News
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Asian Longhorned Beetle Quarantines Lifted in Chicago Neighborhoods
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Quarantines have been lifted for the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Ravenswood and other areas in Chicago. Homeowners will no longer be required to chip all wood from hardwood tree pruning and removals.
Sugar Maple's demise in 100 years?
The Kennebec Journal has a rather bleak article on the effects of global warming and polution on sugar maples ( Acer saccharum Marsh) and the maple sugar industry in Northern New England. Scientists predict that Northern Hardwood forests (maples, beech, birch) will be predominantly Oak and Hickory by the next century. This report differs from US Forest Service 2003 Forest Health Highlights Vermont report PDF which attributes sugar maple decline to drought and prior infestations of the Bruce spanworm.
When is a good time to prune (and how to do it)?
The Lincoln Journal Star has a feature discusing the timing of pruning flowering trees and shrubs, in addition to general pruning advice. An informative read.
The article mentions The Pruner's Bible, by Steve Bradley, which can be found on Amazon.
Visitors impact Tidal Basin Cherries
The Washington Post has an article detailing soil compaction impacts to the flowering cherry trees planted along the tidal basin and East Potomac Park.
'Winter Moth' caterpillar outbreak expected in costal Massachusetts
The Boston Globe recently reported on an ongoing infestation of winter moth (Operophtera brumata) PDF, a European insect pest. They are expecting that this year's outbreak will be on par with some of the worst gypsy moth infestations in the early '80's. Scientist will be releasing a predator of the moth, Cyzenis albicans, which was used to control an outbreak of winter moth in Nova Scotia during the 1950's. However, it will be some time for the predator populations to "catch up" to the moth.
Parent of the 'Princeton Elm' comes down
The Princeton Packet reported that a landmark elm tree, identified as a parent of the Princeton elm variety, was taken down at Princeton Cementary. The tree, estimated to be 250 to 300 years old, had succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease.
Emerald Ash Borer found in Hancock County, Ohio
The Toledo Blade reports that the Emerad Ash Borer has been discovered in Hancock County, Ohio, near the border of Wood County. It is believed to be an extension of an infestation in Wood County.
Bike Cleaning Device to Reduce Spread of Sudden Oak Death
The Marin Independant Journal reports of a wooden device developed and being tested by researchers at Dominican University which will be used to clean mud, which contains spores of the pathogen, off of mountain bicycles after use on trails in California.
Ohio May End Gypsy Moth Spraying Next Year
The Associated Press reports that Ohio may end spraying for Gypsy Moths next year for budgetary reasons. Money is being focused on controling Emerald Ash Borer instead.