This is the 24th 2009 edition of the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL).  BYGL is developed from a Tuesday morning conference call of Extension Educators, Specialists, and other contributors in Ohio. 

BYGL is available via email, contact Cheryl Fischnich This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to subscribe.  Additional fact sheet information on any of these articles may be found through the OSU FactSheet database http://plantfacts.osu.edu/ .

BYGL is a service of OSU Extension and is aided by major support from the ONLA (Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association) http://onla.org/ ; http://buckeyegardening.com/  to the OSU Extension Nursery, Landscape and Turf Team (ENLTT).  Any materials in this newsletter may be reproduced for educational purposes providing the source is credited.

BYGL is available online at: http://bygl.osu.edu, a web site sponsored by the Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences (HCS) as part of the "Horticulture in Virtual Perspective."  The online version of BYGL has images associated with the articles and links to additional information.

Following are the participants in the September 16th conference call:  Pam Bennett (Clark); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Jim Chatfield (Horticulture and Crop Science and Plant Pathology); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Bridget Meiring (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Hancock); and Randy Zondag (Lake).

In This Issue:

1. WEATHERWATCH.
2. HORT SHORTS:  Skunked Again - Sweet Corn Marauder; Potato Scurf; and Plants of the Week:  Annual (Petunia 'Supertunia Vista Silverberry'), Perennial (Creeping Lilyturf), Woody (Variegated American Sweetgum), and Weed (Common Purslane).
3. GREEN SHORTS:  A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle).
4. CLINIC CLIPS.
5. BUGBYTES:  Flatheaded Honeylocust Borer; Yellow Poplar Weevil; Late-Season Caterpillar Watch (Orangestriped Oakworms and Yellownecked Caterpillars); Lace Bugs Continue (Hawthorn Lace Bug, Basswood Lace Bug, and Oak Lace Bug); and Stinging Commentary on Hornet Nests. 
6. DISEASE DIGEST:  Tar Spots on the Leaves.
7. TURF TIPS:  To Mulch or Not to Mulch (Placing Straw on a New Seeding). 
8. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:  West Virginia Changes Management Approach to Emerald Ash Borer. 
9. COMING ATTRACTIONS:  Farm Science Review - Something for Everyone; Pesticide Applicator Training Offered; Autumn Discovery Days (Secrest Arboretum); Why Trees Matter Forum; and Dates Set for Commercial Applicator Recertification Conferences. 
10. BYGLOSOPHY.

1.  WEATHERWATCH. 

The following weather information summarizes data collected at various Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) Weather Stations spanning the dates:  September 1-September 16, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.

A 3" rainfall event experienced just 3 weeks ago in certain areas of Clark County, is long gone.  Pam Bennett reported that soil is dry, as did many BYGLers across the state.  Curtis Young described that soil cracks around his house's foundation are numerous and he is concerned about some plants going into fall and winter on the dry side.  There were discussions about the importance of watering plants this fall to compensate for lack of moisture provided by Mother Nature.  Precipitation totals at 4 of the 5 stations reported below are less than normal so far this month.

For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit:  http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm

2.  HORT SHORTS.

A.  SKUNKED AGAIN- SWEET CORN MARAUDER. 

Erik Draper shared with BYGLers his discussion with a new commercial vegetable grower regarding damage done to sweet corn.  The grower asked which pesky critters damaged sweet corn when it was ripe.  Erik explained that the worst suspect was the raccoon.  These marauding mammals typically become a problem just as soon as the sweet corn ripens and is perfect for eating.  Typical raccoon damage to sweet corn consists of many partially eaten ears with the husks pulled back.  Corn stalks may also be broken over as the corn fattened raccoons climb up the stalks to get at the ears of corn.

The grower indicated that he had corn stalks broken over, but that every single kernel of sweet corn was eaten on each ear of corn.  He informed Erik that he had been trapping for about one month and had never caught a single raccoon.  But he had caught 18 SKUNKS!  Exclusion is the best method of dealing with raccoon and skunk damage.  A “hot wire” from an electric fence charger at the top of the fence will greatly increase the effectiveness of a chicken wire fence for excluding these critters.  Also running 2 single strand "hot wires", one wire placed at 6" off the ground and the other 12", from an electric fence charger is very effective at stopping raccoons and skunks with a sweet tooth for sweet corn.

For more information, see:

• Penn State FactSheet on Skunks
• Control of Raccoons Wildlife factsheet- Nebraska Extension

B.  POTATO SCURF. 

Dave Goerig reported a worried potato grower in his area delivered a scurfy looking potato to the Mahoning County Plant Pest Clinic.  The grower produces table stock for local farm markets in his area.  The marketer said his potatoes were not selling because they appeared diseased.  The troubled tubers appeared to be covered with black, flaky, blotches.  The blotches could be mistaken for soil particles but did not wash off easily.  Close examination at the clinic revealed the blotches were purely cosmetic and did not penetrate into the skin of the vegetable.  A quick call to Dr. Sally Miller, OSU plant pathology extension specialist for vegetables confirmed Dave's suspicions that Black Scurf was at large.

The disease associated with this flaky fungus is Rhizoctonia solani.  R. solani resides in the soil as sclerotia.  When it attacks plant tissue it causes stolon blinding which reduces tuber production and yield.  Another by-product of its wrath is the black scurf symptoms seen on the tubers.  Producers can control this disease by seed treatments, crop rotation, and in row applications of fungicides. For more information, see: Michigan State University FactSheet on Rhizoctonia Stem Canker and Black Scurf of Potato

C.  PLANTS OF THE WEEK. 

	Read all about perennials and landscape trees and shrubs in the ONLA publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio."  The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for these publications by the OSU ENLT Team along with other industry plant lovers.  These full-color publications are available at http://Buckeyegardening.com for $5.00.  Click on "garden store" and then "ONLA plant guides."  ONLA members can purchase these in quantities at a reduced price at http://onla.org . *ANNUAL - PETUNIA 'SUPERTUNIA VISTA SILVERBERRY' (Petunia spp.).  When all other annuals begin to fade in the fall, petunias are still going strong.  In fact, in some cases, they make a great comeback with the cooler temperatures and look even better.  A recent introduction that has performed at the top of its class the last few years is this outstanding petunia, 'Vista Silverberry'.  This rigorous mounding plant grows to around 24" tall and about the same in spread and is very uniform in its growth habit.  It's an excellent choice in a mass planting as well as in a hanging basket or container.  It doesn't bully other plants in containers and behaves quite nicely.  The slightly silvery pinkish-purple tinted flowers cover the entire plant from the beginning of the bloom season until a hard freeze - WITH NO DEADHEADING REQUIRED!
	*PERENNIAL - CREEPING LILYTURF (Liriope spicata).  This dark green, somewhat evergreen grassy looking plant is often overlooked because it just doesn't stand out in the garden most of the season.  However, once the late season arrives, it starts to bloom and adds a nice addition to the landscape.  It's an excellent ground cover plant that spreads rapidly and forms a nice mass.  Lilyturf is actually a member of the lily of the valley family.  The flowers appear on stems from the center of the plant in late summer and last several weeks; they are purple, white or violet.  The fruit, a small purplish berry, follows and lasts through the winter.  This plant can go through the winter and come out looking unscathed and perfect in the spring, or it can take a beating from winter winds.  The good news is, if it takes a beating, simply mow it to the ground and the new foliage starts to appear and looks great all season.  The cultivar 'Variegata' has green and white variegated foliage.  Lilyturf takes sun or shade and blooms better in the sun.  Protect from winter winds in order to prevent desiccation of the foliage.  For more information, see: Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening Fact Sheet NC State University Fact Sheet on Liriope spicata
	*WOODY - VARIEGATED AMERICAN SWEETGUM (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Variegata').  No, there is not something wrong with this plant!  It's not chlorotic or losing its summer color.  It's supposed to look this way!  The variegated sweetgum is an incredibly colorful addition to the landscape spring, summer, and fall.  Sweetgums are medium to large trees with a pyramidal shape in youth that rounds out with age.  The leaves of the species are a dark green and star-shaped; 'Variegata' however, has attractive yellow and green leaves.  The yellow coloration is sort of a mottled appearance and quite attractive.  Sweetgums have an incredible array of fall colors, including green, orange, yellow, purple, and red leaves all on the same tree.  Be sure to place this tree in an area where the fruit won't cause concerns as it can be somewhat messy when the fruits drop. For more information, see: Virginia Tech Tree ID Factsheet on Sweetgum Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening Fact Sheet on Sweetgum2 *THE WEEKLY WEED - COMMON PURSLANE (Portulaca oleracea).  Some of the members of the ENLT team like to stir-fry or saute this fleshy, summer annual up with veggies and olive oil for a tasty treat. Others of us consider this a troublesome weed.  Originally introduced from Europe, this annual is found in cultivated fields and gardens.  It thrives under dry conditions but does well in wet, well irrigated areas.  Leaves are egg-shaped to oblong, hairless, and succulent.  Its leaves are opposite with each pair rotated around the stem 90 degrees from the previous pair.  The plant has small yellow 5-petalled flowers that open on sunny mornings.  Purslane reproduces by seed which can remain dormant for years before germinating.  Application of post-emergent herbicides or mechanical removal are two options for purslane control.  In the spring, a pre-emergent herbicide is the best way to control this plant.  As always, before applying pesticides, read the label.

3.  GREEN SHORTS.

A.  A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 

Participants in this week's S.W. Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About held a the Boone County (KY) Arboretum observed significant numbers of peculiar looking lady beetle larvae feeding on MAGNOLIA SCALE (Neolecanium cornuparvum) crawlers on magnolia.  The beetle larvae were covered in long, white, waxy filaments that made them look almost exactly like mealybugs.  Indeed, they were a dead-ringer for the larvae of the non-native introduced predator known as the AUSTRALIAN MEALYBUG DESTROYER (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri).  However, this lady beetle is unable to survive winters outdoors in Ohio, or northern Kentucky.

The "borne identity" for the larvae was either the TWICE-STABBED LADY BEETLE (Chilocorus stigma) or a lady beetle in the genus Scymnus, or both.  Twice-stabbed lady beetles are commonly found feeding on soft scales.  Scymnus spp. beetles will also feed on soft scales as well as mealybugs, aphids, and adelgids.  In an interesting twist on the saying "you are what you eat," twice-stabbed lady beetle larvae as well as the larvae of several Scymnus species are covered with white, waxy, flocculent material causing them to look very similar to mealybugs or woolly adelgids. 

The intensely white lady beetle larvae were easy to spot on the magnolia branches, particularly since both the branches and the dead, helmet-like female scales were covered with black sooty mold.  However, the beetle's look-a-like appearance could engender cases of mistaken identity.  One of the key differences between the predaceous beetles and their pestiferous food is mobility; the lady beetle larvae are highly mobile whereas adult mealybugs and adelgids do not move about the host plant.  The BYGLive! participants agreed that the large number of predaceous lady beetle larvae would certainly have an impact on the scale population.  All agreed that if insecticide applications were deemed necessary in the future, materials should be selected based on having no impact on the lady beetle population.

4.  CLINIC CLIPS.  

The C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic has been busy!  Some of the problems we have identified include walnut anthracnose, Guignardia leaf blotch on buckeye, powdery mildew on dogwood, black spot on elm, and anthracnose on heuchera.  Various deficiency symptoms have been observed including iron chlorosis of oak and sweetgum, and manganese deficiency symptoms on maple.  Foliage diseases of conifers have included Rhizoctonia needle cast of spruce, Dothistroma needle blight of pine, Stigmina needle blight on blue spruce, and Pestalotiopsis on arborvitae.  Diplodia tip blight was identified on pine.  We continue to examine boxwood samples, Volutella canker and psyllid injury has been noted.  A sample of slime mold from an individual's landscape was received.  Requests to check for vascular diseases have included confirmation of Verticillium on Japanese maple, red maple, sugar maple, and smoke tree, Dutch elm disease on American elm, and oak wilt on red oak.  Root diseases have included black root rot of holly, Ganoderma root rot on pin oak and red oak, Armillaria root rot of red oak, Rhizoctonia root rot on variegated fragrant Solomon's seal, and Fusarium root and crown rot of lilyturf.  A greenhouse poinsettia sample was infected with Pythium root rot. 

Vegetable samples have included Septoria leaf blight on tomato and Verticillium wilt of tomato.  On fruit we have identified black knot on plum, and fireblight on pear. 

5.  BUGBYTES.

A.  FLATHEADED HONEYLOCUST BORER. 

Joe Boggs reported that participants in this week's S.W. Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About observed adults of the metallic wood borer, Agrilus difficilis (Family Buprestidae), buzzing a declining thornless honeylocust.  Buprestid adults are referred to as "metallic" because of their highly reflective coloration.  Larvae are called "flatheaded borers" because their first thoracic segment is flattened.  A. difficilis has no approved common name, but it is sometimes referred to as the "flatheaded honeylocust borer."  However, there are at least two other species of Agrilus beetles that bore into honeylocust as well as several species of beetles in the Family Cerambycidae (adults = longhorned beetles; larvae = roundheaded borers). Adult flatheaded honeylocust borers are around 1/2" long.  Their shiny bodies reflect a slightly greenish-black hue and they have distinct white bands on the sides of the abdomen.  When viewed head-on, the beetles have a flat back and round bellies.  Thus, like a number of other Agrilus beetles, such as emerald ash borer (A. planipennis), the adults produce distinctive "D"-shaped holes when they emerge from trees.  The beetle has one generation per year, and adults are present in late-summer through early-fall.  Females lay eggs that are covered by a frothy substance that hardens.  Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the tree to feed on phloem tissue.  Their feeding activity causes gummy sap to ooze from infested trees.  The sap hardens to a dark amber color when exposed to air; a distinctive symptom associated with the Agrilus borers in honeylocust.

The buprestid and cerembycid beetles that bore into honeylocust are collectively referred to as the "honeylocust borer complex."  They generally have one thing in common:  they bore into trees that are stressed.  The flatheaded honeylocust borer will infest both large and small trees as well as branches that are greater than 2" in diameter.  The beetles are particularly fond of trees that have been poorly planted and trees with a limited root zone.  Indeed, the BYGLive! participants noted that the affected honeylocust had been planted too deep.  Thus, while the beetles can be controlled using insecticides, the first line of defense is to avoid tree stress.

B.  YELLOW POPLAR WEEVIL. 

Joe Boggs also reported that BYGLive! participants observed the distinctive feeding damage on magnolia leaves caused by the yellow poplar weevil (Odontopus (= Prionomerus) calceatus).  The small (2/16" long), oval-shaped adults are dark brown to black.  They "play dead" when disturbed and drop to the ground, a common trait of weevils.  Adults feed on leaves producing half-moon-shaped holes.  The holes look like they are produced by someone using their fingernails.  When the adult damage occurs on new leaves, the holes become larger as the leaves expand.  Numerous feeding holes can cause leaves to wilt, turn brown, and die. 

Larvae feed as leafminers, producing blotch mines.  However, the most serious damage is produced by the adults.  This insect is also sometimes called the sassafras weevil, tuliptree weevil, or tuliptree leaf miner.  It is a pest of tuliptree, sassafras, and all species of magnolia.  During past seasons in Ohio, the weevil caused extensive leaf damage to its hosts.  However, there have been no reports thus far this season of notable populations in the state.  The BYGLive! participants only found damage on one magnolia tree in the Boone County Arboretum, so populations in northern Kentucky also appear to have been very low this season.

For more information, see:

• University of Kentucky Entomology Fact Sheet
• Auburn University Fact Sheet

C.  LATE-SEASON CATERPILLAR WATCH. 

Several BYGLers reported that a number of caterpillars capable of producing general defoliation remain active in Ohio.  Curtis Young noted that he came across a number of ORANGESTRIPED OAKWORMS (Anisota senatoria) while leading an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist class on a interpretive walk-about in Toledo, Ohio.  Joe Boggs found a colony of YELLOWNECKED CATERPILLARS (Datana ministra) on crabapples in Secrest Arboretum on the OSU OARDC campus in Wooster, Ohio. Orangestriped oakworms are black with eight orangish-yellow stripes running the length of their bodies.  One of their most distinguishing features is the occurrence of two, long black curving "horns" that arise from the second segment just behind the head.  Full grown caterpillars are around 2" long.  There is one generation per year with adult moths emerging from late-June through July to mate and lay eggs.  Early instar caterpillars feed in groups, but later instars feed singly.  The caterpillars are most frequently found on their namesake host; however, they may also be found on a number of other hardwoods.  High populations can cause noticeable late-season defoliation.

Yellownecked caterpillars appear late in the season because of multiple generations.  There are at least two generations per season in northern Ohio and a possible third generation in the central and southern parts of the state.  The caterpillars pass through different "color phases" as they develop.  First instar caterpillars are copper-colored with no distinct lines.  Second instars have distinct alternating longitudinal yellow and orangish-red lines.  Caterpillars in the final instar stage have alternating longitudinal black and yellow lines.  Although all instars are hairy, the hairs are most evident during the last instar stage.  Another notable characteristic is that the caterpillars will lift their anterior and posterior ends to make their bodies "U"-shape when disturbed. The caterpillars feed gregariously in colonies and their feeding behavior also changes as they develop.  First instars feed as leaf skeletonizers, and later instars consume entire leaves.  The colonies typically focus their attention on defoliating one branch before moving to another. The caterpillars may be found feeding on a wide variety of trees and shrubs including:  crabapples and other ornamental fruit trees, oak, maple, elm, beech, linden, honeylocust, azalea, and boxwood.  Early instar caterpillars are susceptible to the biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (e.g., Dipel, Thuricide, or Caterpillar Attack).  More traditional insecticides are needed to control later instars.  Of course, a more direct (satisfying?) control method is to knock the caterpillar colonies to the ground and perform the "caterpillar dance."  Thus far, no populations have developed resistance to this control method.

• OSU Extension "Bug Doc" Fact Sheet
• Penn State Entomology Notes

D.  LACE BUGS CONTINUE.

BYGLers also noted that several lace bugs (Hemiptera:  Tingidae) remain very active on trees in Ohio including:  HAWTHORN LACE BUG (Corythucha cydoniae); BASSWOOD LACE BUG (Gargaphia tiliae); and OAK LACE BUG (C. arcuata).  Hawthorn and basswood lace bugs feed on the lower leaf surface while oak lace bugs are confined to the upper leaf surface. Lace bugs use their piercing/sucking mouth parts to suck juices from their host plants.  Their feeding produces tiny yellow or whitish leaf spots (stippling) that may coalesce to produce large, yellow-to-copper colored areas on leaves, and early leaf drop.  It is not unusual for early feeding symptoms of the hawthorn and basswood lace bugs to appear as distinct 1/4-1/2" diameter spots on the upper leaf surface.  It is speculated that the circular stippling pattern is produced by nymphs feeding around egg clusters.   Lace bugs also deposit unsightly hard, black, varnish-like tar spots of excrement onto the leaf surface as they feed.  Most lace bugs have multiple generations per season, and their damage builds with each succeeding crop of new bugs.

Hawthorn lace bugs have a cosmopolitan palate and will feast on a variety of rosaceous plants as well as a few plants outside of the rose family.  They are commonly observed on Cotoneaster sp. and Amelanchier sp. as well as their namesake host.  Basswood lace bugs should more accurately be called "Tilia lace bugs" since they may be found on several species in the Tilia genus.  Typical landscape hosts including littleleaf linden (T. cordata) and silver linden (T. tomentosa).  Oak lace bugs may be found on both red and white oaks.  Despite its common name, the chrysanthemum bug will feed on several herbaceous perennials, particularly asters. For more information, see: OSU Extension Bug Doc Fact Sheet NC State Entomology Insect Note

E.  STINGING COMMENTARY ON HORNET NESTS. 

Several BYGLers noted that baldfaced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) nests seem to be unusually common this year.  For example, Joe Boggs reported that BYGLive! participants found three hornet nests without looking very hard.  Taxonomically, baldfaced hornets aren't true hornets (genus Vespa); they are lumped in with yellowjackets (genera Vespula and Dolichovespula).  However, baldfaced hornets practice an unusually devastating stinging behavior that is shared with only a few other species of yellowjackets. 

Rather than landing and stinging, the hornets fly full speed at the source of their irritation and just before they reach their target, they tuck their abdomen under their body so their stinger is pointing forward.  They literally hit their target driving their stinger into their hapless victim.  This is why people often describe a hornet's sting as feeling like they were hit by a bullet!

Baldfaced hornets do share their nesting behavior with other yellowjackets, as well as with paper wasps.  They construct their paper nests by using their powerful mandibles to first scrap fibers from exposed wood and then mixing the fibers with their saliva.  The resulting paper extruded from their mouths is light weight but strong and water repellent.  The paper may also be multicolored reflecting multiple sources of the wood fibers.  Baldfaced hornet colonies only last one season in Ohio, and the current season's nests will not be reused next year.  This makes the colorful and interesting baldfaced hornet nests tempting targets for collectors hoping to adorn a den or office.  Of course, timing is everything!

Only the queens formed this season leave the nests.  The abandoned workers remain behind.  Eventually, they will freeze to death, but until then, they are capable of flying and stinging.  It is very difficult to judge exactly when a nest is "safe" to bring indoors in Ohio.  It all depends on the severity of winter temperatures.  Stories abound of unlucky nest collectors bringing baldfaced hornet nests into buildings too soon.  Typically, the workers have all frozen by mid-January; however, to be absolutely certain the hornets are dead, collectors should take a step-wise approach by first hanging the nest in a protected outdoor location until late-February; an unheated, unused outbuilding is ideal.  The nest should be carefully inspected on warm days and only brought indoors when it is absolutely certain the workers are dead.  Otherwise, "spring thaw" will take-on a whole new meaning.

For more information, see:

• University of Florida Entomology Creature Feature Fact Sheet

6.  DISEASE DIGEST.

A.  TAR SPOTS ON THE LEAVES. 

Curtis Young reported seeing MAPLE TAR SPOT on SILVER MAPLE trees this week.  Tar spots are among the most showy and least damaging foliar diseases of woody and herbaceous plants.  These tar-like lesions are a result of a fungal infection that sets in during late spring and early summer after leaves are fully developed and environmental conditions are favorable.  Favorable infection conditions include the presence of a host, (in this case Acer saccharinum), a fungus (Rhytisma americanum), and a sheltered location were climate conditions produce a moist environment.

First signs of infection appear as yellowish-green to light green circular patterns.  The color patterns are noticeable as early as mid-June.  By mid to late summer these circular patterns develop raised, black, tar-like stromata on the upper leaf surface.  Leaves with multiple spots may wither and drop prematurely, but this seldom occurs in numbers that affect the general health of the tree.  In autumn, as leaves turn in color, tar spots present a striking contrast on the leaves.

Management of this disease in landscape settings is generally not necessary; however, major outbreaks of maple tar spot can be significantly reduced culturally by removal of infected tissue after leaves fall.  Tar spot infections are scarce in urban and industrial areas.  Low concentrations of sulfur dioxide actually prevent new infections from becoming established on the plant, although they will not cure spot development after infection sets in.

For more information, see:

• Cornell University FactSheet on Tar Spots
• Iowa State University Horticultural News Letter

7.  TURF TIPS.

A.  TO MULCH OR NOT TO MULCH.  Successful lawn establishment is a simple process.  The basic steps in the preparation of the site include:

• Eradicate persistent weeds on the site, especially the perennial grasses.
• Removal of the rocks and debris.
• Perform the rough grading.
• Improve the subsurface and surface drainage.
• Mitigate the soil on site if needed.
• Apply fertilizer and lime based on a soil test.
• Perform final grade.

After completion of the site preparation, it is now time to seed.  With all the effort that is put into proper site preparation, successful lawn establishment is not guaranteed.  It is always a good idea to purchase fresh grass seed from a reputable dealer.  After the seed has been sown, discriminating landscapers will insure the seed is in close contact with the soil by lightly raking the seed into place.

The final step in this process is to decide whether or not to invest in mulch to cover the seedbed.  By mulch we are referring to some type of biodegradable covering over the seedbed.  Mulch on the seedbed has a two-fold purpose.  It can be useful in controlling erosion which is essential on sloped sites, and it can create a favorable microenvironment for seed germination.  Proper mulching increases the likelihood that more of the viable seed sown germinates because it retains needed moisture in the seedbed.  Conversely, improper mulching will certainly decrease the amount of viable seed that sprouts by creating a dense barrier for the young seedlings to overcome before they reach the sunlight.

Straw has been a popular mulching material for many years.  Wheat straw is used most often although oat and barley straw are also good.  The straw should be free of grain seed and weed seed.  Apply at about 2 bales per 1000 sq. ft.  Straw can be spread by hand or mechanically with a straw blower.  Wetting the straw immediately after it has been spread will prevent it from blowing off site.  Other mulching materials include various wood/cellulose products, fiber mulches, seed mats and peat moss.

As you decide whether or not to mulch your seedbed consider the upcoming weather patterns and the site conditions.  With fall approaching, you can expect increases in relative humidity, heavy dews, and rainfall. Sufficient soil moisture levels on flat ground may not warrant any mulch at all.  If your site is located on a slope, it may be best to use mulch to insure your investment doesn't wash down to the bottom of the hill after the first hard rain.   

For more information, see:

• OSU Extension Bulletin 546 on Lawn Establishment

8.  INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.

A.  WEST VIRGINIA CHANGES MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO EMERALD ASH BORER.  On September 11, 2009, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture announced that it is ceasing attempts to stop the spread within the state to contain the emerald ash borer.  Rather, the state's focus will concentrate on preventing the pest from leaving state boundaries instead of individual county borders.

The state's action means that moving ash materials and all non-coniferous firewood is no longer regulated as long as the material stays within the state.  Exporting these materials from West Virginia will continue to be regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In Ohio, 52 counties are currently quarantined were ash materials and non-coniferous firewood cannot leave those counties unless there is a compliance agreement.  Questions about compliance agreements can be addressed by contacting the Ohio Department of Agriculture's EAB Hotline at 888-OHIO-EAB. 

9.  COMING ATTRACTIONS.

A.  FARM SCIENCE REVIEW - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.  OSU's Farm Science Review (FSR) is the place for agriculture and natural resources.  FSR is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), OSU Extension, and OARDC.  The show attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.  Tickets are $8 at the gate or $5 in advance when purchased from county offices of OSU Extension or participating agribusinesses.  Children 5 and younger are admitted free.  Hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. September 22-23, 2009 and 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. September 24, 2009.

For more information, see: 

• FSR Website
• FSR on twitter
• FSR on facebook
• FSR on Ning

B.  PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING OFFERED.  A Trained Serviceperson and New Applicator Commercial School is planned for September 30, 2009.  This session will be taught at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  For additional information on this school, and other educational opportunities, check out the Pesticide Education website at http://pested.osu.edu .

C.  AUTUMN DISCOVERY DAYS.  Secrest Arboretum will host its 7th annual Autumn Discovery Day from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009.  A tree and shrub sale highlights the program, with proceeds going to help support the facility.  Admission is free and open to the public.  You can find the arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), 1680 Madison Avenue in Wooster, Ohio.  Call 330-263-3761 or go to http://secrest.osu.edu/ for more information.

For more information, see: 

• Secrest Arboretum

D.  WHY TREES MATTER FORUM.  Registration is now open for the 4th annual "Why Trees Matter Forum."    This year's forum will be held in Wooster at Fisher Auditorium on Thursday, October 22nd. 

We are excited to welcome Joe R. McBride, University of California, Berkeley as our keynote speaker.  Dr. McBride is Professor of Urban Forestry in the Department of Landscape Architecture, University of California, Berkeley.  His research in urban forestry has focused on the reduction of air pollution by trees in urban areas, the relationship between urban forest characteristics and the characteristics of the biomes in which cities occur, history of the reconstruction of urban forests following bombing during World War II, the transition of natural forests to urban forests in California, and tree selection for California in the face of global climate change.  McBride is a member of the Society of American Foresters and International Society of Arboriculture.  His presentation for the forum is titled, "Trees Do Matter" and will focus on the importance of the urban forest to children.

John Lloyd of Rainbow Tree Care will also join us to talk about the Urban Forestry Institute, Minnetonka, MN and its connection to Ohio State University.

For a copy of the registration flier which features a full list of speakers and events for the forum please visit our website at:  http://treesmatter.osu.edu  or contact Lynn Vogel at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

E.  DATES SET FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION CONFERENCES.  The following dates have been set for recertification conferences this winter.  Mark your calendars now!

• January 13, 2010, Dayton Convention Center, Dayton
• February 17, 2010, Kalahari Conference Center, Sandusky
• March 3, 2010, John S. Knight Center, Akron
• March 9, 2010, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

10.  BYGLOSOPHY. 

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."