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This Week's Observations
Landscape Plants
- Scattered blooms and foliage regrowth noted on lilacs and crabapple.
- Herbicide damage noted on large oak trees, redbuds across the state - in both landscape settings and wooded areas. Discussion on long-term effects of herbicide drift and repeated exposure to herbicides on mature trees. Concern expressed about herbicide applications during windy conditions against label guidelines.
- Discussion on tree root growth and water lines, foundations. Cracked/compromised water lines can be infiltrated by roots in close proximity. A good resource on roots and sewer lines: www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/PSEP/Manuals/16-manual.pdf
- Now is a good time to begin controlling for peach leaf curl, especially if it has been a problem in the past. The fungal spores overwinter on bud scales, and control must take place before buds swell and break in the spring. More info here: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-26
- Outstanding red fall color noted on Stewartia, poison ivy, and sumac
Ticks
- Ticks are a growing concern across the state - and awareness is important. Learn about ticks in Ohio Department of Health: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/animals/ticks-in-ohio
- Asian longhorn ticks are now found across Ohio - distribution map here: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/media/longhorned-tick-distribution-map
- Prevalence of alpha-gal allergy to red meat evident in Southern Ohio - learn more about alpha-gal and lone star ticks here: https://health.osu.edu/health/skin-and-body/tick-that-causes-meat-allergy-is-spreading
- Importance of balance between landscapes and naturalized areas, including native plantings and prairies that host rodents and other wildlife that host tick species.
Miscellaneous
- Discussion on the importance of supporting scientific endeavors and communicating the science behind Extension recommendations provided to clientele and industry.
- Recognizing and disputing outdated and discredited information is important for the green industry
- Suggested reading: Being with Trees - Awaken Your Senses by Hannah Fries
Upcoming Events
OTF Conference and Trade Show (includes Landscape Tracks and ODA credits) - December 9-12, Columbus, OH
Tri-State Green Industry Conference - February 5, 2026 at Sharonville Conference Center
Contributing Buckeye Environmental Horticulture Team Members:
For more information on each team member, visit: https://beht.osu.edu/people. Additional contact information for each member can be found on their county website by visiting: countyname.osu.edu (ie. lucas.osu.edu).
- Amanda Perkins, Pike County
- Amy Stone, Lucas County
- Ann Chanon, Lake County
- Erik Draper, Geauga County
- Ashley Kulhanek, Medina County
- Beth Scheckelhoff, Putnam County
- Curtis Young, VanWert County
- Dr. Dave “BugDoc” Shetler, Professor Emeriti
- Francesca Rotondo, OSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
- Gigi Neal, Clermont County
- Joe Boggs, Hamilton County
- Pam Bennett, Clark County
- Ryan Slaughter, Ross County
- Rylee Kay Pothoff, Shelby County
- Thomas DeHaas, Erie County
- TJ Wells, Washington County
