Spotted Lanternfly

Quarantines have been put in place in New York and some counties of New Jersey on yard waste, firewood, wooden crates, nursery stock, fruit, and produce in an effort to curb the spread of Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF).

It is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species including tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), maples, apple trees, grapevine, and hops. SLF feedings can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. Although the pest hasn’t been found in Connecticut yet, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has been setting up traps all over the state so they can become aware as soon as the insect arrives -- scientists predict it is only a matter of time.

Boxwood Blight

Boxwood Blight is a relatively new fungal disease that has only been around globally since 1994. It was first seen in the U.S. in 2011 in Connecticut and North Carolina. Since then, it has spread to several other states and Canada. Recently, this disease has become particularly widespread in Westchester landscapes. It is caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, a fungus that can be confused with similar-looking forms of dieback in boxwood. However, Boxwood Blight is much more devastating and can take out complete plantings. The spores are also transmitted through pachysandra.

Boxwood Blight cannot be eliminated with fungicides. Scientists are recommending that diseased plants and leaves be sanitarily removed and not used for composting, since the fungus can stay in dead leaves for up to 5 years. You can identify Boxwood Blight by dark or light brown spots on the leaves and dieback on stems girdled by black cankers (see image). Catastrophic leaf drop is also often seen. Please contact your Almstead arborist if you suspect Boxwood Blight on your property.