Landscape Message: October 2, 2020

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts Green Industry 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.

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Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about September 30, 2020. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2020 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.

This most recent map (9/29) shows about one third of our state in extreme drought and at least half in severe drought: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Water use restrictions and bans in effect in many towns as of 9/17. Check the MassDEP map:https://www.mass.gov/doc/water-use-restrictions-map/download

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