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Dianthus is a much-admired perennial, but occasionally it develops serious disease problems. The most dramatic of these is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. The disease may spread rapidly on greenhouse benches or in landscape plantings of susceptible dianthus varieties. The old-fashioned ‘Sweet William’ varieties seem to tolerate this disease fairly well and may only…Read more about Dianthus Anthracnose[Read More]



The Purdue Landscape Report Virtual educational series begins the second season on May 5th at 10:00 am (Eastern).  Various speakers will present timely information during the growing season for the Green Industry.  You have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speakers at each event.  The 2020 educational events can be found on…Read more about Purdue Landscape Report Virtual-The second season begins![Read More]


The hard freeze last week had many homeowners concerned about their perennial and annual plants in their landscape.  For the vast majority of perennial plants, there aren’t many issues long-term of concern.  Some foliage and flowers have significant damage, but the plants will recover, and possibly release new vegetative buds in severe cases.  The plants…Read more about Effects of Recent Cold Temperatures on Plants[Read More]


PART 1 – The Importance of “Physical” Soil Testing In my 40 years of teaching and consulting, one of the biggest and most frustrating problems I continually encounter is when so called “landscape professionals” and homeowners continue to apply annual soil fertilizers, lime, and other soil amendments without ever conducting a professional soils test. Before…Read more about WHY is Professional Soil Testing So Essential ??? – PART 1[Read More]



Fungicides are important tools for managing ornamental plant diseases (Fig. 1). There are many different fungicides and numerous methods of classifying them. One way to classify fungicides is by their chemical structures or modes of action — the specific ways the fungicides kill a fungus. Fungicides that share a common mode of action belong to…Read more about Putting the spin on fungicide rotations[Read More]


This week’s forecast is indicating unseasonably cold temperatures for most of the state with lows in the lower 20’s.  While the temperatures shouldn’t reach record setting status, it could cause some plant stress.  Plants are most susceptible to cold injury going into dormancy and coming out of dormancy, with maximum cold hardiness during the winter. …Read more about Effect of Cold Temperatures During Bud Break[Read More]


When spring mulching occurs, most companies will apply a preemergence herbicide for extending weed control.  It is well known that the combination of mulch and preemergence herbicides is a very effective method in controlling weeds (https://purduelandscapereport.org//article/cultural-plus-chemicala-good-weed-control-combo-in-landscape-beds/).  When applying preemergence herbicides with mulch, which should be first for the most effective control? This common question is…Read more about Above or Below Mulch: Should you apply preemergence herbicides before or after mulching?[Read More]


We receive a large number of spruce samples each year at the PPDL, with the vast majority being from Colorado blue spruce with needlecast. Many others show lower needle yellowing, which could be associated with nutrient deficiency or root stress. Figure 1 and 2.   However we are receiving an increasing number of Norway spruce…Read more about Phomopsis Dieback of Spruce[Read More]


As bud break is currently occurring on early species in southern and central Indiana, remember to be on the lookout for callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) on properties that you manage for removal.  Callery pear (multiple cultivars in the landscape from this species) has become a major invasive species of concern in wild and disturbed areas…Read more about Annual Reminder to Identify Callery Pear for Removal[Read More]



Leaf blotch, also called red spot and measles, is a common disease of peony caused by the fungus Graphiopsis chlorocephala (=Cladosporium paenoiae).  The disease has multiple names because there are multiple symptoms. Lesion on leaves and stems can vary from tiny red spots (“measles”) to larger brown or purple blotches (Figures 1, 2 and 3)….Read more about Peony leaf blotch[Read More]


This past February was among the coldest and snowiest we had since 2014. Yet despite our discomfort, it won’t be an issue for most insect pests that attack landscape plants. Most species regularly survive winters that are far colder. Indeed, the snow cover probably protected many insects from freezing in this year’s winter weather. Insects…Read more about Will the February Freeze Kill This Summer’s Pests?[Read More]




WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —The 2021 Indiana Green Expo (IGE) will offer professional turfgrass, landscape and nursery managers recorded and live sessions. Recorded classes will be available Monday (Jan. 18) through Feb. 4. Keynote addresses, a virtual trade show and networking sessions will air live Tuesday (Jan. 19) through Jan. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. (ET)…Read more about 2021 Indiana Green Expo to go online with live and on-demand sessions[Read More]


The Indiana Arborist Association will be hosting a virtual conference from Jan. 26-29, 2021, in lieu of its 73rd annual in-person meeting. The virtual event will offer a diverse group of speakers and topics in order to engage professionals, volunteers, managers and decision-makers alike. “As our organization gathers virtually together in 2021, we have the…Read more about IAA Annual Conference[Read More]



  Please join us for the 2021 Indiana Arborist Association Virtual Annual Conference While we can’t be together in person this year, we can continue to learn with each other and earn those continuing education units (CEU). Hear the most current research and information from internationally and nationally known experts about emerging trends and BMPs….Read more about Attend the Indiana Arborist Association Annual Conference Virtually[Read More]


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