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Pine bark beetles

Pine bark beetles

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Pine bark beetles

DESCRIPTION

There are numerous species of Ips Engraver and Dendroctonus, Bark Beetles, that infest conifers throughout North America. Adults tunnel through the bark, mate and lay eggs in the phloem (inner bark). The larvae develop in the phloem and cambial region; pupal development is completed in the inner or outer bark. Adults develop from pupae and emerge by boring out through the bark. Multiple generations a year are possible

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of infestation include: pitch tubes, reddish boring dust, adult exit holes, and yellowing foliage. The beetles commonly attack drought stressed trees. High number of attacks to trees are possible, which can result in extensive vascular injury and ultimately, tree death.

TRE ATMENT

TREE-äge ® Insecticide (containing 4% Emamect in  Benzoate ) is the recommended treatment for Bark Beetles including Ips Engraver Beetles, Mountain Pine Beetles, Southern Pine Beetles, Spruce Beetles and Western Pine Beetles. TREE -äge provides 2 years of control for labeled Bark Beetles. The TREE I.V. system is recommended for treating Bark Beetles due to the nature of the host trees.

Dosages are based on the Diameter (in inches) of the tree at Breast Height (DBH”). Resinous Conifers: In resinous conifers, such as pine and spruce, start the injection immediately after drilling into the sapwood. A prolonged delay may reduce uptake on account of resin flow into the opening.

WHEN TO TREAT

Effective injection treatment is favored by a full canopy (i.e., leaves) and a healthy vascular system. Once these tissues are compromised by insect damage (adult and larval galleries) an effective and uniform application of TREE-äge may be difficult to achieve and subsequent control may be poor. Optimally, treatment should be made preventively at least 2 to 3 weeks before Bark Beetles historically infest the host tree.

TREE-äge may also be effective as a remedial treatment against some pests, such as those with slower development or if multiple life stages are susceptible to TREE-äge

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

Research studies using TREE-äge (containing 4% Emamectin Benzoate) have demonstrated effective results against conifer bark beetles, depending on the pest species targeted. You can expect TREE-äge to be systemically distributed throughout the tree and provide protection from Bark Beetle pests for up to 2 years.

REFERENCES

1 Effectiveness of Two Systemic Insecticides for Protecting Western Conifers from Mortality Due to Bark Beetle Attack: Don M. Grosman, Christopher J. Fettig, Carl L. Jorgensen, and A. Steven Munson, Western Journal of Applied Forestry 25(4) 2010

2 Efficacy of Systemic Insecticides for Potection of Loblolly Pine Against Southern Pine Beetles (Coleoptera: Cuculionidae: Scolytinae) and Wood Borers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Donald M. Grosman and William W. Upton Journal of Econ. Entomol. 99 (1): 94-101 (2006)

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Tree Watering Practices

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Tree Watering Practices

How to Water Your New Trees

There are many exceptions to the following guidelines. Species-specific research is encouraged for customers interested in the proper maintenance of their trees.

Trees prefer a larger volume of water, provided a little less frequently, relative to smaller plants. The key to establishment is to keep the soil around the root system moist. The root system is generally 12 to 18 inches deep on most trees. A slower deeper watering is more effective at reaching 12 to 18 inches deep.

Over watering can push all of the oxygen out of the soil and actually choke a plant to death faster than underwatering will kill the plant of dehydration. Be sure water is draining from your plant so it isn’t sitting in a puddle of water for an extended period of time after watering. Poorly draining soils will require much less water than outlined below. Touching the ground and feeling the soil moisture at the base of your tree is always the best way to determine watering needs.

Avoid letting water splash on the leaves of your tree, if possible. The best time of day to water is between 4-8 a.m. After the initial establishment, trees should be watered once or twice a month for the first 1-2 years, even during the winter, if/when weather permits, and especially during summer.

We don’t recommend relying on a lawn irrigation system to adequately water your trees. While the in-ground sprinklers will reduce water needs, trees will still need supplemental watering from a hose.

Weeks Since Planted             Frequency/Durationusing a Hose

1-2                                              Once daily @ 20-30 seconds/tree

3-6                                              3x/Week @ 20-30 seconds/tree

7-8                                              1x/Week @ 30-60 seconds/tree*

Increase frequencies of watering to daily to compensate for additional water loss from temperatures above 85*F. Decrease frequencies of watering to compensate for lack of water loss during temperatures below 45*F.

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Adding a tree into your Landscape

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3 Considerations When Adding a Tree to Your Landscape

1.)How Trees Are Measured and Sold

Trees are typically measured for sale using 3 different methods: “Pot/Container size” (in gallons), “Height” (in feet; or in inches for small trees), and “Caliber” (in inches). Caliber is the diameter of the tree trunk, measured at about 6 inches off the ground. Sometimes trees are also measured using the Diameter at Breast Height (also known as “DBH”), but typically DBH is used for tree analysis purposes.

Trees are often sold in ball and burlap form or “B&B”. B&B trees can be measured using height or caliper. Trees are also sold in containers or pots which can be “container-grown” or “containerized.” Usually trees in containers are measured by the number of gallons their potholds. However, it is also perfectly normal for tree farms or nurseries to measure their trees in containers using caliper or height.

The industry standard for most trees would be 6 feet tall, 1-1.5” caliber, or a 15-gallon container. Rarely is anything easy to compare when dealing with plants. Actual sizes, heights, and caliberscan significantly vary based on species, grower, supply/demand, recent weather events, and many more factors.

2.)The Best Time to Plant Trees in Missouri

The best time to plant trees in Missouri is usually October through March. That said, most trees in our area can be planted all year long. Summer planting can create more difficulty establishing the roots of the tree, but proper watering is all it takes to keep trees alive.

3.)Placement & Space Requirements

Some trees grow different heights and widths based on the region in which they are located. It is important to know the mature size of your trees. Certain trees should not be planted nearoverhead power lines, concrete driveways/sidewalks, or the house’s foundation. On the other hand, some trees are small enough to grow under power lines, near concrete, and next to a house.

Locating trees in a spot with adequate space relative to their growth habit is essential to long-term health and wellness. Too much competition can prevent a tree from acquiring appropriate amounts of nutrients, water, and oxygen due to restricted areas for root growth and nutrientuptake. This lack of space leads to extra stress on the plant. Plant stressors can facilitate insect infestation and disease development. Adequate space and airflow make a significant difference in the quality of life for a tree.

Putting plants too close together also limits airflow. The lack of air movement prevents foliage and roots from drying out, which increases the plants susceptibility to fungal diseases

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Fall Is the Best Time for Landscape Replacement Springfield MO

Fall Is the Best Time for Landscape Replacement Springfield MO

Garden centers have us tricked, and we let them trick us. After a long winter of reading magazines full of tantalizing plants and flowers, we itch for the first warm day. Nurseries make most of their annual income in the Spring, which almost everyone considers to be the best time to replace their landscaping.

But it isn’t. Fall is the best time to plant grass and shrubs and it’s time we realized this. Not only is cooler weather easier on new plants, but planting with rain on the horizon also has advantages. Here’s more on why planting in the Fall can make your yard more robust than we imagined.

Plants love Fall weather. Their leaves aren’t stressed by scorching sun, and cooler temps lessen the demand for water from the roots. Many experts think that fall-dug plants are more robust than spring- or summer-dug plants.

Less watering means lower maintenance. If you plant in spring or summer, more often than not you have to dutifully keep up with watering during those first few weeks or months. Constant observation of your new landscaping gets tedious as the heat ramps ups.

It’s easier on the trees once their leaves are gone. There’s less pressure to devote resources to keeping them alive, and all of their effort is dedicated to growing roots. That’s the benefit of Fall digging for all plants. You’re helping them concentrate on roots, so when they come back in the Spring, they’re ready to put on more top growth in the form of lovely foliage and stunning blooms. If you plant in Spring or Summer, you have to wait an entire year to see those results.

It’s also easier to see where you need to add plants. You should leave your plants up for winter to help the landscaping insulate itself, capture moisture and protect overwintering pollinators, but it also will help you see where the gaps between plants are. Maybe a grass is needed in an open spot, or you realize you want some spring blooms to pop in one bed. Now’s the time to make those changes while the mosquitoes and leaves are gone. You can actually see the ground and get to it through the skeletons of the year’s growth.

So when you’re ready to plant new grass and shrubs, don’t wait until Spring. Call Gabris Landscaping in the Fall to schedule your next landscape replacement project.

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Types of Landscape Mulch Installation Springfield MO

Types of Landscape Mulch Installation Springfield MO

Landscape mulch installation is the act of placing a protective barrier of mulch around your plants and over your bare soil. Mulch is used as soil covering for several reasons:

  • Preserve water and retain moisture
  • Trapping heat
  • Weed prevention and control
  • Help control soil erosion

There are many types of landscape mulch installation. It can be made up of a variety of decomposing organic materials, including bark or wood chips, or non-decomposing non-organic materials such as recycled tires, pebbles, and landscape fabric.

Pebble Mulch

Pebble mulch/gravel is best used for pathways or driveways. It allows water to drain through, which cement and asphalt do not do. Gravel and pebble mulch also absorb some heat from the sun during the day, and give it off at night, creating a mini micro-climate.

Rock Mulch

Rock landscape mulch can be used in perennial flower beds or other perennial plantings. Large rocks absorb heat from the sun during the day, creating the potential for larger warm micro-climate areas than small pebbles. Dark stones and rocks will absorb more heat than white or light-colored stones. Larger stones and rocks also cover more area with fewer stones. A good covering of larger stones will also help prevent soil erosion.

Pumice Rock

Pumice rock is a type of landscape mulch made from very lightweight porous rock. Its porous characteristic allows it to trap and retain moisture. No other rock mulches are able to retain moisture. It will also absorb some heat from the sun, but not as much as other rock mulches.

Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is a black fabric usually made from woven polypropylene. Using a black, landscape fabric catches the heat of the sun, warming up the soil beneath it sooner than usual. This keeps the soil a little warmer at night, making it possible to plant out heat-loving crops a little sooner than you otherwise would be able to.

Each type of mulch has its differing characteristics and uses. When deciding on the types of landscape mulch installation, it is best to talk to an experienced professional about your options.

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Benefits of Landscape Mulch Installation Springfield MO

Benefits of Landscape Mulch Installation Springfield MO

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your landscaping. This is the act of placing a protective barrier of mulch around your plants and over your bare soil. This protective barrier can be made up of a variety of decomposing organic materials, including bark or wood chips, pine needles and straw, or non decomposing, non-organic materials such as recycled tires, pebbles, and river rock.

Here are the top benefits of installing mulch in your landscaping:

Controls Weeds

Through the use of landscape mulch installation we can limit the amount of weeds that spring up in the open spaces of your landscaping. The mulch acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of sunlight that can find its way to the weeds.

Retains Moisture

Organic mulches absorb water. Organic and non-organic varieties both cover the soil and limit evaporation. Retaining moisture, especially during hot, dry seasons can not only help out your plants, but it can also help out your water bill.

Prevents Soil Erosion

Mulching not only keeps existing water trapped in the soil, it also keeps rain water from washing away your soil. It does this by breaking the fall of the water and therefore lessening the force when the water impacts the ground.

Maintains Soil Nutrients

Not only does mulch keep soil nutrients from being washed away with the rain, but it also can release nutrients into the soil if you are using an organic material. This happens as the organic material slowly decomposes on top of the soil.

Controls Pests

Using certain types of mulch, such as cedar bark, can deter certain pests due to the fact that the cedar bark has natural oils that act as insect repellant. To reap the full benefits, we recommend using a mulch that is very fragrant, as it will have the greatest affect on insects. But be warned, that some mulches can actually encourage insects to flock to your landscaping and sometimes your house, so we will make sure to recommend which type of mulch will best suit your needs based on appearance and pest control properties.

Polishes up your Landscaping

Mulch can give your landscaping a finished look by filling in the empty spaces while being one of the easiest fillers to maintain. Grass, groundcovers and other fillers may take extensive care, such as mowing and watering, as well as competing for resources with your landscaping plants. Mulch is easy to care for and never competes with your other plants.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of landscape mulch installation, please give the experts at Gabris Landscaping a call so we can schedule a time to visit your yard and recommend what would be best for your landscaping.

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