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In the tree world, health isn’t always synonymous with structure. This mature healthy Oak was thriving before it ended up in the client’s living room. What happened? We found that the soil around the root zone was saturated due to a broken water line in the area. Saturated soil or soils with poor drainage can provide an optimum environment for root and wood decay fungi such as Armillaria or Phytophthora. Greenlink arborist can identify the signs and indicators of root fungus or decay. We will not presume as tree as “low risk” based on the tree’s health. Any concerns about trees in your living room?? Contact Greenlink for an arborist consultation!

An irrigation system can keep your property looking great by maintaining healthy, lush plant life with regular watering that’s convenient and worry-free. However, you shouldn’t let the ease of operating an irrigation system fool you into thinking that the installation process is simple and straightforward. It’s worth calling a landscape professional to install your properties irrigation system instead of trying to do it yourself. Below you can get a look at a few reasons why.

There are many irrigation options to choose from.

Your landscape is unique in its design, and that goes for its watering needs too. Your plants will need to be soaked with different amounts of water at certain times of the day, so the right irrigation system for your yard may be different than what your neighbor installed. While you may be tempted to install a simple drip system to save money, this may not be the best solution if you have tall trees or a lawn to water. Your landscaping company will help you choose the right irrigation system so that your yard gets watered as it needs to be.

Irrigation systems can require a complex installation process.

Because plants do best when watered at the roots, components of your irrigation system will need to be housed underground, which can make installation complicated. A professional will be able to tackle the job with ease, so save yourself the stress and avoid the DIY approach.

Professional work is guaranteed.

Faulty components like broken sprinkler heads or leaky irrigation lines can waste water and fail to properly water your plants. If these issues come up after you install your irrigation system on your own, you will be responsible for the repairs. However, professional work is guaranteed, so any issues that come up after your installation may be more easily and affordably repaired.

Spotted Lanternfly is the newest invasive insect, and it’s here in Maryland! So, what do we need to know about the Lanternfly and how can we prepare?

First, why is this a problem? So far, we know that the Lanternfly primarily feeds on Ailanthus and Walnut trees. However, it will feed on almost any hardwood tree as well. And more importantly, it loves Grape Vine and Hops. This could be devastating to the local Vineyard and Brewery Industry. Which in turn may boost the price of your favorite wine! Scared yet?

What if you’re a homeowner? Well, if you have mature hardwood trees on your property, you can expect a sticky mess which becomes a moldy mess. Because a byproduct of the insect is Honeydew. It is the waste resulting from the Lanternfly. So far reports have likened infested areas to having a light rain of Honeydew (Lanternfly waste). GROSS! Even on sunny days, you may need the umbrella!  This leaves a transparent sticky substance that will cover your outdoor furniture, roofs, cars, patio, and decks. If an object is near a tree with Lanternfly infestation, it will likely be stained and damaged. To make matters worse, this “Honeydew” grows a greyish black Mold called Sooty Mold. Break out the pressure washer! And by the way, Honeydew attracts high populations of insects like Ants and Bees. Are we freaking out yet?

What can be done? Contact an Arborist! Greenlink Arborist can inspect your property for Lanternfly egg masses and remove/destroy them before hatching. Targeted chemical treatments can be sprayed to reduce populations of the adult Lanternfly. Also, removal of some host trees such the Ailanthus will help reduce populations. Preventative treatments will always be the best form of control!

Stay tuned as we monitor the migration of this pest. Currently, the Lanternfly is in southeast Pennsylvania, Cecil County MD, and part of central VA along the I-81 corridor. Greenlink will send updates as the pest works its way into central MD, DC, and northern VA. See below images to study the Adult (1st), Nymph (2nd), and egg mass (3rd). Be on the lookout for all 3 stages of Lanternfly!!