  The 2019 Indiana Green Expo (IGE) is sponsored by the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. Unlike some for-profit trade shows, all proceeds from the IGE are used…Read more about Indiana Green Expo[Read More]


Boxwoods have so many pests it’s a wonder we continue to grow them. On top of boxwood mites, psyllids, and leafminers boxwood blight has been spreading since 2011. Boxwoods are special though so we work to protect them from each new threat. That work will get harder if box tree moth gets established in North…Read more about Watch for potential new boxwood pest[Read More]


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