Info on insects and Disease

Maintenance Problems to Consider  

Up to date information on the Winter Moth (as of March/April 2005) from the UMass Extension:  

Winter Moth Identification & Management

Other information:

The Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata)
The Winter Moth is a new pest in the New England area. Introduced from Europe it has caused problems in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. Over the past couple of years it has damaged trees on Cape Cod and the South Shore. Now it is starting to infest the Boston area.

The Winter Moth hatches in early spring. The tiny caterpillars climb up trees and then tunnel into the tree’s buds. In the buds they feed and when the bud opens they continue to feed on the foliage until mid June. Delayed bud opening, due to cool

Weather conditions, can lead to bud death as the caterpillars have longer time to feed. At this point the caterpillars descend from the trees, go into the ground and pupate. The adult Moth emerges sometime between late October and late November. The adults mate and the flightless females deposit their eggs for the following spring. Wet summers and moist Autumns are favorable conditions for Winter Moths and may increase their populations.

This pest affects many types of trees. Some of their favorites are apples, crabapples, maples, lindens and oaks. They also will eat herbaceous plants located below these deciduous trees. Newly hatched larvae often crawl up tree trunks and produce a long silken strand of silk which makes them air buoyant. This is known as ballooning and enables the larvae to travel some distance. In certain situations, Winter Moth caterpillars can arrive in areas where they are not expected to be a problem, given topography and wind patterns.

Trees defoliated by this pest may become stressed, begin to decline and eventually die. Watering during this time is crucial to help the trees recover.
Pictures and Examples

Plant Management for Insects:
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid remains a concern. The Winter Moth, a new insect to this area, may be of concern to your trees and shrubs in the upcoming seasons. A Plant Management Program can minimize damage from most insects that feed on your trees and shrubs. Proper diagnosis and timing are essential.

Diseases:
Ornamentals such as Dogwoods, Crabapples, Lilacs, Broadleaf Evergreens and many other plants are susceptible to fungus diseases. Many of these can be controlled by a series of early Spring fungicide applications. This is the time to set up a Plant Management Program.

Pruning and Fertilizing:
Throughout the past few years many valuable plants have suffered from environmental conditions. Proper arboricultural techniques are part of a Plant Management Program and can aid in improving the health, structure and safety of your tree & shrubs.

Landscape Services:
A wide range of landscape services include a 5 Step Lawn Fertilizer Plus Program, Lawn Renovation, Perennial Garden Design and Plant Installation.

A Plant Management Program is tailored to meet your property's needs. Your property's appearance and value can improve with our professional care.