By The Yard

Fayette County Extension

Top Fall Trees in United States 2

Peach Leaf Curl 3

Stinging Caterpillars 4

Waste Tire Collection Program 4

October Quick Tips 5

2018 Gardener’s Toolbox 6 Registration Form

Recipe: Baked Broccoli Frittata 6

Boxwood Blight Flyer

Inside this issue:

Cooperative Extension Service

Fayette County Extension

1140 Harry Sykes Way

Lexington, KY 40504

Phone (859) 257-5582

Email: DL_CES_Fayette@email.uky.edu

October, 2018

HORTICULTURE NEWSLETTER

Boxwood Blight Tuesday,

October 23, 2018 6:00 p.m.

Fayette County Extension Office

For more information,

see flyer inside this issue of BTY.

Don’t Forget to RSVP

Enjoy Fall Color in Kentucky Forests If you’ve been waiting all year to see beautiful fall colors in Kentucky, it is almost time. Mid-October is the beginning of the brilliant fall tree color show in Kentucky. Actually, these brilliant colors have been there all along; they’ve been masked by a cloak of chlorophylls, green pigments vital to a tree’s food-making process.

Trees use and replenish chlorophylls during the growing season. High replacement maintains green leaf color. As fall approaches, the green pigments are replaced at a slower rate due to complex environmental factors and the trees’ genetic makeup. The dwindling supply of green pigments unmasks other pigments that were present all along, revealing the spectacular show of fall color.

We can enjoy a variety of fall colors because our diverse climate and soil composition enable many trees from northern and southern states to grow in Kentucky.

Various shades of red color are produced by black gum, pear, sumac, dogwood, maple, oak and sassafras trees. Those giving us a range of orange and yellow hues include yellow-poplar, birch,

hickory and beech.

Since black gum and sumac trees shut down chlorophyll production early, they are the first to reveal fall color. Both change from green to red, leaf by leaf. No leaf seems to be all green or red at the same time, giving a spotty appearance throughout the trees.

You might be surprised to know that what actually makes leaves change color has less do with “Jack Frost” and more to do with shorter days activating a kind of “chemical clock” telling the trees to shut down chlorophyll production and prepare for winter.

When the tree completely shuts down chlorophyll production, a layer at the base of the leaf forms. This abscission layer causes the leaf to fall off the branch, leaving only the bud with next year’s leaves and flowers to wait for the signal in the spring to bloom and grow.

For more information on fall tree color or other forestry topics, contact your Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service office.

Source: Billy Thomas, University of Kentucky Extension Forester

Page 2 By The Yard

Top Fall Trees in United States

year at least a part of this tree is red, making it one of the best named trees. This tree is common throughout most of the United States (zones 3 to 9) and can grow up to 60 feet. 

4. Black Tupelo

Known for its spectacular fall foliage the Black Tupelo can contain many shades on the same branch. Frequent colors seen on the leaves of this autumn beauty include yellow, orange, bright red, purple, and scarlet. Look for this bird friendly tree throughout most of the United States (zones 4 to 9) with the extreme North and South being the exception.

5. Aspen

Thousands of people make the journey to watch the Aspen turn throughout the Rocky Mountains. The spectacular yellow leaves of the Aspen create a brilliant contrast with surrounding pine trees, making this a fan favorite. Residents living in the South will have to make the journey to see the Aspen change because this tree is typically in zones 1 to 7.  

6. Sourwood

The Sourwood is a great year round tree with its white fragrant

flowers in early summer. But it is fall leaves that get it on this list. Each autumn the rich green leaves of the Sourwood turn to yellow, red or even purple. Unlike the Aspen, this fall tree prefers the southern states growing in zones 5-9.  

7. Sassafras

The brilliant display of fall foliage makes the Sassafras a must have on this list. The native North American tree (zones 4 to 9) changes from bright to medium green in summer to enchanting colors of deep orange, scarlet, purple and yellow in the fall.  

8. Sweetgum

Deep, glossy green, star-shaped leaves mark the Sweetgum in the spring and summer. As the days shorten the leaves turn yellow-purple-red. The leaves of the Sweetgum stay on the tree quite late throughout its range (zones 5-9).  

9. Japanese Maple

Although it is grown in a more limited range (zone 5 to 8) this short tree or shrub is a great fall choice. The versatile species often has brilliant color throughout the year but as winter approaches, the trees' reddish-purple leaves create dramatic fall views.

Source: Arbor Day Foundation

Every autumn as the days get shorter trees across the country produce spectacular displays of fall leaf colors. Searching and finding the best fall trees is often a destination trip for many across the country. Here are some of the best fall trees across the United States that you can see almost anywhere.

1.Baldcypress Not on most people's top 10 list but the unique combination of being a deciduous conifer creates a majestic orange red color. This tree can be found throughout most of the United States (zones 4 to 10) with the exception being the northern zone 3.

2. Sugar Maple

The landscape standout can be seen in all but the warmest places in the United States (zones 3 to 8 ). The leaves of the sugar maple can form a complete color wheel throughout the year, turning several shades of green, then from yellow to orange, and finally to red in the fall. The diversity of this tree makes it impressive all year round but especially in the fall.

3. Red Maple

This classic fall tree can either be deep red or yellow. Throughout the

Fall Planting As you consider planting this fall, remember, we live in the plant hardiness Zone 6. Plants that do not tolerate less than minus 10 degrees F are not hardy here and will likely die due to cold temperatures. Many plant tags have the hardiness zone listed. Look for Zone 6 and lower on the tag. A Zone 7 plant will not be hardy in Kentucky.

By The Yard Page 3

Peach Leaf Curl

It is time to implement measures to protect residential and commercial peach trees from peach leaf curl. This disease results in disfigured leaves during spring and summer; twigs and fruit may also become infected. Successful management of peach leaf curl begins in autumn.

Peach Leaf Curl Facts

Symptoms begin to appear shortly after bloom and are characterized by thick, folded, puckered and curled leaves (Figure 1). Infected leaves

typically exhibit a red or purplish coloration (Figure 2). Diseased

leaves develop a powdery gray

coating, turn brown, and wither before dropping from the tree. 

Twigs and fruit may become infected. 

Repeated defoliation from this disease can increase the sensitivity of trees to cold injury. 

Initial infection occurs in late winter or spring prior to bud swell. There is no further spread of the disease during the growing season. 

Rain and temperatures between 50° and 70° F are required for infection.

Caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans.

Management Options

A single fungicide application once leaves drop in fall or prior to bud swell in early spring provide control of the disease. Homeowners can apply fungicides that contain chlorothalonil or copper. Always follow label directions when utilizing fungicides.

Once the disease is present, the following management techniques can be used.

Thin fruit heavily to reduce stress on the tree. 

Provide good growing conditions and irrigation to reduce tree stress. 

Replant with cultivars with an increased tolerance of the disease, such as ‘Redhaven’ varieties. 

Fungicides will not be effective

once the disease is present. 

Additional Information

Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide (ID-92) 

Homeowner’s Guide to Fungicides (PPFS-GEN-07) 

Peach Leaf Curl & Plum Pockets (PPFS-FR-T-01) 

Simplified Backyard Peach & Stone Fruit Spray Guide (PPFS-FR-T-20)

Source: Kimberly Leonberger, University of Kentucky, Extension Associate, and Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky, Extension Plant Pathologist

Figure 1: Peach leaf curl symptoms include thick, folded, puckered and curled leaves. (Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky)

Figure 2: Peach leaf curl results in a red or purplish coloration on peach leaves. (Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky)

By The Yard Page 4

Stinging Caterpillars

Late season caterpillars are out in full force. Many use camouflage or secretive behavior to avoid predators. In contrast, stinging caterpillars have brittle, hollow spines connected to venom glands. These spines easily penetrate and break off in the skin. Then, the irritating venom goes to work. Reactions to the chemicals vary from slight irritation to pustules, inflammation, and intense pain. Contact usually comes when a person accidentally brushes against a caterpillar that they did not see.

The saddleback or packsaddle caterpillar (Figure 1) is one of the most familiar stinging caterpillars. It has prominent horns on the front and rear. Its

stings can cause severe irritation. Saddlebacks feed on deciduous trees such as basswood, chestnut, cherry, oak, and occasionally they can be found on corn.

Not all stingers provide a visual warning. For example, the hag moth caterpillar (Figure 2) resembles a dried leaf. The brown caterpillar has nine pairs of fleshy lobes, all with stinging hairs. It is

usually found on lower branches of assorted trees and shrubs, including oak, chestnut, dogwood, sassafras, and ash.

Figure 1 Saddleback caterpillar ( Photo by R. Bessin)

The tiny spines may be lifted from the skin with pieces of masking tape applied to the site. Do not rub the area until they are removed. Wash the wound with soap and warm water. Place an ice pack or cold compress on the wound intermittently (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off). See a physician if there is a severe or persistent reaction to the toxin.

More information on stinging caterpillars found in Kentucky is available at www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef003.asp.

Source: Lee Townsend, University of Kentucky, Extension Entomologist

Figure 2 Hag moth caterpillar (Photo by anonymous)

Waste Tire Collection Program During a waste tire collection event, individuals can drop off their unwanted tires at a specific location within their county at no cost. The EEC contracts for the removal and delivery of the recovered tires to “beneficial end use” markets where they are recycled to become products such as tire-derived fuel or crumb rubber. Multiple-county programs are included under each contract to achieve an economy of scale necessary to attract large, well-capitalized contractors. (To see if other counties are participating, visit: http://waste.ky.gov/RLA/Waste%20Tires/Documents/2018%20Fall%20WTCE%20Schedule%20w%20Locations%20and%20Contacts.pdf.)

A pus moth caterpillar with hidden stinging hairs. Source: Entfact 0003

By The Yard Page 5

October Quick Tips

Make it a point to be thorough in cleaning up any diseased plants. Many diseases over-winter in plant debris. Diseased perennials and annuals should be removed from the garden in the fall. Similarly, any trees that have had disease problems should have all the leaves raked and removed from the garden to lessen the chance of infection next year.

October is prime bulb planting time. Plant tulips, daffodils, crocus and other spring favorites now for a beautiful early display.

Feeding lawns is best done in the late fall. The end of this month and all of November are great times to fertilize your turf.

House plants should be treated as necessary for insects before coming indoors for the winter.

Store any pots or containers that may be damaged by freezing temperatures.

October is an excellent time to plant most trees and shrubs. Make sure to plant at the proper depth. The root flare of trees (the point where the roots branch off the trunk) should be at soil level.

Avoid planting broadleaf evergreens in the late fall as winter injury may result. Hollies, Boxwoods, Magnolias and others are best planted in the spring.

Needled evergreens drop their old needles in the fall. Yellowing, browning, and subsequent needle fall is normal if it is only occurring in the interior of the plant.

Many insects find their way indoors in the fall. Most are not

harmful, just annoying. Your vacuum cleaner is an easy way to get rid of an occasional insect.

Make notes of your gardening successes and failures for reference next year. It is never too early to start planning next year’s garden.

After the first hard freeze, remove non-hardy annuals and cut back perennials to near ground level. The removed plant material can be placed in the compost bin.

Clean up around fruit trees by raking leaves and removing dried fruit. This will help control several diseases and insects.

Remove and burn bagworm cases from evergreens. The cases contain eggs which will hatch in spring to produce next year's population.

Check tree twigs for egg cases of eastern tent caterpillar. The egg cases are dark and shiny, they look like someone has dabbed lacquer around the stem. They usually occur on branches that are about pencil size in diameter. They will break off the branch easily if rubbed with the hand or fingers.

Many insects can also be found in dead leaves in and around the garden and landscape. Getting rid of those dead tomato vines, bean bushes, and squash vines and fruit will lessen the chance that these pests will be able to overwinter in the garden and so will lessen the incidence of pest problems in the spring.

Fall is the best time to apply fertilizer to woody plants. It is best

to wait until the plants are dormant so don't apply fertilizer before late October. Dividing the fertilizer application into two or three parts is a good idea. Apply 1/3 in late October, 1/3 in November, and the final 1/3 in December. Altogether you should apply 2-3 pound of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

Don't forget to water trees and shrubs during fall and winter. Continue watering (in the absence of adequate rainfall) until the soil freezes. This is particularly true for evergreens since they continue to lose water through their leaves in winter. Keep the soil under your woody plants moist, not wet.

A layer of mulch applied at this time of year can have many beneficial effects in the home landscape. Mulch moderates the normal freeze/thaw cycle than can force many herbaceous perennial plants out of the ground. Mulch will also help conserve soil moisture and will serve as an insulating agent during severely cold temperatures.

Don’t Forget! Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 4, 2018, turn your clock back one hour! Don’t forget to register for 2018 Gardener Toolbox classes. A condensed registration form is enclosed in this edition of “By The Yard” newsletter. For a detailed listing of the 2018 Gardener’s Toolbox class, visit: http://fayette.ca.uky.edu/files/gardeners_toolbox_2018.pdf or call (859) 257-5582 to have a copy

2018 GARDENER’S TOOLBOX - REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ________________________Phone: _____________E-Mail:________________

Address: __________________________City: ______________State: ____ Zip: _____

TOTAL Amount Enclosed $ ________

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

Sign up early for classes to avoid being turned away because class is full. ALL classes are “PRE-REGISTRATION” only. If you need to cancel, you must do so 2 weeks prior to the class time to receive a refund

or credit for a different class. If handouts and/or plants are not picked up 3 days after class, items will be donated.

Please make check payable to: Fayette County Master Gardener Association

Mail To: Gardener’s Toolbox ~ Fayette County Extension Office

1140 Harry Sykes Way ~ Lexington, KY 40504

~ 2018 GARDENER’S TOOLBOX CLASSES ~

Classes will be held at the Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way, beginning at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Class and Cost Class and Cost

Thursday, 10/4: Growing Garlic, Cost: $10.00 Tuesday, 10/9: Ornamental Alliums, Cost: $10.00

Thursday, 11/8: Great Shrubs for Fall Color, Cost: $15.00 Tuesday, 11/13: Great Shrubs for Winter Interest, Cost: $15.00

Thursday, 11/15: Stump the Hort Agent, Cost: Free Tuesday, 12/4: Caring for Holiday Plants, Cost: $10.00

For More Plate It Up

Recipes, Vist:

http://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/content/ plate-it-kentucky-proud

Boxwood Blight Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 6:00pm

Fayette County Extension Office 1140 Harry Sykes Way 

This event is for ANYONE and

EVERYONE who comes into

contact with boxwoods.  

Homeowners, landscapers, garden 

clubs, nursery and retail workers are 

encouraged to a end.  

Please join us to learn more about the  

devasta ng fungal disease that is  

becoming more prevalent in  

the Lexington Area. 

Dr. Nicole Gauthier, UK Extension Plant Pathologist, will be sharing important  

facts, management recommenda ons, and  preven on  ps for boxwood blight. 

Open to RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL!

Pes cide CEU’s available –

1 General and 1 Specific Hr. (Cat. 3, 10, 12)

A free event, but must RSVP! 

Call (859) 257‐5582  to reserve a seat. 

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PAID

Lexington, KY

PERMIT 112

Newsletter

Enclosed

Fayette County “By the Yard”

Fayette County Cooperative Extension 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY 40504-1383

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the bases of race, color, ethnic origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other related matter should be directed to Equal Opportunity Office, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Room S-105, Agriculture Science Building, North Lexington, Kentucky 40546.

Jamie Dockery County Extension Agent for Horticulture

Cooperative Extension Service Fayette County Extension Service

1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY 40504-1383

(859) 257-5582

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING