No. 15/August 31, 2015
Fix My Tree!
When deciding on recommending management plans, we consider the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): pest identification; monitoring and assessing pest numbers and damage; guidelines for when management action is needed; preventing pest problems; using a combination of biological, cultural, physical/mechanical, and chemical management tools.
Bacterial Leaf Spot on Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are known hosts to several leaf spots, both fungal and bacterial. Oakleaf Hydrangeas, in particular, are known to develop leaf spots caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris.
White Grubs
It's time to be watchful for white grub damage in turf areas. Damage is most likely in drier areas, such as the tops of berms and south-facing slopes. Portions of the state experiencing lower rainfall such as northwestern, southwestern, and southeastern Illinois are more likely to have obvious grub damage.
Fall Webworm
Fall webworm is numerous throughout the state. It lives as a group of caterpillars that spin a communal silk web. This silk nest typically encloses the end of the branch and associated leaves. The caterpillars remain in the webbing, feeding on these enclosed leaves. When the leaves inside the web are eaten, the silk webbing is expanded to include more leaves. Webs of mature caterpillars are typically 2 to 3 feet long.
Fall Turf Management
Most of the plants grown in Illinois could be classified as warm-season annuals, biennials, or perennials, and herbaceous or woody, and thrive during the warmth of May through August. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are the exceptions. Sure, they green up quickly and have lush growth in the spring, but that can be misleading.