Saturday, May 31, 2008

NC Pest News

This week's edition of NC Pest News is now on line for viewing. One article in this week's news is particularly important to review:
New Pesticide Product (Acelepryn) Registered

We recently learned of a new pesticide, called Acelepryn, which is now registered in half the states, including North Carolina. This commercial product is labeled for professional applicators and may be used ornamentals and turf on most of the common sites. It was mainly developed for turfgrass pests, but lists leaf-feeding caterpillars, lace bugs and birch leafminers on the label. It also has a bark treatment application for clearwing borers. It works primarily as a systemic insecticide and I think we will see this label expand in the coming years. It has a very low toxicity to vertebrates, such that the label does not carry a signal word.

Thanks go to my colleague in Ohio for bringing this to my attention. The mention of the product is not intended as an endorsement. For more information on Acelepryn, go to the following web site: Acelerpryn.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Friday, May 30, 2008

June Edition of Commercial Hort News IS NOW AVAILABLE

The June edition of Commercial Horticulture News is now available for your veiwing. There are a lot of great programs coming up so be sure and check it out. Go to the following link: http://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/11/juneCH08web.pdf

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Free Fill Dirt

The Hendersonville Water Authority has several tons of dirt to dispose of. Close to 6500 tons in fact. Most of this material is dredged from one of the lakes it will consist of a lot of sediment, sand, gravel, and poorly decomposed organic matter. With the proper attention and soil testing the material could prove to useful in some landscape situations. Anyone needing some of this material should call Ron Reed at the Water Treatment plant. His number is 891-7779.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Maintaining Trees, Landscapes, and Healthy Soils

Hosted by Appalachian Arborists, Saturday May 31st, 2008 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Where: Under the big white tent at Riverside Business Park, 2000 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC. Workshop topics include: Trees and Turf, Stress Management, Micro-injection systems, effective use of organics in the landscape, proper pH management. COST: $20 per person, includes lunch. Call to register: 828-255-2985. CEU's: ISA Certified Arborist: 5 credits. NC Pesticide: 1.5 credits.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Ash Borer a.k.a. Lilac Borer

The pest to look out for this week is the Ash borer or more commonly known as the Lilac Borer.
The ash borer is one of the clearwing moths that resemble a wasp as an adult. They overwinter as late enstar larvae in the wood, usually nearer to the base of the plant. They pupate in the stems and emerge as adults in May/June, roughly. Heavily damaged trees and shrubs should be removed. Preventive bark sprays may help in May and June
For more information about this borer please visitAsh Borer or VT- Ash Borer

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Landscape Standards for The Ramble

The following information is from Amy Fahmy, Biltmore Farms Horticulturist regarding current standards for landscape work done in The Ramble; one of the developments of Biltmore Farms. This information is shared to merely inform local landscapers of the changes to the standards of The Ramble and is not to be perceived as a reflection of any guidance from, or the opinions, of agents of the NC Cooperative Extension or any other state agency.

"To ensure that all residential landscape work in The Ramble meets minimum standards for quality, Biltmore Farms will require landscapers to be pre-qualified beginning September 1st , 2008. The List of Qualified Landscapers will be distributed to the builders who work in the Ramble, and will be available at the Preview Center. If you are interested in working in The Ramble, we would like to hear from you! Please submit copies of the documents listed below to Amy Fahmy, Biltmore Farms, 100 Town Square Blvd., Suite 330, Asheville, NC, 28803. Fax 828-209-2150. Please include your phone number, fax number, and email.

Basic Qualifications
The owner, or his representative assigned to The Ramble, must provide proof of all of the following qualifications:
Licensed Landscape Contractor (Certificate Number)
Certified Plant Professional OR Certified Landscape Technician (Copy of Certificate)
(Information on certification is available at www.ncnla.com)
Ground Pesticide Applicator's License (License Number)
Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation (Certificate of Insurance from Insurer)

The Ramble Planting Requirements
In the event that the Landscaper receives contract specifications that require less than is specified here, the Landscaper must meet The Ramble requirements listed below. If contract specifications exceed the Ramble requirements, the Landscaper must meet the terms specified in that contract. Any Landscaper who fails to comply with these requirements will be removed from the List of Qualified Landscapers.

1. Storm water Management:
It is the responsibility of the builder to ensure that the rate of runoff leaving the property does not exceed pre-development rates. Concentrated discharges onto adjacent properties are not allowable unless a natural drainage way exists. If the design plan provided to the landscaper does not address drainage issues on the site, the landscaper must notify the builder that a solution is required.
2. The Landscaper must pre-till any compacted clay (except around tree roots)to a depth of 5", then till a minimum of 3" of compost/Nature's Helper thoroughly into the soil along with required amendments – including superphosphate, fertilizer and lime per soil test.
3. Plants must meet the American Nursery and Landscape Association's Standards for Nursery Stock.
4. Planting containerized plants: Roots must be loosened before planting. Plant holes must be twice the size of the root ball. Plant holes must be amended with at least 30% compost.
5. All Rhododendron, Kalmia, and Pieris are to be planted high, in well-drained, amended soil.
6. Excess burlap must be cut from the top of b&b root balls.
7. For all plants that require good drainage, plant holes must be tested for drainage and problems resolved before planting.
8. All plant materials must be guaranteed for at least 1 year."


The above standards are for The Ramble only but do reflect a similar trend that many gated communities are following.

For more information regarding training opportunities to assist you in achieving any one or all of the above certifications contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

"Greenify Your Classroom"

This internet article was share by a faithful reader of the WNC Green Industry News Blog: 50 + ways to Greenify your classroon.
I am sharing as there are some interesting tips that individuals in the green industry may find useful in their efforts in working with local schools. All concepts in the article are not necessarily endorsed by Cooperative Extension but found to be great food for thought.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips for May

The May addition for Green Tips has now been posted. This month's newsletter is in a printable format. Sorry for the delay.




For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

OSHA Safety Training Event

Due to a collaborative Effort between the NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Industrial Extension there will be a safety training event held at the NC Arboretum on May 28th from 8:30 until 12:00 For more information about this training visit the following link:Alway Safety
All green industry companies are encouraged to send employees to this program but seating will be limited so call one of the local extension agents listed in this blog for reservations. the program is free to green industry professionals!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.