Strike Two for Elms
Given the hundreds of thousands of elms already lost in the last 100 years to Dutch elm disease, it seems unfair that the Ulmus genus should face a new enemy so soon. But the world of invasives isn’t fair, and a new threat has reared its head: elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda). This insect is […]
CSI for Bugs, Part 5: Insect Products Provide Clues
This article is the fifth in a series for TCI Magazine by the author designed to help arborists understand and diagnose problems caused by insects and mites on woody landscape plants. The first article, “Basics for Diagnosing Problems Caused by Insects and Mites” (TCI, November 2020), focused on using signs and symptoms to help pin […]
Here Come the Basidiocarps: Seasonal Fruiting of Decay Fungi
Just like the seasonal progression of flowering in higher plants, the annual appearance of fruiting (production of mushrooms, conks, brackets and other fruiting structures) of wood-decay fungi is somewhat predictable. When decay fungi appear during the year can be a significant aid to identification. If nothing else, the timing of fruiting can help confirm the […]
CSI For Bugs, Part 4: Diagnosing Discoloration and Distortion Caused by Insects and Mites
This article is the fourth in a series by the author designed to help arborists diagnose and understand problems caused by insects and mites on woody landscape plants. The first article, “Basics for Diagnosing Problems Caused by Insects and Mites” (TCI, November 2020), focused on using signs and symptoms to help pin down the identity […]
On Removing Deadwood: Part 2
This is the conclusion of a two-part article that takes a close look at the commonly held notion that removing deadwood from trees improves their health. Part 1, “On Removing Deadwood,” ran in the February issue of TCI (tcimag.tcia.org/magazine-archive). In Part 1 of this article, we proposed that removing deadwood from a tree isn’t necessarily […]