Azaleas and Evergreens Fall Prey to Lace Bugs in May

Lace bug continues to be a problem for azaleas, rhododendron, sycamore and broad leafed evergreens, especially andromeda. The first signs of lace bugs are yellow spots on leaves, similar to mite damage, only much larger.  As lace bugs feed, they produce brown varnish-like droppings that spot the underside of the leaves. Advanced damage from lace bugs results [...]

Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plant Species in Massachusetts

Invasive plant species are plants that are not native or naturally from an area. An invasive plant will out-compete native species for habitat and food. Invasive plants are problematic because they can grow rapidly, spread quickly, and flower or set seed over a long period of time. Many are difficult to control. There are over [...]

Deer Repellant Treatments in Massachusetts

DEER REPELLANT TREATMENTS PROTECT TREES & SHRUBS: •Deer commonly feed on the bark and greens of certain plants for nutrition in the winter. Deer repellent treatments can protect your ornamental evergreen shrubs and young trees from being eaten during cold winters when food supplies are scarce for deer. •Ideally, repellents are applied year round to [...]

Diagnosing and Treating Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Massachusetts

Many of the hemlocks in Massachusetts have been affected by woolly adelgid. If you’ve noticed a white “woolly looking fuzz” on your Hemlocks, it’s a sure sign that the woolly adelgids are making a home in your trees. Once the infestation has taken hold, you’ll notice that the tree has little or no new growth on limbs and [...]

Top 10 Winter Tree Care Tips from Tree Tech of Massachusetts

Top 10 Winter Tree Care Tips from Tree Tech Arborists It’s important to evaluate trees for weaknesses that can be susceptible to winter weather. Here are ten winter tree care tips to help you prevent problems to trees and shrubs. • Remove fallen leaves from beneath disease susceptible trees and shrubs, (dogwoods, crabapples) • Prune disease infected limbs [...]

Caring for Storm Damaged Trees

In the aftermath of a severe wind storm, many homeowners ask a simple question about their trees: Will they survive? That question arises from the initial impulse to “get this mess cleaned up.” But hasty decisions can often result in removing trees that could have been saved. Follow these simple guidelines in administering care to your [...]

The Dangers of Oriental Bittersweet and Japanese Knotweed

Oriental Bittersweet, an exotic vine from Eastern Asia is just one of many plants on the USDA’s list of invasive plant species. Other commonly used names for this plant include Asiatic bittersweet, round-leaved bittersweet, Oriental staff vine, climbing spindle berry. Originally introduced as an ornamental, Oriental bittersweet is a vine that smothers plants and uproots [...]

How to Care for Your Trees in Dry or Drought Conditions

Dry weather can be detrimental to tree and shrub health. Low precipitation and midsummer drought conditions can adversely affects trees and shrubs and overall plant health. Both the mortality of newly planted trees and shrubs and the growth and aesthetic appeal of established landscape plants can be compromised. Signs of stress from poor water conditions [...]

Controlling Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Massachusetts

Many Massachusetts area Hemlocks have been hit by the hemlock woolly adelgid. The woolly adelgid have no native predators, which makes it extremely difficult to fight. Concerned about your hemlocks? If they have a grayish appearance and are dropping needles, especially on the interior of the branches, then you may have an infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid.  The hemlock woolly [...]

Identifying the Asian Longhorned Beetle

According to the U.S.D.A, 38,000 trees susceptible to the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) were treated last summer in Massachusetts. Wondering if your trees have been affected by the Asian Longhorned Beetle? Here’s what to look for. – Adult body length ranges from 0.75” – 1.5” – Crisp white spots on the back – Body color [...]