Your Plants Need Health Care Too

My Gardener has Health Care on the brain this morning.  Mostly because my daughter  woke up with an ear ache, but your garden needs Health Care too.  Plant disease and pests have always existed but  with Global Trade and the way that the Nursery & Landscape Industries have changed we are seeing more new pests and diseases than ever before.  The Japanese Beetle & it's larvae a.k.a Grubs in your lawn have caused millions of dollars in damage since they came to America in the 80's from Japan.  Then there's the Asian Longhorn Beetle that cost many cities their mature hardwood trees that lined the streets.  The Emerald Ash Borer which has led to states destroying acres and acres of trees just to try and contain the infestation.   And that's just the pests....

Plant disease has begun to travel as well.  It use to be that Landscape Architects  would use locally grown plant material.  As the Landscape Industry expanded rapidly throughout the late '80's and '90's local supply couldn't keep up with demand as the housing boom sucked up material to landscape all the new developments.  This led to more plant material being grown out of state and shipped.  And you know what shipped with them????  That's right plant diseases and pests!   Voutella Blight on Boxwood and Pachysandra are a good example.

Be vigilant in your yard and garden.  Look for signs of trouble. Leaf discoloration, plants dropping excessive needles or leaves.  Leaves that are being eaten, damage to the bark on your trees and shrubs.  Homeowners with a lot of trees and shrubs should seek out a local Arborist and get a consultation and health assessment of their trees & shrubs.  Get your trees & shrubs on a good maintenance program. It is worth the expense my friends. You can't replace mature trees! 


Call your local gardener or seek advice at your local retail garden center and of course online for problems in your perennial & veggie gardens.  The Ortho Books on plant diseases and pests are still the best in this gardeners opinion. Don't wait to act when you see problems emerge!  Take care of your gardens my friends!

Good Luck & Happy Gardening.