TechNotes Feb. 13 – Mole Crickets, Shrubs, Soil Temps

MOLE CRICKETS. Over the next couple of months mole crickets will become active on bermudagrass throughout the southeastern United States. Two types of mole crickets, the southern mole cricket and the tawny mole cricket, occur in the southeastern United States. The southern mole cricket causes most of its damage through tunneling while the tawny mole cricket can cause damage through tunneling and also through feeding on the turfgrass in middle to late summer.
 
The mole cricket overwinters as adults and if active can cause damage through tunneling. As temperatures warm in March and April (late February in southern Florida) mole cricket tunneling becomes more evident. Tunneling causes upheaval of the turf not only disrupting the surface quality but also uproot the turfgrass plants causing death. 

SNOW & ICE ON SRHUBS. Breakage of plant material by snow and ice is caused by their weight and improper removal. Windy conditions can compound damage when ice is on the plants. In the future periodic pruning branches through the growing season may help reduce ice damage in the future including removal of any weak, or acute V-shaped tree crotches. Snow that is collecting on shrubs should be removed immediately with a broom. Always sweep upward which lifts the snow off the branches.

RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS. Azaleas and rhododendrons are commonly used shrubs in landscapes. From a taxonomic point of view, all azaleas and rhododendrons are classified in the rhododendron genus. Azalea is commonly used for native deciduous species. Rhododendron often refers to species with large, evergreen, leathery leaves.
 
If establishing azaleas or rhododendrons plant on a site sloping north or east to protect them from drying winds from the south or west. Planting azaleas and rhododendrons in groups rather than individually permits more efficient use of prepared soil. Don't place the bed close to shallow-rooted trees such as maple, ash or elm. Feeder roots rapidly move into improved soil and compete for water and plant food. For best results, dig out the bed 18 inches deep and at least 30 inches wide. Plants should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart and at least 18 inches from the edge of the bed. If drainage is poor, build a raised bed at least a foot above ground level.
 
Many people think of azaleas and rhododendrons as shade lovers, yet dense shade can cause decline. Filtered sunlight is best. However morning sun with afternoon shade after 1 p.m. is also satisfactory.