| October 10, 2020 |
 “I figure I won’t have to prune it again for a long, long time….” |
| There’s a right way and a wrong way to prune. I’ve taught proper pruning for over 30 years while with Extension, so I feel comfortable saying that I know the right way to prune your fruit and landscape plants. There’s also a right time and a wrong time to prune. Pruning heavily in the fall can lead to winter injury at the pruning site, and poor wound closure. Pruning late summer through the fall can also encourage a burst of growth that can be killed by the first freezing weather. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I am offering free pruning quotes now through the rest of the fall. Once I feel your plants are fully dormant (sometime after New Years), I will schedule a day to come out and do the actual work. |
 Emerald Ash BorerEmerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the insect that has been wiping out ash trees throughout the US for the last 20 years or so. I have been seeing EAB-infested trees throughout the tri-state; last month, I found one in Boonville. If this is news to you, you might want to check out this website for some general information on this pest: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/ An online screening (via Zoom) is taking place on Sunday October 11th, 2020 at 7 pm (central time) of a locally-produced documentary. ‘Ashes To Ashes’ tells the story of an invasive insect (Emerald Ash Borer) and it’s effects throughout the United States and, more importantly, it’s impact locally here in Evansville. The financial, social and public health implications of this invasion are highlighted in the documentary. The film features interviews with various local luminaries including: Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Evansville City Arborist Shawn Dickerson, Chris Cooke (City of Evansville Superintendent of Cemeteries), retired Purdue University Extension Horticultural Educator Larry Caplan and Bill Bussing, owner of the Evansville Otters. The film also offers commentary by national experts in public health and invasive pests: Dr Geoffrey Donovan of the Portland Forestry Service and Dr Aruni Bhatnagar of the University of Louisville. Registration is required for the screening and can be completed at tickets.ashestoashesfilm.com. The film website can be found at ashestoashesfilm.com. If you would like more information about this topic, please call Anthony Moffat at 812-304-0029, or email anthonymoffat@trugreenmail.com |
 I’m Here to Help!If you have questions or wish to have me visit your property, please contact me! Phone and Text Messages: 812-449-7067 Email: Larry@CaplanTree.com |