June 17, 2015
Over the weekend, many people came in to the store asking about what to do about the damage to the tree leaves due to the feeding of the winter moth caterpillar. The questions ranged from should they cut down the tree to do they need to prune back the damage. The leaves that were damaged can’t be “repaired”. However the trees will, at this time of the year, put out new leaves. This is a great thing because new leaves will help to make food to help the tree to survive the damage from the heavy feeding caused by the winter moth caterpillars. The trees will need your help if they are to successfully put out new leaves. The trees utilize water and fertilizer to create new leaves. At this point in time, there is still very little water in the soil surrounding your trees. You need to get some water on the soil under the trees if the trees are to have a chance at making new leaves. It will also help the trees if you apply some fertilizer on top of the soil before you apply water to the soil. The combination of water and fertilizer will allow your trees to put out new leaves. If the trees are going to put out new leaves, it is going to happen soon. Don’t wait to put down some fertilizer and water around the trees that had significant damage from the feeding of the winter moth caterpillars.
To add to the misery of our trees, some people have reported that another caterpillar has started to feed on the leaves of their trees. The description of the caterpillar matches the gypsy moth caterpillar. This caterpillar was seen in enormous numbers in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. If it turns out that this is indeed a comeback of this caterpillar, you will need to take action soon to protect your trees from any additional damage. The feeding of the winter moth caterpillars accompanied by the feeding of the gypsy moth caterpillar could cause major damage to your trees. Check your trees for any new caterpillar damage and treat your trees with an appropriate insecticide to control this new threat to your trees.
Over the weekend, many people asked if it was too late to re-plant the vegetable plants that were damaged by the rain and cold temperatures that occurred in early June. There is still time to re-plant (or to plant if you still didn’t get around to doing so). We are running a buy one get one free vegetable and herb plant sale at our store. If you need some vegetable plants, you may want to take advantage of this sale.
The weather has fluctuated back and forth between warm and cold during the early part of June. You can help all of your flower and vegetable plants by keeping up with fertilizing your plants on a regular schedule. Fertilizer and water are the main ingredients for healthy plant growth. Make sure that your plants remain healthy by keeping up with the application of fertilizer.
Well, that’s all for this week. I’ll talk to you again next week.