Landscape Message: April 11, 2025

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts land care professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Detailed reports from scouts and Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. The following issue has been updated to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data. 

Welcome to the 2025 growing season! This is the second Landscape Message of 2025.  The next message will be published in two weeks, on April 25.  To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list 

Click on the headings below to jump to that section of the message.

In This Issue

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

Phenology

Regional Notes 

     Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

     Southeast Region (Plymouth)

     North Shore (Beverly)

              Metro West (Acton)

              Central Region (Boylston)

              Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

              Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Insects and Other Arthropods

Landscape Weeds

Additional Resources

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about April 9, 2025. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50ºF baseline temperature collected via regional NEWA stations (http://newa.cornell.edu) for the 2025 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

US Drought Monitor:  At this time, about 95% of the land area of Massachusetts is classified as at least D0 (Abnormally Dry).  Of this, 56% is classified as D1 (Moderate Drought). State map as of Thursday 4/10: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Phenology

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: 

The period has been cool with highs primarily in the 40s and lows primarily in the 30s. The average temperature from March 26 to April 9 was 43°F with a high of 66°F on April 4 and a low of 28°F on April 9. Overall, the period has been dominated by cloudy and wet conditions, with precipitation occurring on 9 of the last 14 days and only 2 sunny days. The total amount of precipitation was just under 2 inches for Barnstable.

Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include daffodil (Narcissus spp.), Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), and Siberian squill (Scilla siberica).

Pests/Problems: 

Winter injury is still the primary problem readily visible in many landscapes. Dry soil conditions both in fall and winter have resulted in widespread injuries visible on broadleaved evergreens like rhododendron, cherry laurel and boxwood. Winter injury has also been seen on some needle evergreens, and I have seen several failed arborvitae hedges that were likely planted last season.

Boxwoods can be monitored for several pests at this time including box tree moth, boxwood leafminer and winter injury. Box tree moth is active very early in the season and likely active on warm days at this time. Winter moth and fall cankerworm should also be monitored. Last year there was some minor defoliation in several areas of the Cape from one or both of these insects. Scale has been observed on several species including wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), yew (Taxus spp.), and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) and mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) are both in flower. A few blooms on the invasive lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) can be seen and bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) are readily visible as they bud ahead of many native species.

Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.

Southeast Region (Plymouth)

General Conditions: 

The average temperature for the past two weeks was slightly above historical averages for the area at 45°F (historical average: 43°F). There were a couple of warm days, including 3/28 (61°F) and 4/4 (71°F). The temperature for the time period was 28°F on 4/8.

The past two weeks brought several overcast days with light rain on each. Though rain accumulation was only 0.75 inches, soil is wet in many locations. Earthworms and their casts can be seen throughout the area, including lawns and parks. Despite the granular appearance of the casts, these are not jumping worms (Amynthas spp. and Metaphire hilgendorfi). Vernal pools are still lower than would be typical for this time of year.

Streets are lined with yellows and whites as willows (Salix spp.), border forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia), Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) and daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are in bloom. Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) and star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) are blooming. Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) can still be seen blooming in some locations. Red maples (Acer rubrum) are flowering, while silver maples (Acer saccharinum) are on their way out.

Weedy plants, such as mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) and chickweed (Stellaria media) are blooming. Grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.) can also be seen blooming in some locations.

Pests/Problems: 

Winter bronzing is still apparent on several evergreen species. Deer browsing is prevalent on small shrubs.

Weedy plants, such as mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) and chickweed (Stellaria media) are blooming.

The invasive multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and autumn olive (Elaegnus umellata) can be seen leafing out before many natives. They can be easily distinguished now.

Hemlock woolly adelgid observed on eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Adult deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) can be found questing. No poppy-seed sized nymphs were found but are expected to emerge soon.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions: 

The weather these past two weeks has been typical of early spring in New England with a few days of sunshine and many days of cloudy rainy weather. Temperatures were variable and seasonable with daily average temperature at 42°F, a minimum temperature of 27°F and a maximum temperature of 67°F. Winds have been very strong on some days, making it feel much colder. Soils are very moist because of the rains. Approximately 2.63 inches of precipitation were recorded at Long Hill during the reporting period. The cooler weather is slowing down the blooming of some plants that flower during this time of year. 

Woody plants observed in bloom include Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas), goat willow (Salix caprea), winter hazel (Corylopsis ‘Winterthur’), farrer viburnum (Viburnum farreri), Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica), anise magnolia (Magnolia salicifolia), Merrill magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri) and red maple (Acer rubrum). Early spring flowering plants seen in bloom include hellebores (Helleborus orientalis), puschkinia (Puschkinia libanotica), daffodil (Narcissus spp.).

Pests/Problems: 

Severe cold and winter injury was observed on some rhododendrons with leaves turned brown. Prune any broken or dead branches and allow the plant time to recover. In late spring you can scratch the bark on dead-looking branches with your fingernail to check for signs of life. Deer damage was observed on tree peonies and rabbits are still causing damage to some plants. 

Fungal leaf spot of mountain laurel was observed on some shrubs in the landscape. Cultural practices that promote plant vigor such as proper watering, fertilizing, properly timed pruning and raking and removing fallen leaves in the fall can help in the management of the disease. Spring cleanup is ongoing on many properties. 

Geoffrey Njue, Green Industry Specialist, UMass Extension, reporting from the Long Hill Reservation, Beverly.

East (Boston)

General Conditions: 

We have been experiencing typical, erratic early April weather. Over the past two weeks daytime temperatures averaged 53°F. We had a daytime high of 40°F on April 2^nd followed by a season high of 70°F on the 4^th and back down to 43°F on the 8^th. Overnight low temperatures averaged 36°F with a low of 29°F on the 8^th. We received precipitation on ten of the past fourteen days totaling 1.59 inches. Plants in bloom include; cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas), winter aconite (Eranthus hyemalis), snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), lenten rose (Helleborus spp.), star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.), daffodil (Narcissus spp.), Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) andSiberian squill (Scilla siberica).

Pests/Problems: 

Winterburn is problematic throughout the landscape. There is significant damage on inkberry (Ilex glabra), broadleaf rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) and recent evergreen transplants. Lesser celendine (Ficaria verna) continues to colonize moist areas. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) rosettes are visible in unmanaged perimeters. There is an abundance of Norway maple (Acer platanoides) seedlings coming up in mulched beds. 

Kit Ganshaw & Sue Pfeiffer, Horticulturists, reporting from the Boston area.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: 

Spring arrived just three weeks ago and brought with it weather that has been fairly typical for spring, including warm and cool temperatures, consistent winds, grey days, and lots of rain. A high temperature of 64°F was recorded on the 3^rd, and an overnight low temperature of 28°F was recorded on the 8^th. Average rainfall total for the month of April is 4.16” and as of the 8^th, 3.45” of rain has been recorded so far. Observed in bloom at this time are the following plants: red maple (Acer rubrum), adonis (Adonis amurensis), cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas), Japanese cornelian cherry (C. officinalis),forsythia (Forsythia spp.), star magnolia (Magnolia stellata),Japanese butterbur (Petasites japonicus), Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica), and skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Buds are swelling on several woody plants including spicebush (Lindera benzoin), cherry (Prunus spp.), lilac (Syringa spp.) and Viburnum spp.

Pests/Problems: 

Soils are well saturated, rivers, lakes, and pond water levels are high, low-lying areas are flooded, and erosion from rain, and downed branches and twigs from strong wind gusts, are some of the things that I have observed out in the landscape. The basal foliage of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), a non-native herbaceous plant is flourishing, and its green foliage is quite striking and noticeable. 

Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: 

Spring continues to flourish, as well as reminding us of winter days with some drops in temperature and even some snow flurries. Since the last report, temperatures have averaged 42.1°F and dropped as low as 24.3°F. Rainfall has averaged 2.92 inches, the heaviest rainfall being 0.88 inches on the 1^st. The 8^th received wintery mix to snow showers early, eventually transitioning to high winds. Currently flowering within the landscape is many different Hamamelis spp. Such as H. vernalis, H. mollis, and H. x intermedia. Other flowering woodies that can be seen are early azaleas (Rhododendron dauricum), magnolias (especially Magnolia x loebneri), and Abeliophyllum distichum. Many herbaceous material, like bulbs, continue to bloom and even some early perennials are breaking the surface.

Pests/Problems: 

Colder nights with freezing temperatures have resulted in damaged blooms and emerging foliage. Though, some unwanted emerging foliage such as garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) has survived the frost and is growing quickly. Foraging from rabbits and deer can be seen throughout the landscape as foliage continues to appear. Ticks also have been particularly bad so far this spring. 

Anna Petrie, Plant Recorder, and Steven Conaway, Director of Horticulture, reporting from New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston.

Pioneer Valley (Amherst)

General Conditions: 

Cool, cloudy and wet conditions have ruled this past reporting period in the Pioneer Valley. But a handful of sunny and mild days have kept spring moving forward. Buds on a variety of trees and shrubs are swelling, and numerous perennials have started growing across the landscape. Apples and crabapples have started leafing out and with low temperatures dipping to the high 20s across the valley on the morning of 4/9, the threat of frost damage will be a concern for the next several weeks. 

Soil moisture is plentiful, and temperatures remain cool, making this an ideal time for transplanting. Turfgrasses are greening up and insects are visible on the milder days. The long-term forecast calls for a continuation of cool temperatures and rain, so plant development should continue at a slow pace.

Pests/Problems: 

Winter injury continues to be a major issue as we progress through the early spring season. The damage is most serious on evergreen shrubs and drought-stressed conifers. Deciduous trees and shrubs like redbud, magnolia and forsythia appear largely unaffected. It's still not clear if flowering cherries were injured, but there is concern about damage to peaches at local orchards. One confounding feature of winter injury is that the damage can be scattered, with badly burned plants adjacent to plants that are relatively unscathed. Rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies (Ilex), doghobble (Leucothoe), and false-cypress (Chamaecyparis) look the worst, with damage ranging from scattered leaf spots and blotches to major canopy dieback. South-facing transpirational burn is also present on white spruce, arborvitae and other conifers. 

Needle blight pathogens of pine (e.g. Septorioides and Lecanosticta) will be active soon. Spruce spider mites have been observed so scout and treat accordingly. Boxwood leafminer larvae are rapidly maturing and can be easily found within infested leaves at this time. Sanitation pruning on Japanese maples should be a priority at this time, if it hasn’t already taken place. Gray-colored, blighted tips are abundant in trees lacking regular care. 

Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, reporting from Amherst.

Berkshire Region (West Stockbridge)

General Conditions: 

The Berkshires experienced some quite warm conditions in late March and early April. For example, the high temperatures for the recent 2 week scouting period were into the 60s with both North Adams and Pittsfield topping the thermometer at 68°F on March 31st. On the same day, the high for Richmond was only a degree cooler at 67°F. Sadly, this week has been quite cold with brief periods of snow, low nighttime temperatures, and steady winds which made it feel even colder. The low temperature for this scouting period was 22°F in Pittsfield on April 9, 22°F in North Adams on March 26, and 21°F in Richmond on April 9. Rainfall for the period was a bit less than in other parts of the state. The totals for the Berkshires sites were: 2.02 inches for Richmond, 1.83 inches for North Adams, and 1.36 inches for Pittsfield. 

Currently, soils are moist but not soggy. Plant development has been slow but early spring flowering bulbs are steadily making their appearance. Turfgrass is beginning growth though most lawns are mosaics of green and brown patches.

Pests/Problems: 

Pest problems remain few at this time. The one which stands out though is the deer tick, a.k.a. black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Their numbers are quite high and they can easily be picked up when working where there is considerable leaf debris. As someone currently suffering from Lyme disease, I can say with certainty that the danger of contracting this disease is high. As such, it would be wise to follow all the recommended precautions to avoid tick attachments. 

Perhaps due to the recent cold spell and slow plant development, no other plant pests have been observed. However, there has been quite a bit of damage to plants resulting from deer browsing. The stripping of bark from tree saplings and shrubs by rabbits is also a common sight. Damage to trees from high wind events has been another common occurrence. A disease reported at this time was tulip bulb disease, also called tulip fire, caused by the Botrytis tulipae fungus. 

Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from West Stockbridge.

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Recent pests, pathogens, or problems of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, a select few:

Insects and Other Arthropods

Announcements:

The Professional Insect and Mite Management Guide for Woody Plants is freely available. Please let me know how it works or isn’t working for you using this feedback form. Your feedback is valuable, and I cannot wait to hear from you!

Brood XIV (14) Periodical Cicadas are Emerging in Eastern MA in 2025!

• Periodical Cicadas are poised to emerge as nymphs from the soil in sporadic locations, primarily in Barnstable County, MA (Cape Cod) at the end of May and beginning of June. This typically occurs when soil temperatures at a depth of 7-8 inches reach approximately 64°F. The Landscape Message will be tracking periodical cicada emergence with excitement! Remember, these native insects are not pests, and adults are only present in limited locations in limited communities on Cape Cod for a single growing season. After this year, they will return to the ground for another 17 years. Live or work on Cape Cod and not sure what to do? Here are some ideas:
  • Wait until fall to plant new apple trees or other susceptible hosts. Particularly for orchards, this spring may not be the time to plant young trees in periodical cicada emergence areas. Waiting till fall (or next spring) will give them time to lay their eggs on mature trees that can handle ovipositioning (egg laying). On certain mature trees, egg laying naturally prunes branches and overall has been shown to benefit trees. On young trees, however, this activity can be a significant stressor.
  • If you must plant a young tree, install a physical barrier. On newly planted host trees or existing smaller caliper trees, bird or other similar netting with opening sizes less than ½ inch can be placed over the entire tree to prevent periodical cicadas from accessing them. This must be done in advance of periodical cicada emergence and subsequent egg laying, typically ahead of late May.
  • Learn more about periodical cicadas. Understanding what you might expect while these insects are in your area might help reduce the shock of sharing your environment with them. For example, adults are approximately 1-2 inches long, they make noise as heard in recordings available from the University of Connecticut, and in patchy areas of Barnstable and Plymouth counties, past research shows that 1 million cicadas per acre is possible to expect. Will that be the case in 2025 for MA? We cannot be certain. The important thing to remember is that we’re surrounded by similar numbers of insects all the time, and due to their smaller size, we may never notice them.
  • Further Resources: Map of Brood XIV (14) from the University of Connecticut, Periodical Cicada Fact Sheet from UMass Extension, Periodical cicadas disrupt trophic dynamics through community- level shifts in avian foraging, University of Connecticut’s Periodical Cicada Information Pages, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Plymouth County Extension, and where to track soil temperatures on Cape Cod to track periodical cicada emergence.
  • Where to Report Periodical Cicadas in Massachusetts: Report Periodical Cicadas in Eastern MA through iNaturalist. 

Introduced (Invasive) Species Updates:

• Asian Longhorned Beetle is still present in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn, MA. If you suspect you’ve found this insect or the damage it causes, please report it to the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090.

  To report a suspected Asian longhorned beetle or the damage it causes on maple in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project. To report suspected Asian longhorned beetle activity in states outside of Massachusetts, visit the USDA APHIS Asian Longhorned Beetle page.

• Box Tree Moth has been detected in some communities in Barnstable County, MA. A map of these locations is available here courtesy of the MA Department of Agricultural Resources. If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it to the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project.

• Spotted Lanternfly now has established populations in multiple communities in Massachusetts. If you believe you have found this insect, please take a photo, note your location, and report it immediately to the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project. Available resources include a map of spotted lanternfly locations in Massachusetts from the MA Department of Agricultural Resources, MDAR’s spotted lanternfly fact sheet, UMass Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide, and an SLF InsectXaminer episode.

Medically Important Pests:

• Mosquitos and the diseases they vector are also a serious public health concern in Massachusetts by summer. Available resources include Mosquito Repellents from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Preventing Mosquito Bites from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tests for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) from June to October. Beginning in June, risk maps with details about mosquito activity will be available here through the MA Department of Public Health.

• Stinging Insects such as bees and wasps are awakening from their overwintering shelters on mild, sunny spring days! This Polistes spp. paper wasp was seen wandering in the sunlight on March 11, 2025, one of many individuals emerging at a residential property in Hampshire County, MA.

• Ticks are a serious public health concern and may be active in managed landscapes any time temperatures are above freezing. Available resources include tick information from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, personal protective measures, and a list of potential tick testing resources. The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) also provides the latest tick information and resources. Previously recorded webinars about a range of tick-related topics can be found on this TickTalk with TickReport page.

Tree & Shrub Insect & Mite Pest Suggested Scouting:

• Balsam Twig Aphid overwinters as eggs on host plant bark, trunks, and branches (primarily Abies and Picea spp.). Eggs hatch roughly between 30-120 GDD’s, approximately April-May. Nymphs quickly mature into stem mothers, which produce 20-40 young (each) without laying eggs. These young feed on buds and tender needles, and cause most of their feeding damage during that time. Scout now.

• Boxwood Leafminer is overwintering as a partially developed larva within Buxus spp. leaves. Larvae will become active as temperatures warm, with pupae present by late April. Adult emergence occurs by mid-May, with pupal cases left behind clinging to leaves. Shake bushes in late April to detect flying adults. Resistant varieties of boxwood are available; see previous link.

• Boxwood Mite feeds on upper and lower leaf surfaces of Buxus spp. hosts. Overwintered eggs hatch into larvae in the spring, which mature into nymphs and eventually adults. The entire life cycle takes approximately 18-21 days. Most feeding injury occurs in the spring, and hosts may appear off-color.

• Boxwood Psyllid nymphs have overwintered within eggshells inserted between bud scales last summer. As soon as buds expand, nymphs will emerge and begin feeding on Buxus spp. developing buds and leaves. Upward cupping and yellowing of leaves can be a sign of previous or current season’s damage. Dormant season horticultural oil applications may be made in the spring, as temperatures and weather conditions allow.

• Cankerworms can be found feeding on similar host plants in the spring, despite fall and spring cankerworm being different species of insects. Spring cankerworm adult moths are active in February and March, laying masses of 100 or so eggs in the rough bark of larger branches or the trunk of the host plant. Fall cankerworm adults have already laid their masses of eggs on host plant branches and twigs, back in late November and early December of last year (sometimes the current year’s January). Egg hatch of both species will occur by approximately mid-May, with caterpillar feeding through roughly the end of June.

• Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid typically overwinters as an immature female near spruce twig terminals. By early spring, this female matures into a stem mother which will lay hundreds of eggs on lateral terminals. Following egg hatch, nymphal feeding induces gall formation on spruce hosts. Green galls on spruce may be removed and destroyed. On Douglas fir, the Cooley spruce gall adelgid’s alternate host, look for woolly masses in the spring and distorted or crooked needles. Do not plant spruce and Douglas fir close together when possible.
• Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid overwinters as a partially grown female, maturing into a stem mother by early spring. Stem mothers lay 100-200 eggs by budbreak. Eggs hatch and nymphs feed on the needles of their Picea spp. hosts. As green galls develop, prune out and destroy when possible.

• Elm Bark Beetles (two species) overwinter as mature larvae and emerge as adults in the spring. Pheromone traps are available for monitoring adult activity from certain retailers. It is suggested that they should be hung up by March 1st to begin monitoring. Visual inspection of the crowns of elm trees for yellowing, flagging, or dieback can be done in May. 

• Euonymus Caterpillar tiny, overwintered larvae have spent their time beneath eggshells from last year. As temperatures increase in the spring, groups of caterpillars will begin feeding on newly emerging Euonymus spp. leaves. Additional resources include an InsectXaminer episode about euonymus caterpillar.

• European Pine Sawfly eggs have overwintered in slits in last year’s needles. Egg hatch begins in approximately late-April and early May.

• European Pine Shoot Moth may refer to at least three species of native moths in the Northeast. The yellowing of the tips of twigs or the clear deposits of pitch between new bud clusters may be early signs of activity of this insect on Pinus spp. hosts. Mined needles will die and turn brown in color, which can be noticed in the summer. Initial areas of wounding are covered with resin-coated webbing. By the middle of the summer, the larvae move to the buds and burrow into them. Scaring is often caused. In August, feeding stops and tiny, black caterpillars overwinter in this area covered by the resin-coated webs.

• Forest Tent Caterpillar egg masses overwinter and will hatch as leaves expand in the spring. Small caterpillars will search for expanding flower and leaf buds to begin feeding on.

• Hemlock Looper collectively refers to two species of geometrid (inchworm; looper) caterpillars. Overwintered eggs hatch by late May or early June, at which time young larvae begin their messy feeding on host plant needles. Hemlock and balsam fir are preferred hosts.

• Hemlock Rust Mite feeds on the needles of its hosts by removing fluids from the needles. When mite populations are high, foliage may appear blue-ish in color and turn yellow before dropping from the plant. The hemlock rust mite causes most of its damage in the spring and may be a pest in nurseries. Damage by this eriophyid mite is most noticeable by mid-summer, but by that time the populations typically die off.

• Imported Willow Leaf Beetle adults overwinter in loose bark or other sheltered areas near susceptible Salix and Populus spp. host plants. Once the host plant leaves emerge in the spring, adults will begin to feed and lay tiny, yellow eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Additional resources include an InsectXaminer episode about imported willow leaf beetle.

• Juniper Scale is native to Europe and is now found throughout the United States. The overwintering life stage are adult females, which can be found on the needles of the host plant, filled with yellow eggs. By late May or early June (in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Ohio) crawlers appear. Monitor susceptible host plants for off-color foliage. Examine needles using magnification (10X hand lens) for tiny, circular, white female scale covers. Observe scale covers for the evidence of natural enemy activity (ex. exit holes from parasitoids).

• Lily Leaf Beetle, while not a pest of trees and shrubs, can be an important insect found in ornamental landscapes. As soon as lilies break through the ground in the spring, bright red overwintered adult beetles will begin feeding on the foliage. This typically occurs in April, with adults mating and laying eggs by May. 250-450 eggs may be laid per female. Additional resources include an InsectXaminer episode about lily leaf beetle.
• Magnolia Scale overwinters as nymphs (immatures) found on 1 and 2-year old twigs of the host plant. Nymphs begin feeding as temperatures warm in the spring, molting once by late April or May and again by early June.

• Oak Leaftier caterpillars hatch from eggs in approximately mid-April to early May. The earliest hatched caterpillars are capable of entering the buds of their host plants even prior to their expansion. Any leaves that survive often expand with holes created before they even opened.

• Oystershell Scale eggs hatch from early May to mid-June. Second instar crawlers (immatures) are found from mid-June to late July. Adults from early August to late September.

• Pales Weevil overwintering life stage are the adults who hide at the soil surface or in the leaf litter. Activity resumes in the spring with warming temperatures, typically by late April and early June (in warmer climates, adult activity can occur year-round). Adult beetles are particularly attracted to freshly cut stumps, where egg laying will preferentially occur on the roots.

• Pine Bark Adelgid overwinters in an immature life form, which begins feeding again as springtime temperatures increase. This is the time when the insects begin secreting a white, waxy layer over their bodies. High populations can make the trunks of eastern white pine appear as if coated in snow. Typically, management is not necessary. Syringing (washing adelgids off the trunk of larger trees with a strong jet of water) is an option.

• Snowball Aphid overwinters as an egg on the twigs and buds of Viburnum spp. hosts. Egg hatch occurs at the same time host plant buds are opening in the spring. Newly hatched aphids will begin to feed on and distort the newly developing leaves of their hosts. Aphids may be protected from contact insecticides within curled leaves.
• Spruce Bud Scale overwinters as an immature scale on the undersides of host plant needles. Once spring temperatures warm, the dormant scales become active by late March and in April female spruce bud scales move to host plant twigs. Adult females are reddish-brown and round, and usually found at the base of new twig growth.
• Spruce Spider Mite is a cool season mite which causes most of its feeding damage on coniferous hosts in the spring and fall. Monitor for discolored needles and the mites themselves. Monitoring for spruce spider mite can be done by shaking 3-4 branches over a white piece of paper and viewing mites with a hand lens.

• Taxus Mealybug first instar nymphs are reported as the overwintering life stage in New Jersey. They may be found in bark crevices on the host plant. In April and May few live mealybugs are found. However, by mid-June the population may increase considerably. Adult female taxus mealybugs are present from June to August and give birth to live young in the early summer. Nymphs and adults have been reported in Massachusetts in June, but no eggs or young nymphs were seen at that time in prior studies.

• Tuliptree Scale is a soft scale pest of Liriodendron and Magnolia spp. among others. Second instar nymphs overwinter, begin feeding as temperatures warm in the spring, and mature into adults by the late spring/early summer.

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle overwinters on susceptible viburnum as eggs laid in pits chewed near the ends of twigs last season. These egg laying locations are covered with an oval-round cap. Prune out and destroy infested twigs prior to egg hatch in May.

• White Pine Weevil overwinters as an adult in the leaf litter in sheltered areas near host plants. As spring temperatures warm, adults fly to the leaders of Pinus and Picea spp. hosts where they mate, dig round holes in the bark, and deposit 1-5 tiny eggs in the cavity. Eggs hatch and the larvae tunnel as they feed, killing the previous season’s leader. Adult white pine weevils are active in March (through May), as soon as 7 GDD’s are reached.

• Winter Moth females may produce 150-350 tiny eggs, which are very difficult to see. The adult moths then die and the eggs overwinter. Eggs are green at first, but turn red-orange soon thereafter. In March, prior to hatching, the eggs turn a bright blue and then a very dark blue-black just before hatching. Eggs hatch when temperatures average around 55º F. It is believed that egg hatch in Massachusetts occurs when 20–50 Growing Degree Days (base 50º F) have accumulated, which can be anywhere from late March into early-mid April, depending on the year and the location.

•  Woolly Apple Aphid overwinters as eggs in the cracks and crevices of Ulmus spp. host plants. As spring temperatures warm, these eggs hatch, and stem mothers begin feeding on developing elm leaves. Their feeding and the feeding of the wingless nymphs they produce causes leaf distortion, and a rosette to form on elm. If no elm are present, the aphids will complete their life cycle on apple year round.

• Woolly Beech Leaf Aphid overwinters as eggs in host plant bark crevices near buds. At budbreak, eggs will hatch and wool covered aphids will begin feeding on host plant leaf undersides (Fagus spp.). Even though aphid populations may be very noticeable, they seldom require chemical management.

• Woolly Elm Aphid overwinters as eggs hidden in cracks and crevices of elm bark. As leaves unfold in the spring, eggs hatch and young aphids feed on the underside of elm leaf tissue. These aphids mature and give birth to hundreds of additional females. Feeding causes leaves to curl around the aphids. Curled leaves may also turn reddish brown.

Beneficials/Non-Pests:

• Winter Firefly is one common name for Ellychnia corrusca, a type of beetle in the Family Lampyridae. Another is “sap bucket beetle”, although at this time maple sugaring is already complete for the spring. This species overwinters in the adult life stage, and these beetles may live for up to two years! Interestingly, the winter firefly is unable to bioluminesce or glow for most of the adult life stage. Eggs, larvae, and pupae of this species are known to glow. Adults do so very early in their adulthood, for perhaps a few hours, and then cease to have the ability. Adults may become active on warm days as early as late February, doing most of their mating in April and May. They may be seen crawling around sheltered areas, in downed debris, or gardens. They are once again prolific in certain areas of Hampshire County in 2025. Adult beetles are thought to be predaceous insects and are not garden pests. For more information, visit this page from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. 

Reported by Tawny Simisky, Extension Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program

Landscape Weeds

Preemergence herbicide application for annual grass (crabgrass, yellow foxtail, barnyardgrass) control. It is still a bit early for these applications to go out. In the meantime, it is important to understand that each of these herbicides has different half-lives. The half-life of an herbicide determines the amount of time that they will be active and provide control. Applications that go out too early have the potential to break down and not be there to provide control when you most need it. More simply, “Early down, early gone.” Moving these applications a little farther back in the spring will provide better control. Hang tight and wait for the forsythia, Forsythia intermedia, to start flowering. It should also be noted that the application of a preemergence annual grass herbicide on a turf fertilizer at this time of the season is likely to be in violation of the Massachusetts Nutrient Management Regulations. This regulation (330 CMR 31.00) established standards for applications of plant nutrients to agricultural land and non-agricultural turf and lawns. Find more in the factsheet about the Massachusetts Plant Nutrient Regulations and their relevance to turf.

English ivy (Hedera helix) can be very aggressive in the landscape. It is not uncommon for people to ask if this species is invasive in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (MIPAG) has not evaluated English ivy for invasiveness in Massachusetts. While this species is non-native, it would likely fall short of meeting some of the criteria that would make it designated as invasive, likely invasive, or potentially invasive. A full evaluation of this species would probably not show this plant to 1.) demonstrate the potential for rapid and widespread dispersion and establishment, 2.) have the potential to disperse over spatial gaps, and 3.) exist in high numbers in natural plant communities and minimally managed habitats. MIPAG defines an invasive plant as a non-native species that can spread into native or minimally managed plant systems in Massachusetts. Invasive plants cause economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and becoming dominant and/or disruptive in those systems. Early during the evaluation of a plant species, a well-known nurseryman in Massachusetts coined the phrase “garden thug,” which appropriately describes the behavior English ivy in New England. Management of a “garden thug” certainly can be justified in some situations. Initial research done in eastern Europe and repeated by Dr. Joe Neal at North Carolina State University showed that effective control was achieved with a postemergence application of glyphosate in the spring. Applications of a 41% glyphosate formulation to create a 4-5% spray solution should be applied when the new-season's growth is 3 to 5 inches long and has 3 to 5 new leaves. At least 2-3 years of this treatment in the spring are usually required for complete control.

Adopting new turf and landscape herbicide products into an existing weed management programs. The arrival of a new herbicide product can be exciting and sometimes frustrating. Landscape and turf professionals might have difficulty sorting new products out and determining if adoption is justified. New herbicide products for turf and landscapes can arrive in three ways; 1) a new herbicide (active ingredient) that is now available, 2) a new formulation (or combination) of common herbicides that are already available, or 3) a product that is new to you.

Regardless of why it is ‘NEW’, there are some simple steps to follow to aid in determining if that product should be adopted and added to a specific weed management program:

Step 1. Read and study the product label and information on the manufacturer’s website.

Step 2. Determine if and what this product might be able to bring to existing weed management efforts. Does it have a fit?

Step 3. Try on a small, limited basis. Get familiar with how it works and what it might be able to bring your program(s) before wide adoption and/or wall-to-wall use. “GO LOW AND GO SLOW”, resist the temptation to think “WOW, SHINY, LET’S GO HOG-WILD!!!” as there is a direct relationship between how much of a hurry we are in and how likely things are to go incredibly wrong. “Better safe than OH MY!!!”

Preparing for invasive plant management. Many of our invasive plants (oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed and common reed) occur in areas that might be jurisdictional under Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 and the management of these invasive plants will require a permit. The Conservation Commission of the municipality has the responsibility for overseeing 310 CMR 10.00 within the city or town. The process of securing the proper permits can take time. Should the treatment areas be determined to invoke 310 CMR 10.00, the process can begin now to ensure that the project is compliant and ready to go when the time comes for invasive management.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial weed considered invasive in Massachusetts and other northeast states. Second year plants are beginning to green up after winter dormancy. Shortly, the germination of the first-year plants will begin. An herbicide application after the seed germination provides control of the second-year plants before they produce via seed as well as the first-year plants that are germinating below the canopy of the second-year plants.

Many winter annual weeds are coming out of winter dormancy and will soon begin to flower in turf and landscape areas. The recent warm weather has pushed most winter annual weeds of turf and landscape to full flower. There is value in attempting to control these weeds now in an attempt to decrease the number of seeds they produce. Winter annuals will complete their life cycle as the weather continues to warm. A fresh layer of landscape mulch will control them by smothering. If populations are dense in turf, especially on sites that may have been established from seed last fall, a broadleaf herbicide combination should be considered. Common winter annual weeds being observed now include mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), thymeleaf sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia), shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), sticky chickweed (Cerastium viscosum), spring whitlowgrass (Draba verna), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), Virginia pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum), knawel (Scleranthus annuus), common chickweed (Stellaria media), corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis), and purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina).

Landscape mulches should be the first defense against weeds in landscape beds. Mulching can be done now at the beginning of the season before summer annual weeds germinate. Freshly mulched landscape beds will not require a preemergence herbicide application because the fresh mulch should supply adequate weed control in the short term. Preemergence herbicide application should be considered on mulched areas that have not been freshly mulched, or a bit later in the season. Preemergence herbicides should be applied on top of landscape mulches not underneath them. Compost is not recommended as a mulching material.

Reported by Randy Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program

Additional Resources

• To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, join our e-mail list or follow us on Facebook.
• For a complete listing of landscape, nursery, and urban forestry program upcoming events, see our calendar.
• For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out UMass Extension's Greenhouse Update website.
• For professional turf managers - Check out our Turf Management Updates.
• For pollinator interests - Sign up for our newsletter, check out the Pollinator Buzz and follow us on Instagram.
• For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out our home lawn and garden resources. 

Diagnostic Services

UMass Laboratory Diagnoses Landscape and Turf Problems - The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries and other green industry professionals. It provides woody plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed identification, and offers a report of pest management strategies that are research based, economically sound and environmentally appropriate for the situation. Accurate diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate or reduce the need for pesticide use. For sampling procedures, detailed submission instructions and a list of fees, see the Plant  Diagnostic Laboratory web site.

Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing - The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is located on the campus of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Testing services are available to all. The lab provides test results and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use of soils and soil amendments. For more information, including current turn-around times, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site. The lab is currently accepting orders for Routine Soil Analysis (including optional Organic Matter, Soluble Salts, and Nitrate testing), Particle Size Analysis, Pre-Sidedress Nitrate (PSNT), Total Sorbed Metals, Total Carbon, Total Nitrogen and Soilless Media. The lab is also accepting samples for Plant Tissue analysis, including macro and micronutrients, total carbon, and total nitrogen. Check for current turnaround time. Please plan for the fact that date of receipt in the lab is affected by weekends, holidays, shipping time, and time for UMass Campus Mail to deliver samples to the lab.

Tick Testing - The UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment provides a list of potential tick identification and testing options on our website.

Acknowledgements: UMass Extension gratefully acknowledges the support of the following funding sources for the production of the Landscape Message –

• The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association Fund
• The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Stakeholders like you! The Landscape Message is partially supported by educational program user fees and support from readers.