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Bagworm
Plants Attacked: Juniper, arborvitae, other cedars, pine, hemlock, spruce, Chinese elm, honeylocust, primarily. Also on crabapple, maple, sycamore, box elder, willow, linden, poplar, and many others.
Mar 4, 2020 2808-1008 (ENTO-351NP)
Bagworm
Plants Attacked: Juniper, arborvitae, other cedars, pine, hemlock, spruce, Chinese elm, honeylocust, primarily. Also on crabapple, maple, sycamore, box elder, willow, linden, poplar, and many others.
Mar 4, 2020 2808-1008 (ENTO-351NP)
Scale Insects
Scale insects are a peculiar group and look quite different from the typical insects we encounter day to day. Small, immobile, with no visible legs or antennae, they resemble individual fish scales pressed tightly against the plant on which they are feeding. There are over l50 different kinds of scales in Virginia. Many are common and serious pests of trees, shrubs, and indoor plants.
Feb 26, 2015 2808-1012 (ENTO-106NP)
Fall Webworm
Native to North America, the fall webworm occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its hosts include more than 100 species of deciduous forest, shade, and fruit trees, with preferences varying from region to region.
Mar 6, 2020 2808-1013 (ENTO-357NP)
Fall Webworm
Native to North America, the fall webworm occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its hosts include more than 100 species of deciduous forest, shade, and fruit trees, with preferences varying from region to region.
Mar 6, 2020 2808-1013 (ENTO-357NP)
Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
Fusarium wilt is a common and lethal disease of mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)1, also commonly known as silktree. In the United States this disease occurs in the east from New York southward and also in Louisiana, Arkansas and California. Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis perniciosum. Albizia spp. are the only known host of F. oxysporum'' f.sp. ''perniciosum''. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. perniciosum colonizes and clogs the tree’s vascular (water-conducting) tissue, and interferes with the movement of plant sap. This results in relatively rapid tree death.
Jan 20, 2015 2811-1020(PPWS-53NP)
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1033NP
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1033NP
American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea (prior name C. lutea)) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1034NP
American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea (prior name C. lutea)) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1034NP
Evergreen Azalea (Rhododendron species) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1035NP
Evergreen Azalea (Rhododendron species) Oct 10, 2018 2901-1035NP
Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) Oct 12, 2018 2901-1036NP
Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) Oct 12, 2018 2901-1036NP
Boxwood May 1, 2009 2901-1037
Cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasus `Otto Luyken') Oct 12, 2018 2901-1038NP
Cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasus `Otto Luyken') Oct 12, 2018 2901-1038NP
Cotoneaster Oct 12, 2018 2901-1039NP
Cotoneaster Oct 12, 2018 2901-1039NP
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Oct 15, 2018 2901-1040NP
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Oct 15, 2018 2901-1040NP
Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) Oct 15, 2018 2901-1041NP
Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) Oct 15, 2018 2901-1041NP
Drooping Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1042NP
Drooping Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1042NP
European White Birch (Betula pendula) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1043NP
European White Birch (Betula pendula) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1043NP
Flowering Quince Oct 23, 2018 2901-1044NP
Flowering Quince Oct 23, 2018 2901-1044NP
Fraser Photinia, Red Tip Oct 23, 2018 2901-1045NP
Fraser Photinia, Red Tip Oct 23, 2018 2901-1045NP
Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree Oct 23, 2018 2901-1046NP
Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree Oct 23, 2018 2901-1046NP
Goldenraintree Oct 23, 2018 2901-1047NP
Goldenraintree Oct 23, 2018 2901-1047NP
Green Ash Oct 23, 2018 2901-1048NP
Green Ash Oct 23, 2018 2901-1048NP
Japanese Maple Oct 23, 2018 2901-1049NP
Japanese Maple Oct 23, 2018 2901-1049NP
Japanese Barberry Oct 23, 2018 2901-1050NP
Japanese Barberry Oct 23, 2018 2901-1050NP
Japanese Camillia (Camellia japonica) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1051NP
Japanese Camillia (Camellia japonica) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1051NP
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1052NP
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1052NP
Japanese Pagodatree, Sophora Oct 5, 2018 2901-1053NP
Japanese Pagodatree, Sophora Oct 5, 2018 2901-1053NP
Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1054NP
Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1054NP
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1055NP
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1055NP
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1056NP
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1056NP
London Planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1057NP
London Planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1057NP
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1058NP
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1058NP
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1059
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1059
Old Fashioned Weigela (Weigela florida) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1060
Old Fashioned Weigela (Weigela florida) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1060
Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia) (Mahonia aquifolium) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1061
Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia) (Mahonia aquifolium) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1061
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1062
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) Oct 5, 2018 2901-1062
Privet (Ligustrum species) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1063
Privet (Ligustrum species) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1063
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1064
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1064
Evergreen Rhododendron (Rhododendron species) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1065
Evergreen Rhododendron (Rhododendron species) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1065
Rose-of-Sharon, Shrub Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1066
Rose-of-Sharon, Shrub Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1066
Scarlet Firethorn, Pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1067
Scarlet Firethorn, Pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1067
Smokebush, Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1068
Smokebush, Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) Oct 17, 2018 2901-1068
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1069
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1069
Southern Waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1070
Southern Waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1070
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1071
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Oct 19, 2018 2901-1071
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1072
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1072
Thornless Common Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1073
Thornless Common Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1073
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1074
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1074
Vanhoutte Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1075
Vanhoutte Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1075
White Oak (Quercus alba) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1076
White Oak (Quercus alba) Oct 24, 2018 2901-1076
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1077
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1077
Wintercreeper Euonymus (Eunymus fortunei) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1078
Wintercreeper Euonymus (Eunymus fortunei) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1078
Yaupon Holly Cultivars (Ilex vomitoria ) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1079
Yaupon Holly Cultivars (Ilex vomitoria ) Oct 26, 2018 2901-1079
Pales Weevil
Pales weevil feeds on all pines within its range. It will also feed, although to a lesser extent, on Douglas-fir, fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, northern white-cedar, and spruce.
Jun 30, 2020 2902-1102 (ENTO-386NP)
Pales Weevil
Pales weevil feeds on all pines within its range. It will also feed, although to a lesser extent, on Douglas-fir, fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, northern white-cedar, and spruce.
Jun 30, 2020 2902-1102 (ENTO-386NP)
Emerald Ash Borer Mar 17, 2016 2904-1290 (ENTO-200NP)
Balsam Twig Aphid
Twisted and curled needles are the most apparent damage from feeding by the balsam twig aphid. Feeding can also cause roughened bark on the twigs. Extensive feeding can cause a general decline and reduced vigor of the tree, yet in many cases is cosmetic and not particularly damaging. The major problem is that curled needles reduce the marketability and value of Christmas trees. Balsam twig aphids also produce honeydew, a sticky material that drops to needles and twigs below. At times the honeydew can become a growth medium for sooty mold, which turns the needles and twigs black.
Apr 30, 2020 2907-1401 (ENTO-367NP)
Pine Bark Adelgid
The pine bark adelgid was introduced from Europe and is now widely distributed in North America, occurring principally throughout the native range of eastern white pine. This insect is also found on Scots and Austrian pine.
Mar 30, 2023 2907-1402 (ENTO-544NP)
Bacterial Leaf Scorch of Landscape Trees Dec 7, 2018 3001-1433 (SPES-83NP)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Jul 13, 2022 3006-1451 (ENTO-228NP)
Balsam Woolly Adelgid
Native to central Europe, the balsam woolly adelgid is now distributed throughout eastern and western North America. It attacks all true firs, Abies spp., including balsam and Fraser fir.
Mar 1, 2021 3006-1452 (ENTO-434NP)
Redheaded Sawfly
The redheaded pine sawfly occurs from S.E. Canada throughout the eastern U.S. Feeding is primarily restricted to the two and three-needled pines, such as Jack, red, shortleaf, loblolly, slash, longleaf, and pitch pines. White pine and Norway spruce may also be defoliated.
Mar 5, 2021 3006-1453 (ENTO-429NP)
Austrian Pine, Pinus nigra Oct 26, 2018 3010-1462
Bigleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla Oct 26, 2018 3010-1463
Bradford Callery Pear (and other cultivars) Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ Oct 26, 2018 3010-1464
Canadian Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis Oct 31, 2018 3010-1465
Carolina Silverbell, Halesia carolina (formerly H. tetraptera) Oct 31, 2018 3010-1466
Cedars, Cedrus spp. Oct 31, 2018 3010-1467
Chastetree, Monk’s Pepper Tree, Vitex agnus-castus Oct 31, 2018 3010-1468
Chinese Juniper, Juniperus chinensis Oct 31, 2018 3010-1469
Colorado Spruce, Picea pungens var. glauca Oct 31, 2018 3010-1470
Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca minor Oct 31, 2018 3010-1471
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, Cornus mas Oct 31, 2018 3010-1472
Creeping Juniper, Juniperus horizontalis Oct 31, 2018 3010-1473
Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides Oct 31, 2018 3010-1474
Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’ Oct 31, 2018 3010-1475
Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis Oct 31, 2018 3010-1476
Eastern Redcedar, Juniperus virginiana Oct 31, 2018 3010-1477
English Ivy, Hedera helix Oct 24, 2018 3010-1478NP
European Cranberrybush Viburnum (Guelder Rose), Viburnum opulus Nov 6, 2023 3010-1479NP
European Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus Nov 6, 2023 3010-1480NP
European Larch, Larix decidua Nov 6, 2023 3010-1481NP
Evergreen Hollies, (Ilex spp.) Nov 6, 2023 3010-1482NP
Flowering Crabapple Nov 6, 2023 3010-1483NP
Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida Nov 6, 2023 3010-1484NP
Franklinia Nov 6, 2023 3010-1485NP
Garden Sumacs, Rhus spp. Nov 6, 2023 3010-1486NP
Giant Arborviatae, Western Arborvitae Nov 6, 2023 3010-1487NP
Glossy Abelia May 1, 2023 3010-1488NP
Heaths (several species of Erica) and Heathers (Calluna vulgaris) Nov 6, 2023 3010-1489NP
Japanese Garden Juniper Nov 6, 2023 3010-1490NP
Japanese Pachysandra, Japanese Spurge Nov 6, 2023 3010-1491NP
Japanese Pieris Nov 6, 2023 3010-1492NP
Lilacs Nov 6, 2023 3010-1493NP
Mountain-Laurel Nov 6, 2023 3010-1494NP
Mugo Pine, Pinus mugo Sep 17, 2018 3010-1495NP
Oriental Arborvitae, Thuja orientalis (also known as Platycladus orientalis) Sep 18, 2018 3010-1496NP
Red Twig Dogwoods, Tatarian Dogwood (Cornus alba) and Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) Sep 21, 2018 3010-1497NP
Shore Juniper Nov 6, 2023 3010-1498NP
White Fringetree, Old-man’s-beard Nov 6, 2023 3010-1499NP
Yews, Taxus spp. Nov 6, 2023 3010-1500NP
Yuccas, Yucca spp. Nov 6, 2023 3010-1501NP
Pine Tortoise Scale
Foliage drops, needles usually shorter and may kill tree over period of years - most damaging on seedlings and young saplings. Often black sooty mold is associated with infestations.
Mar 24, 2016 3101-1529 (ENTO-207NP)
Sap Beetles
Adults are usually black or brown beetles with an oval to oblong shape. They have clubbed or knobbed antennae and the economically important species typically measure 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 inch) long. Some sap beetles have short wing covers that do not cover the entire abdomen. Some species have flattened bodies while others are more convex. Many sap beetles are a dull color, sometimes with mottling or spots. One common sap beetle, the picnic beetle [Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Say)], is an attractive shiny black beetle with four yellow-orange bands or spots on the wing covers.
Mar 5, 2021 3104-1546 (ENTO-431NP)
Rose Chafer Mar 1, 2021 3104-1564 (ENTO-436NP)
Rose Scale Apr 22, 2022 3104-1565 (ENTO-501NP)
Lace Bugs Apr 18, 2022 3104-1581 (ENTO-500NP)
Obscure Scale
Heavily infested trees will have large numbers of scales on twigs and branches. Scales may also be found on exposed roots and on the trunk of young trees. Scale insects feed on plant sap with their long thread-like mouthparts (stylets), which are several times longer than the insect itself.
Apr 18, 2022 3104-1583 (ENTO-499NP)
Exotic Invasive Plants
Invasive exotic species are plants that are not native to a given area and have the ability to out-compete indigenous plant species. Invasive exotics are often brought into their non-native surroundings by humans with good intentions.
Apr 29, 2020 420-320 (CNRE-105NP)
Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Autumn olive was introduced to the U.S. from Japan and China in 1830. It was originally planted for wildlife habitat, shelterbelts, and mine reclamation, but has escaped cultivation. It is dispersed most frequently by birds and other wildlife, which eat the berries.
Apr 28, 2020 420-321 (CNRE-97P)
Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Several species of Asian honeysuckle have been introduced in the United States for their ornamental and wildlife values. Honeysuckle is perhaps the most widespread exotic invasive in the U.S., now found in at least 38 states. The Asian honeysuckle produces abundant seeds which are dispersed by birds and other wildlife. It also spreads by sprouting from its roots. Because it tolerates shade from other plants, it grows in forest understories.
Apr 1, 2020 420-323 (CNRE-95P)
Characteristics of Common Western Virginia Trees
Forest management is a complex process. Silviculture—a system in which healthy communities of trees and other vegetation are established and maintained for the benefit of people—uses forest ecology to guide complex management prescriptions that mimic forest disturbances and processes. Silvics—the natural characteristics of trees—play an important role in prescribing effective silviculture.
May 20, 2020 420-351 (ANR-118NP)
The Art of Bonsai Oct 7, 2020 426-601 (SPES-246P)
Selecting Landscape Plants: Boxwoods Aug 2, 2023 426-603 (HORT-290P)
Selecting Landscape Plants: Rare and Unusual Trees
There are many tree species that can be successfully grown in Virginia, but are rarely seen in our landscapes. Although not ordinarily recommended or readily available, these trees may be useful to carry out a specific landscape theme, to substitute for an exotic type which is not locally adapted, or may be prized for unusual form, flowers, fruits, bark, or foliage.
May 19, 2021 426-604 (SPES-320P)
Selecting Landscape Plants: Groundcovers
Landscapes are composed of plants that form ceilings, walls, and floors spaces. Groundcovers serve as attractive carpets of foliage that cloak and beautify our landscape “floors” (fig. 1). A groundcover is a low-growing plant species — 3 feet tall or shorter — that spreads to form a relatively dense layer of vegetation. In covering bare soil, groundcovers reduce soil erosion and provide habitat for insects and other animals, along with a host of other positive environmental effects.
Nov 6, 2023 426-609 (HORT-31P)
Selecting Landscape Plants: Flowering Trees May 19, 2021 426-611 (SPES-321P)
Shrubs: Functions, Planting, and Maintenance
What is a shrub? A shrub is generally considered a multi-stem woody plant that is less than 15 feet tall. Of course, this and other plant size categories are definitions contrived by humans to categorize nature. What is the difference between a large shrub and a small tree? In many cases, there is none. A shrub does not become a tree just because it grows higher than 15 feet. Classifying plants into ground cover, shrub, and tree designations are aids to allow us to conveniently classify and describe plants, albeit with a significant amount of ambiguity.
Nov 6, 2023 426-701
Planting Trees Jun 24, 2022 426-702 (HORT-248NP)
Using Compost in Your Landscape Mar 13, 2021 426-704 (SPES-304P)
Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs
Maintenance programs should be developed for trees and shrubs in both residential and commercial landscapes. A good maintenance program includes monitoring and controlling insect and disease problems, suppressing weed competition, and making timely applications of water, mulch, and fertilizer. Tree and shrub fertilization is especially important in urban and suburban areas of Virginia where soils have been altered due to construction. These urban soils tend to be heavily compacted, poorly aerated, poorly drained, and low in organic matter. Even where soils have not been affected, fertilization may be needed as part of a maintenance program to increase plant vigor or to improve root or top growth.
Jul 12, 2021 430-018 (HORT-120P)
Fertilización de árboles y arbustos (Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs)
Los árboles y arbustos necesitan nutrientes para crecer y estar sanos. Los tres nutrientes más importantes son nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio. Un análisis de suelos es siempre la mejor manera de saber qué nutrientes se necesitan y la cantidad necesaria de cada uno.
Jul 12, 2021 430-018S (SPES-338P)
Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Air Pollution Aug 10, 2020 430-022 (HORT-123P)
Trees and Shrubs that Tolerate Saline Soils and Salt Spray Drift
Concentrated sodium (Na), a component of salt, can damage plant tissue whether it contacts above or below ground parts. High salinity can reduce plant growth and may even cause plant death. Care should be taken to avoid excessive salt accumulation from any source on tree and shrub roots, leaves or stems. Sites with saline (salty) soils, and those that are exposed to coastal salt spray or paving de-icing materials, present challenges to landscapers and homeowners.
Aug 19, 2021 430-031 (SPES-342P)
Pruning Crapemyrtles Apr 19, 2022 430-451 (SPES-387P)
A Guide to Successful Pruning: Pruning Deciduous Trees May 18, 2022 430-456 (SPES-403P)
A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Evergreen Trees May 17, 2022 430-457 (SPES-402P)
A Guide to Successful Pruning: Stop Topping Trees! May 1, 2009 430-458
A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Shrubs May 1, 2009 430-459
Spider Mites
Spider mites (Family Tetranychidae, Order Acari) are not insects; they are closely related to spiders, harvestmen (daddy longlegs), and ticks. Unlike insects, which have six legs and three body parts, spider mites have eight legs and a one-part body. They also lack wings, antennae, and compound eyes. Individual spider mites are almost microscopic, yet when they occur in large numbers, they can cause serious damage. Dozens of species attack shade trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Apr 22, 2022 444-221 (ENTO-502NP)
Spruce Spider Mite
The spruce spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae, Oligonychus unuguis (Jacobi)) lives in all areas of Virginia and is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. It attacks spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and larch, among others.
Apr 22, 2022 444-235 (ENTO-503NP)
Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillar Apr 15, 2022 444-247 (ENTO-497NP)
Euonymus Scale Apr 15, 2022 444-277 (ENTO-498NP)
Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes
The most effective form of plant disease control in the landscape is prevention. Disease prevention can be as simple as choosing the right plant for the right place at planting time. This fact sheet was developed as a guide to shrubs that generally experience few problems in Virginia landscapes. Using these species for new plantings should help you avoid troublesome disease and insect problems in your landscape.
Jun 27, 2022 450-236 (PPWS-69P)
Arbustos ideales para los paisajes de Virginia (Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes)
La forma más eficaz de controlar las enfermedades de los cultivos en nuestro jardín es la prevención. La prevención de enfermedades puede ser tan sencilla como elegir el cultivo adecuado para el lugar adecuado al momento de cultivar. Esta hoja informativa fue desarrollada como una guía de los arbustos que generalmente experimentan pocos problemas en los paisajes de Virginia. El uso de estas especies para las nuevas plantaciones debería ayudarle a evitar problemas de enfermedades e insectos en su jardín.
Aug 7, 2023 450-236s (SPES-429s)
Problem-free Trees for Virginia Landscapes
Many of the tree species commonly planted in Virginia landscapes suffer from disease problems. Although some diseases can be cured, most must be controlled on a preventative basis. The best option for new plantings is to choose species that have a low risk of developing disease. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are some choices of problem-free trees for Virginia landscapes.
Jun 29, 2022 450-237 (PPWS-70P)
Juniper Tip Blights Mar 30, 2017 450-601 (PPWS-91 NP)
Leaf and Flower Gall of Azalea and Camellia
Leaf and flower gall is a disease that is common on azaleas and camellias in the spring. The disease has also been reported on other members of the plant family Ericaceae. It occurs in home landscapes and nurseries, and is often seen on flame azaleas in the forest in the spring. The disease is caused by species of the fungus Exobasidium.
Oct 18, 2016 450-605 (PPWS-92NP)
Soil Sample Information Sheet for Home Lawns, Gardens, Fruits, and Ornamentals May 25, 2021 452-125 (SPES-322NP)
Soil Test Note 17: Lawn Fertilization for Cool Season Grasses Mar 16, 2021 452-717 (SPES-306P)
Soil Test Note 18: Lawn Fertilization for Warm Season Grasses Mar 25, 2021 452-718 (SPES-305P)
Soil Test Note: 20 Home Shrubs and Trees Jun 29, 2021 452-720 (SPES-336P)
Hiring an Arborist to Care for Your Landscape Trees
Landscape trees are valuable assets to your property and for your community. Keeping your trees attractive, healthy, and safe requires careful attention to their planting and care throughout their lives. While many people have a green thumb, there are situations that arise where the expertise of an arborist is needed to address complex or potentially hazardous tree care needs. The purpose of this publication is to inform home owners, property managers, municipal planners, and others about the tree care services provided by an arborist and the steps that should be taken to hire a qualified arborist.
Aug 10, 2020 ANR-131NP
All-Age Management, Demonstration Woodlot
Many forest owners value their forest for wildlife habitat, recreation, and aesthetics. Given accurate information, many want to manage their woodlot using sound silviculture but clear-cutting as a regeneration method may not be visually acceptable. While a profitable timber harvest is of interest, a visually pleasing residual stand may be more important. To meet this objective, Stand D1 of the SVAREC forests was selected to demonstrate All-Age Management using group selection silviculture and individual thinning of select trees to create four age classes.
Sep 12, 2019 ANR-132NP (CNRE-70NP)
Thinning Hardwoods, Demonstration Woodlot
Most forest owners value their forest for wildlife habitat, recreation and aesthetics. Given accurate information, they may manage their woodlot to achieve these and other goals using sound silviculture. Thinning over-stocked woodlots is one silvicultural management tool. Thinning can modify spacing and diversity of species to meet desired goals which may include timber, wildlife, aesthetics and more. Thinning also improves woodlot vigor by removing over-mature, suppressed, defective or weakened trees. To meet theses objective, Stand D2 was selected for a thinning research & demonstration site.
Sep 12, 2019 ANR-133NP (CNRE-69NP)
So You Want To Sell Timber
Research into the attitudes and actions of private forest landowners shows that although very few own their forestland for the purpose of producing timber, most will sell timber at least once in their lifetimes. Private forest landowners sell timber for a variety of reasons that range from purely financial to solely for management purposes. Often landowners do not consider selling timber until they have an immediate need for cash. Other times the landowner has planned an immediate commercial thinning with a full timber harvest scheduled in 10 years. Whatever the reason(s) for a timber sale, careful consideration of objectives is paramount.
Dec 18, 2018 ANR-154P
Timber Selling Tips: Forestry Fact Sheet for Landowners
Timber harvesting is a valuable tool to help forest landowners realize certain financial and land management goals. Following are some suggestions to consider before selling timber.
Dec 18, 2018 ANR-155P
Trees and Water Oct 19, 2018 ANR-18NP (CNRE-34NP)
One-Year Health, Mortality, and Growth in Southeast Virginia of Shortleaf Pine From Three Sources
Restoration of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in Virginia has become a priority of various state and federal agencies. For shortleaf pine restoration to be successful in Virginia, private lands must be considered because 89 percent of forestland in Virginia is privately owned, and most private landowners are likely to use commercially available seedling sources. Shortleaf seedlings from commercially available sources in Virginia, Arkansas, and Missouri were planted in two sites in Southeast Virginia to test growth and yield. After one year, height and ground-line diameter were measured and observations were made on health and mortality of the plants. The Virginia seed source was significantly taller than the Arkansas source. At the first site, mortality and disease were low, but at the second site, mortality and poor health were very high, possibly due to soils combined with weather conditions. No significant seed source effects on disease and mortality were found at either site.
Oct 25, 2018 ANR-28P (CNRE-28P)
Environmental Best Management Practices for Virginia's Golf Courses Jan 7, 2021 ANR-48NP (SPES-284NP)
How to Plan for and Plant Streamside Conservation Buffers with Native Fruit and Nut Trees and Woody Floral Shrubs Aug 30, 2018 ANR-69P (CNRE-27P)
Champion Big Trees of Virginia, 2019-2020 Update Apr 8, 2020 CNRE-104NP
Woodland Health Practices Handbook Dec 13, 2022 CNRE-109NP
Woodland Health Practices - A Field Guide May 26, 2023 CNRE-164NP
Locust Borer
The locust borer is a native insect that attacks black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and its ornamental cultivars. Adult locust borers are conspicuous black and yellow beetles with long black antennae and reddish legs. There is a yellow W-shaped band across the wing covers with other yellow stripes.
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-141NP (ENTO-423NP)
Psocids: Barklice and Booklice
Psocids are small, oval insects with soft bodies that usually measure only several millimeters long. A psocid measuring 6 mm (0.25 inches) long is rather large for this group of insects. Psocids generally occur in shades of brown, black, or pale colors; some have distinctive mottled or striped markings.
Mar 5, 2021 ENTO-143NP (ENTO-440NP)
Galls Made by Aphids, Adelgids, Phylloxerans, Psyllids, and Midges
Galls made by made by aphids, adelgids, phylloxerans, psyllids, and midges occur on many different plants. Galls are abnormal growths of plant tissue induced by insects and other organisms. Gall-making parasites release growth-regulating chemicals as they feed, causing adjacent plant tissues to form a gall. The parasite then develops within the relative security of the gall. Most are harmless to trees, but a few are pests.
Jun 2, 2022 ENTO-146NP (ENTO-506NP)
Galls and Rust made by Mites Nov 29, 2022 ENTO-532NP
Native and Solitary Bees in Virginia
Although honey bees are well known for pollination and honey production, other bees at times impact humans in various ways. These native bees range from beneficial to annoying, sometimes at the same time. Native bees are important pollinators for fruit and vegetables.
Feb 12, 2021 ENTO-151NP (ENTO-424NP)
Yellow Poplar Weevil
Rice-shaped holes about 1/16 inches result from adult feeding. Larval feeding forms mines, usually two per leaf. If they are both on the same side of midrib, one is extensive, and the other dwarfed. If the insect lays eggs on opposite sides of the midrib, both mines develop normally.
May 6, 2020 ENTO-172NP (ENTO-380NP)
Control of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug with Insecticide-Treated Window Screens
In Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has become a serious nuisance pest (Rice et al. 2014). Each fall, these insects aggregate on buildings seeking shelters in which to spend the winter months.
Jan 19, 2021 ENTO-177NP (ENTO-400NP)
Buck Moth Jan 11, 2023 ENTO-18NP (ENTO-536NP)
Hag Moth Caterpillar Jan 10, 2023 ENTO-19NP (ENTO-541NP)
Fall Cankerworm
Cankerworms are also known as inchworms, loop worms, and spanworms - this is credited to their distinctive way of moving. In order to travel, a cankerworm must grab leaves or branches with its front legs and then pull the rest of its body forward. This causes the abdomen area to contract and gives the worm the appearance of arching its back.
Feb 5, 2021 ENTO-223NP (ENTO-404NP)
Jumping Worms (Amynthas spp.) May 24, 2023 ENTO-427NP (ENTO-559NP)
Gloomy Scale
Description of Damage: The bark becomes roughened and encrusted with scales. Branches and limbs die back and result in a rapid decline in tree vigor, occasionally resulting in the death of trees. Seriously weakened trees are common in Virginia as a result of scale populations, especially red and silver maples.
Apr 29, 2019 ENTO-44NP (ENTO-318NP)
Buprestid Beetles and Flathead Borers Mar 4, 2021 ENTO-441NP
Box Tree Moth Mar 10, 2021 ENTO-445NP
Identification and Life Cycle of Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia Mar 18, 2022 ENTO-268NP (ENTO-494NP)
Box Tree Moth in the United States Oct 31, 2022 ENTO-525NP
Juniper and Cryptomeria Scales in Residential Landscapes Nov 30, 2022 ENTO-533NP
Japanese Maple and Oystershell Scales in Residential Landscapes Mar 6, 2023 ENTO-550NP
Pest Alert: Asian Longhorned Beetle Apr 17, 2023 ENTO-556NP
Recognizing Asian Longhorned Beetle in Virginia Apr 25, 2023 ENTO-557NP
Goldenchain tree, Laburnum × watereri Sep 20, 2018 HORT-10NP
Hinoki Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa Sep 20, 2018 HORT-11NP
Japanese Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica Sep 27, 2018 HORT-12NP
Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia Sep 27, 2018 HORT-13NP
Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata Sep 27, 2018 HORT-14NP
Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sep 27, 2018 HORT-15NP
Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa Oct 1, 2018 HORT-16NP
Lacebark Pine, Pinus bungeana Oct 1, 2018 HORT-17NP
Leyland Cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii Oct 2, 2018 HORT-18NP
Mimosa (Silk-tree or Albizia), Albizia julibrissin Oct 2, 2018 HORT-19NP
Norway Spruce, Picea abies Oct 2, 2018 HORT-20NP
Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum Oct 8, 2018 HORT-21NP
Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia Oct 9, 2018 HORT-22NP
River Birch, Betula nigra Oct 3, 2018 HORT-23NP
Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia ×soulangeana Oct 3, 2018 HORT-24NP
Sawara Falsecypress (Japanese Falsecypress), Chamaecyparis pisifera Oct 3, 2018 HORT-25NP
Scotch Pine, Pinus sylvestris Oct 3, 2018 HORT-26NP
Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum Oct 5, 2018 HORT-27NP
Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata Oct 5, 2018 HORT-28NP
Umbrella-Pine (Japanese Umbrella-Pine), Sciadopitys verticillata Oct 4, 2018 HORT-29NP
Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum Oct 4, 2018 HORT-30NP
American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana Oct 4, 2018 HORT-5NP
American (Fagus grandifolia) and European (Fagus sylvatica) Beeches Oct 4, 2018 HORT-6NP
Chinese Elm (Lacebark Elm), Ulmus parvifolia Oct 9, 2018 HORT-7NP
Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis Oct 9, 2018 HORT-8NP
Douglasfir, Pseudotsuga menziesii Oct 9, 2018 HORT-9NP
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in the Virginia Home Landscape
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 5, 2021 PPWS-29NP (PPWS-85NP)
Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force
To provide leadership in safeguarding and protecting the ornamental horticulture industry, historical gardens and landscape plantings from boxwood blight.
Jul 1, 2019 PPWS-30
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in Virginia Production Nurseries WITH Boxwood Blight
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Feb 16, 2021 PPWS-32NP (PPWS-87NP)
Invasive Tree-of-Heaven & Native Look-Alike Identification Photographs Jun 24, 2019 SPES-148NP
Mortality of Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in Virginia
Since 2015, Extension specialists from Virginia Tech (VT) have visited and collected plant and soil samples from several large areas of dying great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in Virginia’s mountainous regions. In 2016 VT specialists met with Virginia Department of Forestry, US Forest Service personnel, and other experts to revisit some of these sites. No consistent cause of this mortality has yet been identified. It is possible that a variety of factors are stressing the rhododendrons in these areas to a point where opportunistic pathogens or insects can successfully attack and kill them. The following information summarizes our observations and diagnostic results from four separate great rhododendron mortality sites in Virginia. This information is not equivalent to a research study, which would also include samples taken from healthy great rhododendron for comparison; however, we are confident that we have ruled out two diseases that are frequently mentioned both online and anecdotally as a cause of this mortality, specifically Phytophthora root rot and Botryosphaeria dieback.
Aug 21, 2019 SPES-151P
How To Plant A Tree Jul 14, 2020 SPES-226NP
2020-21 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations Feb 25, 2021 SPES-237NP (SPES-301NP)
The Right Answer: How to Find Unbiased, Research-Based Answers Horticultural Questions Feb 19, 2021 SPES-275P
How to Evaluate a Tree May 19, 2021 SPES-313P
Edible Landscape Species – Trees Oct 21, 2021 SPES-316
Edible Landscape Species – Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcovers Oct 21, 2021 SPES-317
Maintenance Calendar for Bermudagrass Jun 21, 2021 SPES-329NP
Beetlemania Jul 7, 2021 SPES-333NP
Cool Season Lawn Renovation Sep 16, 2021 SPES-353NP
Managing Fall Armyworms on Lawns Aug 31, 2021 SPES-357NP
Chemical Options for Defruiting Young Apple Trees
Apple trees can produce plenty of fruits in the first two years of planting. If kept on the tree until harvest, these fruits would have a negative effect on tree growth and structure. Defruting newly planted and young apple trees (e.g., 2nd and 3rd leaf), particularly those on dwarfing rootstocks, allows the trees to fill their allotted bearing space and become structurally capable of bearing a decent crop by the fourth and fifth year. Although defruting can be achieved manually by removing flower clusters and small fruitlets, several chemical options can make defruting much faster and less labor-intensive. This publication aims to provide information about the rates and application timing of chemical materials apple growers can use to effectively defrut young trees.
Apr 14, 2022 SPES-396NP
Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs - Basic May 12, 2022 SPES-397P
Vascular Streak Dieback: An Emerging Problem on Woody Ornamentals in the U.S. May 17, 2023 SPES-483P