Does your yard have trees that add beauty, much needed shade, and some personality to your landscaping? If so, you may want to bone-up on your knowledge of tree pests and what you can do to protect these plantings in your yard. Each type of tree is susceptible to different types of pests and diseases so learn first what types of trees you have scattered around your property before you begin inspecting and evaluating for issues. Here are just a few of the most common tree pests that impact trees in our New England area.

• The Winter Moth – You probably recognize these critters every fall as they start to emerge and destroy oaks, maples, basswood, white elm, crab-apple, apple, blueberry, and cherry trees. The adult moths can even be active into January. During these months the adults lay their eggs in the bark and on the branches of trees. When the larvae emerge in the spring, they eat the buds of the trees and destroy everything in their path.

• The Beetle – The Asian long-horned beetle feeds on maple, horse chestnut, birch, poplar, willow, and elm trees. The females chew grooves in the bark to lay eggs within it. When the larvae emerge they continue chewing and destroying the bark of the trees, as they nourish themselves and grow.

• Stink Bugs – The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a problem for shade trees and fruit trees in our area. Brought into our country accidentally from Asia, these critters have been laying eggs on the undersides of leaves, and have even become a problem when they overwinter in buildings and homes.

If you are unsure of the types of trees in your yard and want to know more about the pests that could damage them, contact Pro-Tech Lawn Care at (603) 382-9644.

Do you spend every weekend caring for your lawn only to have it brown over, grow mushrooms or be devastated by insects? Discovering what is doing the damage is the first step in eradicating the pests. While there are many pests that can be blamed for killing lawns there are some common pests that are worth mentioning. Let’s look at the symptoms that you may be noticing in your yard and the potential causes of them:

• Lawn that Pulls Back – If your lawn peels up easily and is looking dead in areas, grubs may be the cause. Grubs are a common problem in mid to late summer, and most easily identified when your sod easily pulls back from the ground like a carpet.

• Rings of Mushrooms or Overly Green Grass – Fairy Rings are common in our area and are caused by a fungus that infiltrates the area. Professional treatment can rid your lawn of the rings.

• Brown Spots – There are many issues that can cause brown spots including: pet urine, irrigation issues, and lawn disease such as Brown Patch, Red Thread, or Rust. Thick areas of thatch could also be a culprit and should be raked and aerated. Chinch bugs can also cause damage that looks like drought. Pro-Tech Lawn Care can evaluate your lawn and determine the cause of the browning.

• Burned Spots – Improper irrigation, over-fertilization, or disease could be causing burned areas of your lawn. Not fertilizing at the right times or in the right amounts can cause areas of your lawn to look scorched. Too little water can also create the same appearance.

Keep your lawn looking rich, thick and healthy by contacting Pro-Tech Lawn Care at (603) 382-9644 to prevent all of these conditions that threaten your landscaping.

A healthy lawn is one that is properly watered, fertilized, aerated, and, of course, mowed regularly. By caring for landscaping throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, your lawn will be less susceptible to pests and diseases. Mowing appropriately is one of the steps to getting that healthy-looking lawn. Let’s look at some of the big mowing mistakes homeowners make that can jeopardize the aesthetics of your landscaping:

• Buying the Wrong Mower – Choosing the right mower means taking into consideration the size, terrain, and the amount of trees and bushes in the way of mowing paths. Smaller lawns and those with many obstacles like trees, bushes and walkways should use a push mower. Those that are larger should use a ride-on mower to make the job go faster.
• Not Sharpening the Blade – Dull blades can damage your grass and cause the mower to work inefficiently. Blades should be sharpened at the beginning of every season.
• Mowing Wet Grass – Wet grass is not ideal for mowing. Wet blades are not only are slick and don’t cut well, but also can clog up the mower.
• Not Cutting Enough – Sure we all let the grass go when we head off for vacation, but try not to let it become a habit. Grass that gets too long is difficult to cut and not healthy for your lawn. Use the Rule of Thirds. Cut one third of the height each time you cut.
• Not Cleaning the Mower – After each mowing of your lawn, you should clean out the blade and undercarriage. It will have lots of grass clippings and possibly debris from the yard that should be cleaned.
• Ignoring Maintenance – If your mower is smoking, having difficulty starting or sputtering, you should consider regular maintenance.

If you have questions about how to keep your lawn healthy, call Pro-Tech Lawn Care at (603) 382-9644.