Hackberry trees are fairly common in the landscapes of Kentucky. Some of them were purposefully planted after the fall of the elms from Dutch elm disease, though others seem to spring up on their own. Regardless of their provenance, when…

The USDA has declared August as “Tree Check Month” to foster awareness of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), an invasive pest that could be devastating to Kentucky forests and landscapes. Currently, the pest is not known to live in the…

Red and silver maples can be host to an interesting looking scale insect, the cottony maple leaf scale. Entomologists tend to be on-the-nose when naming things, so unsurprisingly this scale insect specializes in feeding on leaves and, at one point…

If you are noticing cupped leaves at the tips of new boxwood growth, you are noticing the symptoms of boxwood psyllid damage. Not to worry though; this boxwood bug may cause unsightly leaves to form, but the damage is rarely…

Boxwood blight can be devastating to American boxwood cultivars, which are common in the Kentucky landscape. Complete defoliation can occur within a week and plants can die within a single growing season. Use of tolerant cultivars, cultural practices, and fungicides…

Tree pests Oaks are mighty trees that we love to have in the landscape. Due to the fact that they are mostly native, and they are long-lived and sturdy, we can find many different kinds of insects and mites feeding…

Autumn will soon arrive in Kentucky, and it is one of the best times to plant new trees. Cool-season planting allows trees to “focus” on root system development. Woody plants may take as long as 3 to 5 years to…

“Wet feet” is the common term for a condition that affects plant species intolerant of wet growing conditions. This problem occurs when soils become saturated in water, which ultimately causes roots to suffocate. Once root damage occurs, plants decline and…

Volutella blight is the most common disease of boxwood in the landscape. Volutella blight is caused by an opportunistic fungal pathogen that attacks leaves and stems of damaged or stressed plants.  Winter injury, poor vigor, and wounds increase risk for…

Kentucky’s landscapes are populated by many trees that are susceptible to bacterial leaf scorch. This disease may not kill trees instantly, but over time, it can have devastating effects. Pruning and reducing stress can prolong the life of infected trees;…

Water is an essential component to plant mass and is vital to growth, carbohydrate production, and nutrient transport. During periods of below-average rainfall or when rain distribution is uneven, plant health may decline (Figure 1). Drought conditions or inadequate water…