Landscape Message: October 18, 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 #19 for the 2024 growing season.  We are now in the monthly phase of the annual schedule, and the next and final message for 2024 will be posted on Friday, November 15. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list 

Click on the headings below to jump to that section of the message.

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In This Issue

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

Regional Notes

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Insects and Other Arthropods

Landscape Weeds

Additional Resources

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Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about October 16, 2024. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50ºF baseline temperature collected via regional NEWA 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.

MA Region/Location	2024 Growing Degree Days		Soil Temp (°F at 4" depth)		Precipitation (Gain in inches since last report)	Time/Date of Readings
	Gain since last report	2024 total	Sun	Shade
CAPE	231	2676	54	52	6.70	12:00 10/15/2024
SOUTHEAST	240	2964	60	53	2.25	3:00 PM 10/16/2024
NORTH SHORE	191	2698	48	47	1.92	8:15 AM 10/15/2024
EAST	225	2977	54	50	1.35	4:00 PM 10/16/2024
METRO	199	2779	49	47	0.94	5:15 AM 10/16/2024
CENTRAL	205	2838	48	46	2.53	12:00 PM 10/16/2024
PIONEER VALLEY	316	2903	54	54	0.92	3:00 PM 10/16/2024
BERKSHIRES	172	2458	52	47	2.61	9:00 AM 10/16/2024
AVERAGE	222	2787	52	50	2.40	-
n/a = information not available

 

US Drought Monitor:  A dry period since the last update... at this time nearly all of Massachusetts with the exception of only the southern portions of Bristol and Plymouth Counties and the Cape and the islands have an official drought designation of at least D1 (Abnormally Dry), approximately 84% of the state's area in total.  Northern portions of Berkshire and Frankiln Counties, along with all of Essex County and a large portion of Northeastern Middlesex County are classified as D1 (Moderate Drought) (about 17% of the state's area in total). State map as of Thursday 10/17: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA
 

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions:

The period from September 18 to October 16 averaged 58ºF with a high of 75ºF on September 27 and a low of 40ºF on October 15. The period has seen temperatures steadily dropping, including both daytime highs and nighttime lows. The period has also seen a mixture of sunny, partly sunny, and cloudy days.

Prior to this period, soil conditions were extremely dry across the Cape; however, steady rain from September 19–22 resulted in over 4 inches of precipitation in Barnstable. Precipitation amounts varied across the region, from just under3 inches in Falmouth/Bourne to more 9 inches in Orleans/Chatham. Additional significant precipitation events occurred on Sept 27, Oct 7 and Oct 9. Soil moisture is adequate.

Woody plants observed in bloom during the end of the period include rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), and variegated abelia (Abelia x grandiflora). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom during the period include turtlehead (Chelone spp.), Japanese anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and asters (Symphotrichum spp.). Fall foliage color is good on maples, sassafras, and tupelo right now. Fall leaf abscission has started in many species, some maybe slightly earlier than normal due to foliar disease and/or drought stress.

Pests/Problems:

Insects or insect damage observed during the period include turpentine beetle damage to pitch pine, tupelo leafminer damage on tupelo, hemlock woolly adelgid on hemlock, oleander aphid on milkweed, chilli thrips on bigleaf hydrangea, maskell skale on umbrella pine, and grubs in turf.

In scouting for box tree moth, it appears caterpillars may be done feeding for the season.

Disease symptoms and signs observed during the period include beech leaf disease on beech, leaf blotch on lilac, tar spot on Norway maple, foliar nematode on hosta, cercospora leaf spot on bigleaf hydrangea, hydrangea rust on smooth hydrangea, white smut on gallardia, and powdery mildew on numerous species.

Weeds seen in bloom during the period include mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), and yellow wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta).

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions:

As we approach peak fall foliage color, the sugar and red maples are exhibiting brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Other plants displaying vibrant colors include burning bush, sumac, poison ivy, and Virginia creeper. It is noteworthy that there are significantly fewer ash trees contributing to the fall colors this year. Asters and goldenrod remain among the limited resources available for pollinators. Meanwhile, Japanese knotweed continues to flower, while autumn flowering clematis have already finished blooming. Since September 18, 2024, the highest temperature was 75ºF on Friday, September 27th, while the temperature dropped to a low of 37ºF on the morning of Sunday, October 13th. Over the past 30 days the temperaturehas averaged approximately 63ºF. There was rain on Friday, September 20th, Saturday, September 21st and Thursday, September 26th resulting in a total of 2.25 inches accumulation. The average humidity was around 75%. The highest wind speed was 25 mph from the northwest on Saturday, October 5. On October 16, at 3 PM, the soil temperature was 60ºF in full sun and 53ºF in the shade.

Pests/Problems:

Mildew has been observed on dogwood, phlox, and bluegrass.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions:

The first three weeks of this four-week reporting period had mild early fall temperatures. Daytime temperatures ranged from the low 60s to low 70s and nighttime temperatures ranged from the low 50s to low 60s. The last week of this period saw daytime temperatures that were colder, in the low 50s to mid 60s, and the nighttime temperatures were in the mid 30s to low 40s, yielding an average daily temperature of 56ºF. The maximum temperature of 77ºF was recorded on September 27 and the minimum temperature of 32ºF was recorded on October 13. Approximately 1.92 inches of rain were recorded at Long Hill.

Signs of the fall season are already here with foliage changing color on some trees. Leaves have started to fall from some trees and homeowners have started the fall practice of raking leaves from their yards. Woody plants seen in bloom include common witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and white bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii ‘White Fountain’). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida), hardy begonia (Begonia grandis), cranesbill (Geranium spp.), Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum), and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Pests/Problems:

Deer browsing has been observed on some plants.

Mosquito activity will continue to decline as we get into the lower fall temperatures, but ticks will continue to be active whenever temperatures are above freezing. Remember to protect yourself with repellent when working outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.

East (Boston)

General Conditions:

We are experiencing a warm, dry fall. We received 1.35 inches of precipitation over the past four weeks. Daytime temperatures averaged 66ºF with a high of 79ºF on September 27th. Overnight lows averaged 51ºF, with three nights, from October 11th through the 15th, dropping into the high-30's.

Some Acer spp. (maple), Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), and Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire) are beginning to show fall color. Aconitum napellus (monkshood), Anemone x hybrida (Japanese anemone), Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk daisy), and a variety of fall asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) are flowering.

Pests/Problems:

We have received only 1.37 inches of precipitation since September 1st, with 0.42 inches of that falling in October. Plants in unirrigated areas continue to show signs of drought stress. Recent transplants require supplemental irrigation. Early leaf drop continues with minimal fall color.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions:

Fall arrived on September 22nd and signs of this season are evident with fall foliage colors, shortened days, and cool temperatures. September’s average rainfall is 3.77” and a total of 0.47” of rain was recorded for the month. October’s average monthly rainfall is 4.32” and recorded for the month so far has been 0.53”. We experienced our first frost of the season on the 15th, despite the earlier threats.

Not much was observed in flower during this reporting period except for a few herbaceous perennials including Aconitum napellus (monkshood), Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’ (ornamental onion), Aster tataricus (Tatarian aster), and Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk daisy). Providing additional interest in the landscape are the following: the red fruits on Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley), Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), C. kousa (Kousa dogwood), and Ilex verticillata (winterberry); a variety of colors and sizes of fruit on Callicarpa dichotoma (beautyberry), Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood), Crataegus spp. (hawthorn), Malus spp. (apple and crabapple), Rosa spp. (rose), Sorbus spp. (mountain ash) and Viburnum spp.; showy seed heads on ornamental grasses including Chasmanthium latifolium (northern sea oats), Miscanthus sp. (maiden grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), and Pennisetum aloepecuroides (fountain grass); seed capsules on Heptacodium miconioides (seven-son-flower); seed pods on Catalpa spp., Gleditsia triacanthos (honeylocust), and Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky coffeetree); and nuts on Carya spp. (hickory), Juglans spp. (walnut), and Quercus spp. (oak).

Pests/Problems:

The dry weather pattern continued throughout this reporting period and as a result, on October 11th, the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs MA Drought Status declared a Level D1 – Mild Drought for this area. With the .053” of rain received this month thus far, I anxiously dread seeing any future updated drought reports.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions:

Fall is truly present now and the weather and flora have changed. With temperatures averaging 66.7ºF (highest being 79.2ºF on 9/18), nights have dropped as low as 34.7ºF (on 10/15). Precipitation was recorded at 2.53 inches since the last report, with over an inch on September 21st. Average wind speed since last report has been 7.5 mph.

Most of the asters and late flowering plants are either at their last stage of bloom or have gone to seed. Luckily, we can still see some blooming from witchhazels (Hamamelis virginiana) and autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Per the time of the season, central Massachusetts is almost at peak foliage change. It also has been a great mast season for both hickories (Carya spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.).

Pests/Problems:

The different foliar diseases and drought conditions had affected the foliage late summer, mostly creating early leaf color change and drop. However, fall foliage color is very strong and vibrant this fall, probably due to drought conditions earlier this season.

Rainfall has increased, although the state still has this region as Level 1-mild drought conditions.

Aphids and leafminers can still be seen on different plant material.

Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

General Conditions:

It’s been a gorgeous autumn season throughout the Pioneer Valley. Leaf color reached its peak over the holiday weekend with both sugar and red maple in their full glory. Mild days with bright sun and cool nights have made for some prime conditions to be outside. The beautiful weather aside, the lack of precipitation since mid-August is a significant concern as trees and shrubs enter the dormant season. Drought stress can impact the cold acclimation process, making woody plants more susceptible to freeze injury during the winter months. Since our last soaking rainfall in mid-August (8/19), there have been only four rain events at the Easthampton gauge (9/7, 9/26, 10/7, and 10/13–14) with a combined accumulation of 1.32”. At a wider scale, most weather stations in Hampshire and Hampden Counties have similar totals over this span (1–2” from 8/20 to 10/16) while Franklin County has fared somewhat better with 3–3.5”. Across the UMass campus, surface soils are very dry and lower soil horizons also have limited moisture. While water demands are currently low, new deciduous transplants should be watered through the end of October and evergreens through November. Patchy frost occurred on the morning of 10/15 in the valley bottom with the potential for additional scattered frosts in the long-term forecast.

Pests/Problems:

As pest and pathogen activity wanes in parallel with plant activity, there are very few insects and diseases that require active management at this time. Continue to scout for the presence of conks and mushrooms produced with root and lower trunk rot pathogens of hardwoods and conifers. In many cases, the presence of the fruiting bodies may be the only indication the tree is infected, even when serious decay is present. Reducing overwintering inoculum through fall clean ups can help to manage common foliar diseases that occur throughout the managed landscape, especially foliar anthracnose of deciduous trees and shrubs. Many foliar pathogens overwinter on diseased, discarded leaves. When left at the site, they can readily sporulate next spring to infect newly developing foliage.

Now is a good time to start applying deer and rodent repellents to susceptible plants. Scout landscape beds for evidence of voles so that repellents can be targeted against these root and bark eating pests.

The autumn season is a good time to excavate the root flare of trees and shrubs to ensure that girdling and circling roots are not forming. Pruning of larger girdling roots is better performed in winter and spring but identifying these problematic roots can be done at almost any time. Avoid any significant canopy pruning during the fall season, as it can make certain trees more susceptible to cold temperature injury.

Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

General Conditions:

Since mid-September, conditions have cooled down considerably. The highest daytime temperatures at the NEWA sites all occurred on September 19: 83ºF at North Adams, 82ºF at Pittsfield, and 80ºF in Richmond. The low temperatures for the period all occurred this week with 33ºF on the morning of October 16 in both North Adams and Pittsfield. Richmond registered 31ºF on October 13. A freeze of 29ºF occurred at this site in West Stockbridge on the morning of October 15, blackening many annuals and tender vegetables, as well as some perennials. It has also hastened leaf drop on many deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly maple and ash trees, though ash trees lost most of their foliage earlier in the year due to heavy and widespread problems with emerald ash borer. Oaks are still hanging on to much of their foliage and offer some typical fall foliage color.

Rainfall for the period has varied but overall has been less than normal. The driest sites were in northern Berkshire where rainfall from September 18 through October 16 amounted to only 0.85 inches. Most rain occurred in southern Berkshire. Richmond had 2.70 inches and Pittsfield 1.94 inches while this site (West Stockbridge) collected 2.61 inches.

Despite near drought conditions and recent frosts, there are still some perennials displaying their colorful flowers. Species of aster are among the most common still in bloom. Ornamental grasses, e.g. Miscanthus species stand out as do shrubs such as American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). The big question at this time is how the pending dramatic increase in temperatures, back into the 60s and near 70F, and projected low precipitation will affect the health of plants as they go into the dormant season and winter.

Pests/Problems:

Pest issues are much reduced currently as many pests have gone into their dormant phase. One which remains prominent is the deer (black-legged) tick, and the threat of tick related diseases to humans remains high, as this scout with a recent case of Lyme Disease can attest to. Ticks are found not only on tall grasses and other plants but also among accumulations of fallen leaves. Pets, i.e. dogs and cats, are also prone to pick up ticks and bring them indoors. As such, all the usual precautions to protect oneself from the ticks remain in place.

The only plant pest observed during this scouting check was scale, both adults and eggs, on the underside of holly leaves.

Browsing of foliage on trees, shrubs, and some herbaceous plants by deer, rabbits, and chipmunks remains high as the food source for these creatures diminishes at this time of year. Vole populations are also very high with much tunneling on turfgrass areas.

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

Recent pests, pathogens, or problems of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, a select few:

Canker-rot of red maple (Acer rubrum) caused by the fungal pathogen Rigidonotus glomeratus (formerly Inonotus glomeratus). Two mature (~18” dbh and ~45’ tall) and declining red maples were removed on the UMass campus in September. Both trees grew in full sun in compacted, sandy soils and exhibited chronic branch dieback with thinning canopies. Construction injury from the removal of a building and installation of a parking lot several years ago was a contributing factor. One tree also had conks of Ganoderma sessile growing from the base of the trunk and these had appeared in previous years. After felling, examination of the trunks revealed that one tree was harboring a trunk rot infection by R. glomeratus. White rot of the heartwood (that appears light brown) and the presence of several sterile conks illustrated an advanced infection. Rigidonotus has for decades been considered a common and serious trunk rot pathogen of maple and beech in forest settings, but its presence in managed landscapes is largely unknown. The sterile conks appear as rounded, black-colored, cracked to corky masses that are often surrounded by swollen and splitting bark tissue. These sterile conks are similar, yet far smaller, to those produced by the sterile conk rot pathogen of birch, Inonotus obliquus. Canker-rot caused by R. glomeratus likely plays a more significant role in the decline of mature red maples across managed landscapes than is recognized. More information and photos about this native pathogen can be found in this UMass Extension fact sheet, Canker-Rot caused by Rigidonotus glomeratus.

Diplodia shoot and needle blight (Diplodia sapinea) on lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), Swiss stone pine (P. cembra), mugo pine (P. mugo), Crimean pine (P. nigra ssp. pallasiana), and Scots pine (P. sylvestris var. hamata). This native fungal pathogen has a broad host range among conifers but is primarily found attacking two- and three-needle pines. The affected trees range in age from approximately 5 to 65 years old and reside on various sites that experience full sun in well-drained soils with no supplemental irrigation. This season, all of these pines exhibited stunted new growth with needle browning and shoot dieback. None exhibited similar symptoms in previous years. A typical symptom of Diplodia blight is that the current seasons growth partial develops before it’s killed. The mugo pine was growing in significant shade and also experienced a serious outbreak of the redheaded pine sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei).

Root and butt rot of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) caused by Pseudoinonotus dryadeus. This large, triple stem oak is believed to be >100 years old and resides next to a driveway in a residential setting. One leader has a significant lean. Two conks were found growing from the base on the root flare this autumn season, but the tree otherwise appears healthy. Pseudoinonotus is a serious root and butt rot pathogen that primarily attacks oak (Quercus) but can occasionally be found on other hardwoods. However, this pathogen does not appear to be as common in New England in comparison to other root and butt rot pathogens of oak (e.g. Bondarzewia and Laetiporus). The fungus primarily causes a damaging decay of the root system, but when infections are advanced, the decay progresses into the lower trunk. The presence of conks at the base of infected oaks often indicates serious decay is present in the root system. Pseudoinonotus is considered by many to be the most damaging root decay pathogen of oaks in urban settings.

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

Insects and Other Arthropods

Invasive Updates:

• Asian Longhorned Beetle is still present in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn, MA. If you suspect you’ve found 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 the Asian Longhorned Beetle Report page from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources.

• Box Tree Moth has been detected in the following Massachusetts communities: Plymouth, Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth. 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.

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 page and 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 Box Tree Moth Monitoring & Trapping fact sheet from UMass Extension. 

• Elm Zigzag Sawfly has been detected in the following Massachusetts communities: Tyringham, Washington, Williamsburg, Amherst, Great Barrington, New Ashford, Dalton, Chesterfield, Holyoke, Hinsdale, Granby, Greenfield, Westfield, Chester, Deerfield, Becket, Sunderland, Williamstown, Windsor, Erving, Palmer, Ware, and Hardwick. A map of these locations can be found on the MA DCR Forest Health Program Elm Zigzag Sawfly page.  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.

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.
• 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. In the fall, adult jumping worm sightings typically increase due to the life cycle of these earthworms and their large and noticeable size at this time of year.
• Spotted Lanternfly now has established populations in many locations in Massachusetts. Many of them have been detected for the first time in 2024. To see where spotted lanternfly is currently known to be in MA, please visit this map of spotted lanternfly locations in Massachusetts courtesy of the MA Department of Agricultural Resources.

In areas of the state where spotted lanternfly is present and has been observed through monitoring, the SLF Management Guide suggests management options for SLF nymphs and adults. 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).

For homeowners now living with spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts, the MA Department of Agricultural Resources offers the following decision-making guides:
• Checklist for residents living in infested areas
• Checklist for businesses in infested areas
• Management guide for homeowners

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

New SLF PSA's are available from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources! Share with your friends!

Medically Important Pests:

• Ticks are a serious public health concern and may be active in managed landscapes any time temperatures are above freezing. 

Check your children and loved ones and selves for ticks daily! High exposure risk, such as recreational and work time outdoors combined with tick activity is a recipe for tick bites. Don’t let your guard down just because temperatures are dropping – ticks are active any time the temperature is above freezing. Check your entire body and remove any attached ticks immediately. If an attached tick is found, submit the tick to one of the testing resources in the link below and go see your physician immediately. Lyme disease is only one of the pathogens ticks can vector. Others include but are not limited to babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and many more!

Blood tests for tick borne pathogens are available. Ask your doctor about FA and Western blot testing. A doctor may prescribe doxycycline or amoxicillin or other antibiotics to treat certain tick-borne pathogens. Remember, the pathogen that causes babesiosis is different and requires different treatment! Co-infections are possible – meaning more than one pathogen may be present at a time. Test for all of them. UMass Extension cannot provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only.

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 and remain active at this time! 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. The Massachusetts risk maps are currently available for both EEE and WNV. 

As of 10/8/2024, there have been 4 human cases and 3 animal cases of EEE in MA and 15 human cases of WNV in MA. As of 10/8/2024 there have been 97 EEE positive and 333 WNV positive mosquito samples in MA. As of 10/4/2024, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announces two additional human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts. See that article for additional ways to protect yourself and loved ones. Continue to protect yourself from mosquitoes until the first hard frost in MA.

• Wasps/Hornets: check out this newly available fact sheet about yellowjackets and much more from UMass Extension!

Tree & Shrub Insect & Mite Pest Suggested Scouting:

• Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs will begin to seek overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes, throughout the next couple of months. While such invaders do not cause any measurable structural damage, they can become a nuisance, especially when they are present in large numbers.
• Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillars are out and about, as is common this time of year. Lophocampa caryae is native to North America with caterpillars of this species found from July through September. These white, black and hairy caterpillars may be seen wandering landscapes. Hickory, walnut, hornbeam, and others are favored host plants, although these caterpillars may be seen on many other trees and shrubs. The hairy caterpillars themselves or their cocoons may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals, especially children. Avoid handling and teach children to ask an adult first before picking up a hairy caterpillar. Typically does not require management.

• Locust Borer adult beetles are typically active by early September until the first frost, often associated with goldenrod. Beetles are attractive – black with a series of yellow stripes throughout the body and approximately ½-1 inches long. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is the host of the wood boring larvae of this visually striking insect.

• Southern Pine Beetle has been trapped in Massachusetts since 2015. By 2022 and 2023, 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.
• 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 complete and 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 Marked Tussock Moth is one of many native tussock moth species commonly encountered in the late summer and early fall. Avoid touching these caterpillars or their cocoons: they may cause allergic reactions, especially if their hairs come into contact with sensitive skin (ex. back, stomach, underside of arms) (Wagner, 2005). Contact dermatitis (itching) as a result of interacting with these insects has been reported from schools and daycares. Teach children how to identify and avoid handling cocoons and caterpillars. These caterpillars have urticating (irritating) hairs. Welts may appear on the skin within minutes, but subside the next day; however, itching can last for several days depending upon the sensitivity of the individual.

• Winter Cutworm Eggs: the eggs of Noctua pronuba or the winter cutworm (caterpillar stage) or the large yellow underwing (moth stage) are being seen again on various landscape ornamental and shade trees and shrubs. See photo of the winter cutworm eggs viewed on Japanese elm on 8/22/2024 courtesy of Brady Yacek. This (until now) mysterious appearance of eggs, followed by very minor feeding on leaves (if laid on leaves) and apparent disappearance of the culprit has occurred this time of year for the last few seasons. With the help of Charley Eiseman and Whitney Cranshaw in 2023, the identity of the eggs is finally known. The winter cutworm is a non-native insect that may feed on a variety of plants in the landscape. Larvae mature by the winter and can be seen on mild days in the snow! Pupation is believed to occur in the spring, with adults found in the spring and again in the late summer. There may be two generations per year, but the life cycle of this insect is not completely understood. Increasingly, winter cutworm caterpillars are reported in Massachusetts throughout the winter season (see the Insects section under Turf in the April 7, 2023 Issue of the Landscape Message). The good news is, even though the eggs of this species have been observed on beautyberry, beech, and Japanese white pine in ornamental landscapes in recent years, no significant feeding damage has been seen on these plants. In most cases, although noticeable, the egg masses can be ignored or tolerated.

Beneficials/Non-Pests:

• Torymus sinensis is an introduced (classical biological control) natural enemy of the Asian chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus). It was introduced into the United States in the 1970’s in an attempt to manage this invasive pest of chestnuts. T. sinensis is a parasitoid wasp from the family Torymidae. It is quite good at following the Asian chestnut gall wasp wherever it goes, and is currently one of the most effective means of curbing the gall forming pest. D. kurphilus is fairly “new” to Massachusetts, however it has been known in the US since it was first discovered in 1974 in Georgia. This gall forming wasp is native to China and causes galls to form on developing petioles, leaves, and stems of Castanea spp. in the springtime. This galling can sometimes be extensive on the host, causing noticeable damage. A fantastic presentation and discussion of the Asian chestnut gall wasp and its parasitoid is available from Dr. Carol C. Mapes of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mapes was so kind to confirm the identification of the galls of the Asian chestnut gall wasp as well as the larva of T. sinensis photographed here by Jeff Rosenblum on 9/27/2024 in Florence, MA.

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

Landscape Weeds

“Broadleaf turf weed two-for”: Fall is a great time for broadleaf weed control in turf. As the weather cools, plants will start the movement of sugars downward in the plant in preparation for winter. This downward movement of sugars is an excellent way to get herbicides into the roots, rhizomes and crowns. The “broadleaf turf weed two-for” is achieved with an herbicide application made in the fall after we see germination of winter annual broadleaf weeds. These applications will control perennial broadleaf weeds and winter annual broadleaf weeds at the same time and set you up to be in great shape in the spring. Difficult to control weeds such as wild violets and ground ivy are best controlled with fall applications of a broadleaf turf herbicide that contains triclopyr. Application timing should be just before or after the first light frost of fall.

Oriental bittersweet: Since the yellow fall color is now apparent on this invasive plant, foliar applications are not effective. Cut-stem applications can continue through the fall and bark oil should be added to this application. Another option for the out-of-growing-season control of Oriental bittersweet is a basal bark application of an ester-based triclopyr product.

Review, examine, reflect, evaluate and possibly make changes your weed management strategies: The end of the growing season is an excellent time to consider and evaluate your weed management efforts. Ask yourself about which strategies worked, which did not, and where improvements might be needed for the 2025 growing season. This exercise will only be valuable if you are brutally honest with yourself and resist the temptation to make excuses and justifications for the poor control outcomes you received for your weed management programs.

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

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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 our Turf Management Updates.

For pollinator interests - Check out the Pollinator Buzz.

For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out our home 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 the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory web 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). Check for 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 at https://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.