Babesiosis

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A rare tick-borne disease is on the rise in the northeastern United States, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases of babesiosis rose by 25% from 2011 to 2019, causing the CDC to add three states — Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire — to the list of those [...]
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Asian Jumping Worms

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“Jumping worms, a group of species originally from Asia, are invasive species that alter soil qualities and make it inhospitable for some plants and animals. They do this by consuming the upper organic layer of soil, which leaches nutrients and erodes the ground. This makes it hard for many plants (including garden plants) to grow [...]
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Watering Guidelines

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Water has become an important issue for most Massachusetts communities. As the population and the amount of water used per person continue to increase, the problem will become more acute, especially during periods of little precipitation. Some cities and towns have already imposed strict restrictions on outdoor water use. Home gardeners should be aware of [...]
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Army Worms

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In the Fall of 2021, we saw an unprecedented outbreak of Army Worms.  The Northeast had not seen an outbreak for over 40 years.  Army Worms are not a pest usually seen in the Northeast.  We received confirmation from the entomologist from UMass Extension Turf Program, these were indeed Army worms.  The damage was seen [...]
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Emerald Ash Borer

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Emerald Ash Borer was first confirmed in Sudbury, MA in 2020. It looks like blonding from woodpeckers going after emerald ash borer larvae. Treatment, if caught early, can be treated by giving the affected tree extra water and fertilizer to help it recover from the damage, and with insecticides. Insecticide treatment should only be done [...]
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Spotted Lanternfly 

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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced that a small stand of trees was found to be infested in Shrewsbury, MA (Worcester County) with the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula; SLF) earlier in January by MDAR surveyors. This is the second detection of a population of this insect in Massachusetts, following confirmation of SLF [...]
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Damage from Voles

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Homeowners are often unaware of the activity occurring beneath the snow, until damage becomes apparent with snow melt in March or April. When the snow recedes and the turf first becomes visible in the spring, vole damage can appear dramatic, especially when coupled with other issues such as low temperature injury or snow mold. Tracks [...]
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Liming

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Lime is a valuable soil amendment that helps plants and lawns flourish by raising soil pH. A low soil pH, or acidic soil, is often the underlying problem when it comes to many common lawn and garden problems. But even with a healthy lawn or garden, liming can improve soil quality, helping plants and grass [...]
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Common Weeds that Grow in Massachusetts

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Clover: Clover is a broadleaf weed. It’s perennial, which means it will come back year after year. Clover grows in lawns and landscape beds. When it blooms, you will see white flowers. The structure of clover allows it to grow well and compete against other weeds. Dandelions: One of the most common weeds we see, [...]
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