Pest Pursuit Scientists appear to have pinpointed the epicenter of the emerald ash borer (EAB) population in the United States and from this origin they are able to track the spread and growth of this insidious insect community. The U.S. Forest Service and Michigan State University used samples from ashes killed by EAB to reveal…
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Infection Imposition Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS) is a chronic, infectious tree disease caused by the xylem-limited bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. It is transmitted by xylem feeding insects and colonizes the water transmitting tissue. Similar to the effects of Dutch elm disease it will physically clog the xylem, impairing the trees ability to conduct water from roots to crown.…
DetailsToday we’re at the Professional Grounds Management Society‘s 2014 Green Industry Professional Field Day and Trade Show at American University in Washington, DC to share industry standards and best practices for tree risk assessment. Hundreds of green industry professionals from the region are attending today’s event to learn about sustainability, landscape maintenance, and trees. Thanks…
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Roots VS. Shoots Caring properly for your lawn and landscape requires an understanding of the complex relationship between roots; the below ground support and nutrient acquiring portion and shoots; the above ground foliage portion. Both play a crucial role in plant development and success: roots obtain water and mineral nutrients from the soil while shoots conduct…
DetailsToday the SavATree management team had our annual service project at the Henry Whitfield House in Guilford, CT. The site is a National Historic Landmark and has the oldest house in CT and the oldest stone house in New England. Unfortunately, this amazing site, like many historic properties, often does not have all of the…
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Species Summary A “BioBlitz” is a 24 hour event in which volunteer teams comprised of teachers, scientists, naturalists, students, families and community members come together to find and identify as many plants, animals, fungi, microbes and other organisms as possible within a given space. National Geographic is aiding in conducting a BioBlitz in a different…
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Disease Diagnosis Dutch elm disease (DED) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting shade trees in the United States today. This disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, and vectored via either European or native elm bark beetles. It has also been found to spread from plant to plant through root grafts among adjacent trees. Affecting…
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Mid-Summer Scourge Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosphila suzukii) or SWD is an invasive vinegar fly which lays eggs in immature or ripe fruit. This can result in larvae being present in otherwise saleable fruit. These fruit flies are usually active mid to late summer and damage is most often found on raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. However,…
DetailsNutritional Network There are essential elements for plant growth and success, in addition to sunlight, oxygen, carbon dioxide, soil and water they also require mineral nutrients. These nutrients are normally absorbed from the soil, but not all soils are mineral rich or they may not contain the needed quantities. There are 14 mineral nutrients required for…
DetailsBaltimore City is in the process of conducting a series of public stakeholder meetings to support development of a Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to achieve targets under its MS4 permit related to the Chesapeake Bay TMDL (pollution diet). The Chesapeake Bay Program learned a long time ago that because of stormwater runoff, land cover has…
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