Resources for landscapes and gardens in the Midwest
Tubakia leaf spot, a fungal disease, infects all species of oak. However, oaks in the red oak group such as black, red and pin oak, appear to be most susceptible. Symptoms on oak include small to large dark brown or reddish-brown spots or blotches. (Figs 1,2,3) Spotting that occurs on leaf veins may cause large[Read More…]
Although most “conifers” are “evergreen”, a few species are “deciduous”. Confused? Perhaps a review of these terms will help. conifer = cone-bearing evergreen = retains at least some green foliage year-round deciduous = all leaves die and are shed annually at same time Evergreens provide green color all year long but that doesn’t mean that[Read More…]
It’s never too early to protect your trees from spongy (previously gypsy) moth! Across the Central and Northeastern US spongy moths had a population boom this summer. Although we do not have firm predictions for next year yet, you can still start planning and protecting your trees now! Fall is the perfect time to check[Read More…]
Biology: Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), also known as chufa (chufa is a non-weedy variety that is used for wildlife food plots and is not a cold hardy weed like yellow nutsedge), nutgrass, or watergrass, is a troublesome, difficult-to-control perennial weed found throughout the United States. It is important to understand that yellow nutsedge is not a grass[Read More…]
Boxwoods losing leaves should not be ignored!! Check them carefully for tell-tale symptoms of boxwood blight, a serious fungal disease that causes rapid defoliation and dieback (Fig. 1). The fungus that causes boxwood blight can infect all above ground portions of the shrub. The first symptoms of the disease are dark leaf spots (Fig. 2[Read More…]
An abiotic stress in plants is a stress due to a non-living factor, such as temperature, moisture, herbicides, etc. Biotic stress includes a living organism, such as a fungi, insect, etc. This series will explore some of the most common types of abiotic stress you may find in landscapes and nurseries. What is wrong[Read More…]
Diseases that affect the twigs, branches, and the main trunk of a tree are referred to as cankers or blights. Cankers appear as a general sunken area of darkened tissue on the twigs or branches, often surrounding a branch stub (Fig. 1). Canker diseases can be a serious problem in the landscape when they are[Read More…]
The Purdue University College of Agriculture hosts a career fair every fall and spring semester. Over 150 companies attend, providing recruiters with the opportunity to educate students about their organizations, advertise positions and/or interview students for permanent or internship positions. During the fall, a Resume Blitz is held the day before the fair. The evening[Read More…]
Getting calls from panicked customers about black spots on maple leaves? You’re probably not alone, because now is the time when people start to notice maple tar spot. Every summer we get questions about black spots on maple leaves that look like tar. These spots are not actually “tar” on maple, but are rather a[Read More…]
On July 17th, at the Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, the Natural Resources Commission passed the preliminary adoption of the Terrestrial Plant Rule (TPR) (https://www.in.gov/nrc/files/lsa18316_proposed.pdf). This rule restricts the sale, distribution, and transport of 44 invasive plants, which were determined invasive based on scientific literature by the Indiana Invasive Species Council’s subcommittee, the Invasive[Read More…]
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) conducted an analysis of 62 civilian tree care-related accidents reported by the media from January 2017 to June 2018. TCIA is a trade association that promotes professional tree care and discourages homeowners from taking unnecessary risks caring for their trees themselves. While these numbers are not representative of[Read More…]
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