World’s Worst Palm Tree Pest Now in California

An insect described as the world’s “worst palm tree pest” has apparently been detected in Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. The Pest is the Red Palm Weevil and California state officials believe it is a threat to most ornamental palm trees. So far it has not been reported out of Laguna Beach but it could spread.

Officials are worried about the Red Palm Weevil because it can fly for up to a half mile. The pest then lays eggs in the bark of the palm, larvae hatch from eggs and eat the tree and kill it. People should be able to detect the beetle by looking for holes with brown ooze coming out of them on barks. Dead weevils and their larvae will be visible if there is a heavy infestation.

It is not just people in California who should worry about the Red Palm Weevil. It has also been reported on some islands in the Caribbean so it could soon spread to Texas, Arizona and Florida. Palms are very vulnerable to this kind of pest because they are not native to most parts of the US even though they have widely planted in many areas.

Since palms often add to the value of properties owners should definitely be on the look out for this and other palm killing pests. Persons who think they see this pest should contact their state’s department of agriculture.

The presence of this kind of pest shows why professional tree services are so important. Without proper tree care such bugs can easily get out of control and destroy all the palms on property. Most people will not be able to spot infestations or deal with them until it is too late.

Trained tree experts or arborists can do this and take the steps necessary to protect trees. They can also safely and professionally remove infested trees to contain the problem.

So it is definitely a good idea for persons with palms on their properties to have them checked by a professional tree service on a regular basis. Nobody can be too careful these days with all the different pests around.

The White House is Home to a Long Line of Serious Gardeners and Tree Lovers

In an article written by Melanie Choukas-Bradley, she describes the series of Presidents and First Ladies who have contributed to the beauty and essence of the national park known as President’s Park. This park, which is located on the grounds of the White House, has been considered a national park since 1933. The current collection of trees at the White House is comprised of 37 official commemorative tree plantings by presidents and first ladies. The collection of commemorative trees is mixed in with hundreds of other trees within the 18 fenced acres of the White House grounds. For many years it has been a tradition for presidents and their first ladies to add to President’s Park. Many of these additions were made to commemorate people or events, and others were planted out of shear appreciation for trees and gardens.

Thomas Jefferson was considered a passionate and highly accomplished horticulturist. According to White House Historical Association author Dr. William Seale, “The glory of the White House grounds would one day be its trees, and although none of Jefferson’s is known to survive, he started the tradition.” A quote from Jefferson states, “I wish I was a despot that I might save the noble, the beautiful trees that are daily falling sacrifices to the cupidity of their owners, or the necessity of the poor…The unnecessary felling of a tree, perhaps the growth of centuries, seems to me a crime little short of murder; it pains me to an unspeakable degree.”

In 1913 the first wife of Woodrow Wilson chose the site for America’s most historic garden when she planted roses outside of her husband’s West Wing office. However, John F. Kennedy was the one who inaugurated the modern-day Rose Garden and took a great interest in its growth. According to Wolf Von Eckardt, Washington Post architecture critic at the time, “He would always walk through it on his way to his office and back for lunch or dinner. …As his garden grew, so did his knowledge of its plants and wonders…It was the only thing he ever bragged about.” In 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy described the Rose Garden as the “brightest spot in the somber surroundings of the last few days.” During Johnson’s administration, First Lady Bird Johnson chose to honor Jacqueline Kennedy by dedicating to her the garden just opposite the Rose Garden.

When Laura Bush was asked which of the White House trees was her favorite she replied, “The most magnificent is the Andrew Jackson magnolia.” This tree, which is actually two trees growing very closely together, is the oldest commemorative presidential tree at the White House. Andrew Jackson is said to have brought these trees from his home near Nashville and planted them at the White House as a way to remember his late wife Rachel.

Here is a list of the 41 trees and gardens planted by presidents and first ladies:


1. Purple Beech - George Bush (1991)
2. White Dogwood - Bill and Hillary Clinton (1996)
3. White Dogwood - Bill and Hillary Clinton (1995)
4. Patmore Ash - George Bush (1989)
5. Northern Red Oak - Dwight D. Eisenhower (1959)
6. Eastern Redbud - George Bush (1990)
7. Little-Leafed Linden - George Bush & Queen Elizabeth II (1991)
8. Willow Oak - Ronald Reagan (1988)
9. Silver Linden - George W. and Laura Bush (2008)
10. Jacqueline Kennedy Garden 1965
11. Southern Magnolia (2) - Andrew Jackson (1830)
12. Saucer Magnolia (4) - John F. Kennedy (1962)
13. Rose Garden (1913)
14. Willow Oak - Lyndon B. Johnson (1964)
15. Little-Leafed Linden - Bill Clinton (1993)
16. Pin Oak - Dwight D. Eisenhower (1958)
17. Little-Leafed Linden - George W. and Laura Bush (2003)
18. White Oak - Herbert Hoover (1931)
19. Cedar of Lebanon - Jimmy Carter (1978)
20. Cutleaf Silver Maple - George W. and Laura Bush (2001)
21. White Dogwood (3) - Hillary Rodham Clinton (1994)
22. Children’s Garden (1969)
23. American Elm - Bill and Hillary Clinton (1993)
24. Japanese Maple - Frances Folsom Cleveland (1893)
25. White House Kitchen Garden (2009)
26. Japanese Maple - Rosalyn Carter (1978)
27. Willow Oak - Bill and Hillary Clinton (1993)
28.White Oak - Herbert Hoover (1931)
29. American Elm - John Q. Adams (1826, replaced B.Bush1991)
30. Southern Magnolia - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1942)
31. Southern Magnolia - Warren G. Harding (1922 replaced 1947)
32. White Oak - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1935)
33. Little-Leafed Linden - Barack Obama (2009)
34. Red Maple - Jimmy Carter (1977)
35. White Saucer Magnolia - Nancy Reagan (1982)
36. English and American Boxwood* - Harry S. Truman (1952)
37. Jefferson (American) Elm - George W. and Laura Bush (2006)
38. American Elm - Betty Ford (1975)
39. Fern Leaf Beech - Lady Bird Johnson (1968)
40. Fern Leaf Beech - Patricia Nixon (1972, replaced 2005)
41. Sugar Maple - Ronald Reagan (1984)

Eucalyptus Longhorned Borers

There are actually two different species of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer beetles that attack trees in California. The problem is worst in Southern California, where the climate resembles that of the beetles’ homeland; Australia.

The beetles damage trees by boring holes into them and laying eggs. When the eggs’ hatch the larvae emerge and eat the bark. They also drill tunnels through the trees which can kill them.

These bugs only attack Eucalyptus trees which are quite common in California. They are most likely to attack sick trees and trees during droughts. In Southern California they do a lot of damage during the hot summer months when trees don’t get enough water.

Spotting Longhorned Borers

It is actually fairly easy to tell if borers are attacking your trees. If the damage is heavy you can actually hear their larvae inside the trees chomping away at the wood. This is a scraping sound similar to a saw or other tool hacking away at wood. If you hear strange sounds coming from a Eucalyptus it could be the borer.

Another way to spot them is to look for holes in the tree that ooze black liquid. There also can be dark black trails of gunk left on the tree’s bark. Spotting the borer is vital because they can kill a Eucalyptus if they girdle the tree or completely remove a strip of bark around its trunk.

Controlling the Borer

The best way to control Longhorned Eucalyptus borers is to keep trees healthy and well watered. Generally, the bugs leave trees that are well watered alone. A good way to do this is to use a hose root feeder especially during droughts and dry seasons. Put the feeder in the ground a few feet from the trunk to be the most effective.

Simply watering the tree without a sprinkler is a waste of time. You will have to apply water directly to the roots. This can be done with a hose root feeder which can be purchased at any hardware store.

Remove any dead or dying Eucalyptus trees as soon as you notice them because this is where the borer lives. If you use Eucalyptus as firewood cover it with plastic and keep it away from healthy trees because the borer can live in those logs as well. Try and dry the firewood out by covering it with clear plastic and put it in a place where it can get a lot of sunlight. This should kill any beetles in the wood.

There are also some insecticides that can control the borer. These will have to be applied as soon as an infestation is noticed to be effective.

Affected Species of Eucalyptus

Experts at the University of California at Davis have identified some species of Eucalyptus that are more susceptible to this pest than others these are the Blue Gum, Flooded gum, Kari gum, Manna gum, Round-Leaved or Red-Flowered eucalyptus and the Sydney Blue Gum.

There are also some species less likely to be attacked by the Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer. These are the Hybrid, Lemon Gum, Red Ironbank, Red River Gum, Sugar Gum and Swamp Mahogany. If you are planting new trees, it might be a good idea to plant these species especially in areas with water shortages. 

Controlling Tree Insects

Pests such as the pine beetle and the emerald ash borer have become a huge threat to trees. Many landowners have seen the beauty and value of their properties disappear because of these bugs. Fortunately there are some steps anybody can take to protect their property.  

The most important thing that a property owner can do is to walk around his or her land on a regular basis and inspect all of the trees. That way he or she can spot infestations of such pests and take action against them.

Before implementing such a program of inspections it is a good idea to find out what tree-killing pests are active in your area. The US Forest Service, your state forest service or your state university’s extension should be able to tell you this. These organizations provide lots of good information about such pests and how to control them.

Other Measures to Take

Many people don’t like to hear it but the best way to control such insects is to remove any tree that appears to be infected. This means that dead or dying trees must be cut down as soon as possible. It also means that any area that appears to be infested with the bugs should be sprayed.

Care should be taken with the wood from infested timber. The best solution is to have it hauled away as soon as possible. If you want to keep it to use as firewood there are some precautions to take.

Store the logs and limbs as far from forested areas as you can. This can help prevent the spread of the bugs. If possible store it on a concrete or asphalt or inside a shed. Also cover firewood with a plastic tarp and make sure the plastic is secure. This can keep insects locked in and away from healthy woodlands.

Spraying the logs with water or a long lasting insecticide can also help. Some experts also recommend pouring kerosene on them because this can kill the bugs. Persons should definitely be very careful when doing this because it can make the wood into a fire hazard.

It is also a good idea to follow these precautions when you bring in firewood from off your property. A great deal of the timber used for this purposes comes from insect-killed trees. It is entirely possible that some of the logs you buy or bring in could contain unwanted guests such as the pine beetle.

Some Tree Pruning Tips

Pruning is one chore that owners of properties with trees cannot avoid but it can be done safely and intelligently. Exercising a little common sense can make the job go faster and reduce the risks from it.

The first and most important tip is to not climb trees for this task if you can avoid it. Only climb up and do it if you have had a lot of experience. Do not try climbing up to prune or trim if you haven’t done it before. It is also a good idea not to do this from a ladder.

Instead of risking life and limb to prune a few branches, buy a device called a pole trimmer or pole pruner. This is basically a chainsaw on the end of a pole. They come in both telescoping and single length models. You can use it to prune limbs while standing on the ground it is a lot safer and easier. You should be able to find these devices at any hardware or home improvement store.

Another tip is to not have young children and pets around while you are pruning. They can be hurt by falling branches and debris and they can distract which leads to accidents. Try to prune while kids are away or at school. Keep the pets in the house or on a leash while you are doing the job.

Make sure nobody is standing under you or under the tree while you are pruning. That way they will not be hurt by falling limbs or debris.

Also make sure that they do not distract while you are working because this can lead to accidents.

Try to stand on a flat and secure surface when pruning. Try to avoid pruning from the roof, ladders or out of windows. This can make it hard to see where branches are falling. It can also make it more likely for you to loose your balance and fall.

If you have to use a ladder make sure it is firmly in place and won’t fall over before you go up. Come down the moment you notice that the ladder is wobbly or insecure. Be especially careful with ladders on soft ground or lawns because this can be more insecure.

Trees Alert: Spring Tree Diseases and How to Avoid them

It’s spring time once again. Spring is that time of year when trees and flowers begin to bloom and show off their lovely leaves again. Even if it is one of the most wonderful time of the 4 seasons we encounter we have to consider that there are certain diseases that also show up on our plants and trees. Trees, in particular encounter certain fungal growths that can affect their lives. Let’s try to have a look at some of the diseases that we may encounter with our trees:

Aspen Leaf Spot
Manner of spreading: wind and rain

Damage done: Attacks the leaves as they begin to emerge in the spring.

Appearance: Small dark spot on leaves, less noticeable during late spring and early summer, as summer progresses, the spots enlarge and look like will envelope all the leaves and even the entire tree.

Host Tree: Aspen

Cause of Severe infestation: Defoliation of leaves, leaving the tree vulnerable to other diseases and insects. The tree becomes unappealing which may lead to the tree's death by natural cause.

Treatment: Treatment should be done early spring. Spray or apply a registered fungicide like Daconil on leaf spot that's on the label. Follow the directions as indicated on the label.


Anthracnose

Manner of Spreading: Happens during springtime, unnoticed and manifests in summer when treatment becomes impossible.

Damage done: Their damage is similar to what leaf spots can do and when you start to notice them, the tree becomes impossible to save.

Appearance: They look like small spots of leaves that appear to be watery.

Host tree: Maples, sycamores, oaks and ash trees.

Cause of Severe infestation: The small spots on the leaves initially appear on the leaves. They become bigger and turn to red, brown or black. The infection can go to the petiole of the leaves and will infect small branches. The more grave the infection, the leaves defoliate and will cause small branches and twigs on the tree to die.

Treatment: The treatment is similar to the control process done on leaf spot. Aside from using fungicide, the leaves that drop during fall season should be raked and burned. Sycamore trees may be too large to spray fungicides, it is best to use the service of tree services to get it done.

Fire Blight

Manner of Spreading: This is not a fungal disease but rather a bacterium

Damage done: The leaves on the tree wilt and dry. They turn black and look like they are scorched.

Appearance: When you examine the affected area very closely, you will see a whitish cream or reddish-colored leak coming from the tree's wounds. The leaves will indicate they are infected by these bacteria through the leaves’ twigs. They take on a shepherd's crook shape when they start wilting.

Host tree: They infect pears, apples cotoneasters, hawthorns, pyracantha and mountain ash trees and shrubs.

Cause of Severe infestation: The bacteria spread during warm, wet springs. Insects carry the bacteria from flower to flower. They spread to the twigs of the infected flower. Severe infection of these bacteria can destroy a pear tree in one season.

Treatment: When you notice any signs of this in early summer after the flowers bloom, the only way to stop it from spreading is to cut-off the infected wood. They should be cut at least 8 to 12 inches below the infected part and remove the wood from the area or orchard.


Make sure that you are on a look out for these spring diseases especially when your trees or vegetation are in bloom. When there is less rain or lack of moisture around during seasons of bloom then treatment isn't needed. When the spring weather becomes warm and wet during blooming season then take necessary precautions.

Famous Trees Destroyed by Vandals: Heartbreak and History

If there is any lesson that comes to a homeowner from this article, please let it be to appreciate the life and vitality of the trees in your own back yard. An owner can become emotionally attached to a tree without even noticing – until the moment that it disappears forever. And why not? A prominent tree can become a comforting focal point of a landscape, a favorite shady spot in the sun, or a marker of personal growth.

Several trees throughout history have risen above and beyond their counterparts, and have grown to be loved and cherished by the communities in which they stand. General Sherman in California, for example, draws thousands of tourists each year to view the spectacular height and leaves an impressive memory with all who choose to come. Other symbolic living wonders have met their unfortunate fate early: at the hands of vandals.

Holy Thorn Tree

The Glastonbury Holy Thorn Tree was, at one time, one of the most celebrated pilgrimage points in Great Britain. From receiving early Christian offerings to providing sprigs for Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas dining table, to pagan worship – this tree had a very important and meaningful life to many people from all around the world. Every 100 years or so, locals took it upon themselves to transplant a clipping to replace the dying mother. Unfortunately, this historic landmark was reduced to nothing but a tree stump by vandals back in 2010.

Nevada Shoe Tree

This roadside attraction earned the love of tourists with limbs filled with dangling shoes, sneakers, and boots that swayed in the wind with color and surprising grace. Legend has it that the first pair of shoes was thrown by an arguing newlywed couple, a tradition picked up by years of travelers since. No more shoes will be thrown on this cottonwood – vandals cut it down mercilessly saddening the locals who had grown to love it.

Be aware and take good care of your own special symbolic tree – you never know when it could leave your life forever. In the meantime, practice good tree maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape!