The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect native to China, India, and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014. This insect has the potential to significantly impact crops such as grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods. It is essential to be vigilant and take measures to prevent the spread of this destructive pest.

Adult lanternflies are approximately one inch long and half an inch wide, with grayish forewings with black spots. The bright red hind wings with black spots are revealed when the wings are spread. Nymphs are black with white spots and turn red before becoming adults.

The Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut

The Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to the environment and agriculture in Connecticut. It feeds on more than 70 plant species, including economically important crops such as grapes, apples, and hops, which can lead to significant agricultural and economic losses.

Furthermore, the honeydew excreted by the lanternflies promotes the growth of sooty mold, which can further harm plants and agricultural productivity.

Additionally, the infestation of Spotted Lanternflies can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting and displacing native species. Efforts to monitor, control, and mitigate the impact of this invasive species are crucial to safeguarding Connecticut’s natural environment and agricultural industry.

Combating Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not just a single solution but a comprehensive and environmentally sensitive approach to addressing the threat of Spotted Lanternflies in Connecticut. Integrating various control strategies provides a customized and effective solution tailored to our state’s unique environment, giving us a strong and adaptable defense against this invasive species.

In Connecticut, adopting an IPM approach considers the diverse agricultural and natural landscapes and the potential impact on non-target organisms. Understanding the specific challenges posed by the Spotted Lanternfly in our state allows us to develop targeted and sustainable management practices.

The benefits of choosing IPM over traditional pest control methods in Connecticut are immediate and long-term. By minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting ecological balance, and reducing the risk of pesticide resistance, IPM offers a sustainable solution to controlling the spread of Spotted Lanternflies while minimizing environmental impact. It’s a step towards a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

Our IPM Approach to Removing Spotted Lanternflies

At Andrews Arboriculture, a leading provider of eco-friendly solutions for managing the threat of Spotted Lanternflies in Connecticut, we are committed to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to protecting your landscape from the destructive impacts of the Spotted Lanternfly.

Early Detection and Prevention: We conduct regular surveys to detect signs of Spotted Lanternfly activity early and prioritize strategic planning and early intervention to prevent infestations.

Effective Control: If Spotted Lanternfly populations become unacceptable, we use the most effective and least disruptive treatment strategies, including approved organic or conventional pesticides applied in an environmentally friendly manner.

Continuous Oversight: Our management services include constant monitoring of the effectiveness of our interventions. This involves regular inspections and assessments to ensure your landscape remains healthy and free from the threat of Spotted Lanternflies throughout changing seasons and evolving pest challenges.

The threat posed by the Spotted Lanternfly to Connecticut’s environment and agricultural industry demands proactive and sustainable management solutions. Our commitment to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means we are ready to assist in combating the spread of this destructive pest. By prioritizing early detection, effective control strategies, and continuous oversight, we aim to safeguard your landscape from the impacts of the Spotted Lanternfly while minimizing environmental disruption.

Join us in this crucial effort by scheduling a free property assessment. Simply visit our website or give us a call to arrange a convenient time for our team to visit your property. Contact us today to take the first step towards protecting our environment and agricultural resources.

The post Managing Spotted Lanternfly Infestations in Connecticut: A Guide to Integrated Pest Management appeared first on Andrew's Arboriculture.

I am reposting this from Spring 2012.  As the snow melts and the damage from these bettles on our Ash trees is remarkable.  Trees that were showing signs of crown dieback and some woodpecker damage, last year at this time, are now standing stone dead.  The larva of these beetles have been feeding under the bark and now large bright areas where the bark has fallen off is an obvious sign of infestation.  The woodpeckers around here are well fed.

Previous post: This is a serious issue. If you have found Emerald Ash Borer on your trees or are not sure and would like to talk about ways to help prevent the beetle from damaging your trees, visit andrewsarboriculture.com for more information. We, at Andrews Arboriculture, have been studying the Emerald Ash Borer for some time and are prepared to treat therapeutically and preventatively. Our licensed, certified Arborist Russell Andrew knows that native North American Ash trees have little natural resistance to this Asian born pest. Infestations start small but as more trees in our area become infested it can cause quick and irreversible decline. According to the North Central IPM Center, homeowners wishing to protect trees should consider having their trees professionally treated.

Call us today for a free consultation or site visit 203-565-8570.

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The reason this happens is drying winds and frozen ground deprive plants of their natural moisture intake.  There are ways to prevent winter burn (desiccation).  One is adequate hydration through the growing season.  A well hydrated plant will help give it the vigor it needs to withstand critical temperatures.  Too many of us stop watering new plants too soon.  It is important to continue to water into late fall, especially during the first year.  Another way to help is to apply adequate mulch.  One to two inches from trunk to drip-line is sufficient.  Also, providing some sort of cover can be helpful if done correctly.  The polar side of the cover can come to the ground but the equator side must stay partially open to the sun.  Covering a shrub on all sides to the trunk can be worse than leaving it uncovered because the sun doesn’t get a chance to warm the soil.

For most of us, covering our shrubs is not practical or beautiful.  So, an anti-desiccant spray (a clear liquid cover) is a great alternative.  It provides a light protective coating to the broad leaf surface slowing the transpiration process, causing the plant retain needed moisture.  If the leaves can hold moisture until spring, it can’t “burn”.  Try to think of it as skin lotion for the leaves.  Please e-mail us or give a call if you have any questions or would like a free consultation to see if this winter treatment is right for your landscape.  aatree911@gmail.com or 203-529-1416

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Hydrangea macrophylla – spring, 2014

We are getting many people calling nervous that their Hydrangeas never looked this way this time of year.  This is concerning the classic Hydrangea macrophylla, very popular in New England, mophead flowers in blue to pink/purple.  If your plants new leaves are only coming from the ground and not on last year growth, you can blame the very cold winter we just had.  The good news is, with patience, the plant with fill out to its usual size but may not bloom this year.  The severe cold will kill the stems and flowers buds down to ground level.  This combined with the late spring has cause these plants to respond this way.   Please call with any questions. It is best to wait 2-3 more weeks before pruning.

The post Public Service announcement about Hydrangea’s winter damage appeared first on Andrew's Arboriculture.

1. holds the moisture above the root ball during the hot, dry months of summer.

2. protects the trunk of the tree from weedwacker and mower damage.

3. helps keep the base of the tree clean of last fall’s leaves reducing the amount of overwintering insects waiting for spring to feed.

Unfortunately, when done improperly, it can do more harm than good.   The biggest mistake that applicators make is what the industry calls “volcano” mulching:

This is when the mulch is mounded up against the trunk.  This is horrible for the health of your tree.  It holds the moisture against the trunk causing tip die back, girdling roots, bark rot, and will weaken the tree making it susceptible to insect and disease problems.

Avoiding this is easy.  It can be done is 6 easy steps:

1. Find a flat, sharp long handled garden spade. (file it very sharp, it saves your shoulders)

2. Mark your circle. I like to use tree marking paint because its available but a garden hose is great, or even your kids sidewalk chalk will do.

3. Cut the desired mulch circle using the sharpened spade around the base of the tree making sure to sever through all the roots of the sod. I like to use the drip line as a guide. Especially for new plantings.  Older, well established trees need less.

4. Remove all the grass shaking off as much soil as possible. Banging the sod against the side of the shovel works really well.

5. Apply a few inches of mulch. Three inches is my rule of thumb.  I find it keeps the moisture in and the weeds and grass out.

6. Most importantly, keep the root collar of the tree exposed.  This is at the very base of the trunk where it starts to flare.  When you finish, stand back and look.  Follow the trunk down to the mulch.  Does it thicken or flare at the base?  If so, congratulations, you will have many years to enjoy your tree.

Happy spring and thanks for reading!

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Cedar Apple Rust Gymnosporanium

 No, silly, that is not a sea anemone, it’s a pathogen called Gymnosproangium juniperi-virginianae.  “A what?” you say.  It is cool to look at, but it is evidence of Cedar-Apple Rust.  It is the best known and most common of all the gymnosporangium rusts.  This is dangerous in areas where apple trees are abundant because it can cause severe reduction in fruit and premature defoliation.  This disease is strictly found in North America, especially the Northeast.  You will find these gelatinous masses on cedar trees in warm wet springs.  Junipers, Eastern Red Cedar included, become infected and the rust overwinters there until spring when they produce these horn-like projections.  The horns produce basidiospores dispersed by air infecting the apple trees with this fungus just as they are trying to push out new leaves.  Sometimes, the signs are not obvious until summer.  Often this is treated with a traditional fungicide especially on ornamental crabapples.  But, there are some organic sulfur products now available that, if vigilant, can control this on apple trees nicely.  Please, call 203-565-8570 or  email  russ@andrewsarboriculture.com for more information or a free consultation.

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Found on Norway Spruce at a tree farm in Connecticut.

While walking with my family through our Christmas tree farm we came upon a Norway Spruce with these peculiar looking capsules hanging from the underside of the branch. It was a wonderful teaching moment because they are Praying Mantis egg sacs (ootheca) and they are so interesting. I explained that the female mantis will lay hundreds of eggs in a frothy mass, then the outside of the mass hardens to form a capsule. I left out the part of the female cannibalizing her mate. Mantis are beneficial insects that feed on aphids and other small insects. If you find these while hunting for your perfect tree, they are a great indicator that the owners spray little or no pesticides. Then, you are not bringing unwanted chemicals into your home for the holidays.

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