UMass Extension Landscape Message #2 - 2015

The Landscape Message will be updated weekly April through June.
The next message will be available on April 3, 2015. To receive
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from Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) report:

"Pests/Problems: Crushed and broken branches can be seen now that
the snow has receded from trees and shrubs. Browsing damage from deer
and voles is also visible but doesn’t appear as severe as it was in
2014. Sand and salt mixtures left behind from the multitude of winter
storms are plentiful along roadsides and we can expect significant salt
damage on susceptible plants within the zone of roadside distribution.
It may be several weeks before the full effects of winter injury are
truly visible. Affected plant parts may not yet be symptomatic until
plants begin flushing new growth and dead plant parts become blackened
and necrotic. Any branches that are clearly dead as a result of winter
injury should be pruned as soon as possible to limit the introduction of
opportunistic pathogen and insect pests. Crocuses, succulent plants and
buds on spring-flowering shrubs are prime food sources for rabbits and
these bothersome creatures are quite active now."

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Claire