Pests and Diseases

Roses are one of the most popular garden plants in the world. In caring for roses, it’s important to understand the best conditions for growing them. A working knowledge of

Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging disease caused by a nematode, or microscopic worm. We often don’t think of our trees as getting “sick.” However, just as people can

Tree borers and wood boring insects make their homes in the bark, trunks and branches of trees.  Living up to their name, these larvae ‘bore’ in trees, laying eggs and

Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on chlorophyll, the substance that gives plants their lovely green color. They are related to ticks and spiders, but feed on trees and shrubs.

Boxwoods are a staple in many landscapes.  These ornamental, evergreen favorites make excellent hedges or edging, but can also serve as foundation plants. However, this popular plant is not without

We often think of spring and summer as prime time for insects — and it is. But, you know Mother Nature. She never follows the rules completely. With that, there

The USDA recently confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in Oregon. EAB for short, this invasive wood-boring beetle infests and kills ash trees. The beetles lay eggs in the

We all know what healthy leaves look like, but what happens when they’re not healthy? Leaves can become discolored, have bumps or brown or red lesions. Smudgy spots on foliage

What do you do as soon as a warm spring day arrives? Get outside of course! But you’re not the only one anxious for temperatures to rise. Many overwintering insects

When the weather turns cold, we don’t think much about insects. What exactly happens to them during winter? The term overwintering is used to describe how insects navigate the challenges

While tree diseases often thrive in spring, it is important to remember that proper care year-round can make a big difference in managing these issues. Some simple practices now can

Phytophthora root rot is a disease of many trees and shrubs. The disease derives its name from the Greek language and literally means “plant destroyer.” As such, this is a

The telltale signs of various tree diseases and insect infestations are often most evident in summer. Populations of many types of scales, mites, and aphids are particularly noticeable at this

The hemlock woolly adelgid is a sap-sucking insect that feeds specifically on hemlock trees. As the insects feed, they damage the tree by removing sap and disrupting the flow of

The polyphagous shot hole borer is a recently introduced, non-native beetle that is having a devastating impact on landscapes, forests and agriculture in southern California. This insect pest bores into