Plant Health Care - Spring Preview

While the Groundhog may have predicted 6 more weeks of winter, these 60 degree temperatures in February sure are fooling us. In that spirit, we want to offer you a preview of what you may expect this Spring.

Winter and Gypsy Moth

One of the biggest concerns on our radar are the populations of winter and gypsy moth. While winter moth has traditionally been more of a culprit over the last decade, we are seeing a bit of a downturn in their population. Though winter moth may be waning, the resurgence of gypsy moth has shifted the threat. We monitor pest populations via URI’s Cooperative Extension, and will time our treatment based upon which pest is presenting an issue. Please do not be concerned if your previous treatment was specific to either pest; as the threat evolves, so will your treatment. It is important to note that winter moth appear earlier in the season than gypsy moth, and more than one treatment may be necessary. One of the greatest resources that we have is feedback from our clients. If you notice particularly high activity, I would encourage you to send an email tip to stephanie@tfmorra.com.

Fungal issues

We had a very wet Spring last year, and with it came widespread fungal activity. Many typically unaffected trees showed evidence of fungus (most notably maples). We do not expect them to continue to have issues this season, but ultimately it comes down to the amount of rain we get. Some species of trees are more susceptible to fungal issues, including (but not limited to): dogwoods, crabapples, and a wide variety of ornamentals including apples, pears, and peaches. Evidence of fungal issues include leaf spotting, darkening and/or curling of leaves, as well as premature leaf drop. If you have any trees you are concerned about, please feel free to contact us for a consultation today.

Wooly adelgid

We are happy to now offer multiple treatment options for wooly adelgid. One option is a spray treatment using horticultural oil which provides 1 year of protection. We also have a trunk spray option using Xytect insecticide, which provides up to 3 years of protection. Prices are based upon product and volume, so please note that the cost of treatment varies between products. The treatment route that is best for you is dependent on your individual situation, so please feel free to contact us to discuss.

Tick & Mosquito

Ticks & mosquitoes present a health risk to humans and pets alike. With that in mind, at TF Morra we take a multi-phase approach to reducing this threat. We offer a set of 3 treatments (occuring between Spring and Fall) using a proprietary blend of essential plant oils (including Rosemary, Peppermint, and Geranium) to control these populations. It is important to note that mosquitoes life cycle is quite rapid, so it is important to take additional steps to curb their prevalence. One of the best ways to do this is to eliminate any standing water. If you have any questions about how to best protect your time outside this summer, please request a quote today.

Other available treatments

In addition to the aforementioned services we provide, we are also happy to offer a variety of treatments including fertilization, air spade excavation, treatment of borers and cankers, growth regulator, and more. It is our mission to do all we can to be good stewards of the environment, and tailor our approach based on that goal. We are proud to offer sustainable and safe options to promote the preservation of our trees and the health of our ecosystem - Call us for a consultation today!