Thanks for this, we’re in Vancouver Canada and have just started to see Japanese beetle. Our government is attempting to contain and spray them at the moment. But, I think we all know just how elusive chemical-led control is. So I’m happy to see some great alternatives here!
Interesting! Thanks. We’ve had a containment zone here since 2017, but they’re starting to spread. They’re now also in two outlying cities. Invasive species are such a minefield.
Thank you for this thorough research! Lots to think about and make changes over time. I like the idea of the Pennnsylvania sedge in some of our more shaded yard and will start with that. Will also plant more perennials that deter the JB. I am interested in looking into why white clover is not recommended as it has become a rather hot item up here in Minnesota as a turf replacement. Thanks, Heather! Looking forward to next week's edition.
Pennsylvania sedge is fabulous! I look forward to hearing how it works out in your shady areas. Re clover, the fact that it's such a hot item is a sore point among people looking to support native insect with native plants. I think this European clover's popularity results from 1. the dominance of England in the gardening world, 2. it attracts honeybees (also European), and 3. its agricultural role as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop. Pennsylvania sedge, path rush, violets, etc. are better for native insects.
Hey there. A somewhat tangentially related question about grubs in soil. Have you ever heard of moles killing trees due to extreme infestation in yards.
My hypothesis is that there's an overpopulation of both moles and grubs, the mole tunnels are absurdly pervasive. I'm thinking they may have disturbed enough feeder roots as to cause the tree to die (technically from drought stress due to root loss)
There may also be a further correlation of the increased mole populations now two years after the 13 year cicada flush (I am in East Tennessee)
Hi, Charles! I'm sorry about your tree or trees. I don't have direct experience with moles, but your hypothesis makes sense to me. I'm going to look into it and include my research in an upcoming column about trees.
Thanks for this, we’re in Vancouver Canada and have just started to see Japanese beetle. Our government is attempting to contain and spray them at the moment. But, I think we all know just how elusive chemical-led control is. So I’m happy to see some great alternatives here!
I agree a two-pronged approach is best! Hopefully your government program will eradicate the beetles (though I don't know at what ecological cost). I thought you'd be encouraged by this article, Japanese Beetle Repeatedly Eradicated from California. See https://ipm.ucanr.edu/Invasive-and-Exotic-Pests/Japanese-Beetle/#:~:text=Where%20the%20beetle%20has%20been,California%2C%20collect%20individuals%20if%20possible.
Interesting! Thanks. We’ve had a containment zone here since 2017, but they’re starting to spread. They’re now also in two outlying cities. Invasive species are such a minefield.
Thank you for this thorough research! Lots to think about and make changes over time. I like the idea of the Pennnsylvania sedge in some of our more shaded yard and will start with that. Will also plant more perennials that deter the JB. I am interested in looking into why white clover is not recommended as it has become a rather hot item up here in Minnesota as a turf replacement. Thanks, Heather! Looking forward to next week's edition.
Pennsylvania sedge is fabulous! I look forward to hearing how it works out in your shady areas. Re clover, the fact that it's such a hot item is a sore point among people looking to support native insect with native plants. I think this European clover's popularity results from 1. the dominance of England in the gardening world, 2. it attracts honeybees (also European), and 3. its agricultural role as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop. Pennsylvania sedge, path rush, violets, etc. are better for native insects.
Hey there. A somewhat tangentially related question about grubs in soil. Have you ever heard of moles killing trees due to extreme infestation in yards.
My hypothesis is that there's an overpopulation of both moles and grubs, the mole tunnels are absurdly pervasive. I'm thinking they may have disturbed enough feeder roots as to cause the tree to die (technically from drought stress due to root loss)
There may also be a further correlation of the increased mole populations now two years after the 13 year cicada flush (I am in East Tennessee)
Thoughts?
Hi, Charles! I'm sorry about your tree or trees. I don't have direct experience with moles, but your hypothesis makes sense to me. I'm going to look into it and include my research in an upcoming column about trees.
I look forward to hearing about anything interesting you find