Our Newsletter – Shoots & Roots

Spotted Lanterfly

 

Spotted lanternfly egg masses (or clusters of eggs) are brown, seed-like in appearance, and about 1-inch long. They are covered in a mud-like secretion that helps them stay glued to a surface in a mass. After they hatch, the nymphs go through 4 growth phases, or instars. Immature nymphs are black with white spots, and they gain red markings at they mature through the 4th instar. Late stage nymphs are about ½-inch in length. Adult spotted lanternflies are 1-inch long, have brownish forewings with black spots and hindwings that are red with black spots.

Spotted lanternflies will feed on a variety of host plants from May through November, and their feeding preferences change as they mature. Nymphs will feed on a wide-range of host plants while the adults target only a few species. There are over 65 known species of plants that the SLF will feed on, including ornamental trees (like lilac and dogwood), fruit trees, vines (like grapes), small fruits (such as blueberries), hops, and several vegetables.

Preferred plant species for SLF nymphs:

  • Tree of heaven
  • Willow
  • Maple
  • Poplar
  • Prunus spp. (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots)
  • Apple
  • Pine
  • Grape vines

Preferred tree species for SLF adults:

  • Tree of heaven
  • Willow

    What to look for?

    From early fall to late spring check on and around host trees for the muddy-brown egg masses. From late spring to early fall watch for dark streaks of sap flowing down the bark of trees. (This is caused by the SLF piercing the bark of the tree to access the sap.) Infested trees may also have honeydew secretions at their bases which usually becomes covered in a black sooty mold over time. The exposed sap and honeydew can cause increased numbers of bees and wasps to hang around. The sure sign of an SLF problem is finding the adults congregating on tree of heaven in the fall.

     

Dormant Oil Treatment
What are the benefits of dormant oil treatment for my plantings? A dormant oil treatment is a highly refined petroleum oil spray. When applied to trees and shrubs, it controls over-wintering insects and mites by affecting the pests breathing apparatus. This treatment is highly effective and environmentally safe. We stand committed to environmentally safe methods.

 

Spring Reminders

Remember to sharpen your mowers blades this spring.  A dull blade will damage and hinder regrowth of your grass.  It can also make the plants more disease susceptible.  We recommend mowing your lawn at 2.5 – 3 inches height.  A higher mowing height encourages deeper rooting.

 

Plant Suggestion / Gulf Stream Nandina

A very hardy, trouble-free and colorful evergreen shrub with vibrant, ever-changing foliage.  New leaves emerge scarlet red in spring and mature to blue-green in the summer, as small white flowers appear.  Intense red foliage develops as autumn temperatures cool.  The compact shape is ideal for use around foundations or in mixed borders.