Posted by Jeff Williams-Tracy, President, PMNA jswt@harkeylambeth.com (24.25.93.171) on April 23, 2002 at 23:05:02:
In Reply to: Canker worms everywhere!!! posted by katherine on April 08, 2002 at 13:46:25:
We have all learned first hand about the menace, mess and destruction caused by the canker worm this spring. In the past Midwood has been spared the much of the canker worm's wrath. This year we are taking it on the chin. In fact, this year PM is ground zero for the canker worm. We have spoken with Charlotte-Mecklenburg's arborist, Don McSween who indicated that the problem in the Midwood area is far worse than expected. Traps to monitor the anticipated canker worm problem did not predict the number of worms in our area. Mr. McSween indicated that the city was well aware of our problem, but indicated that remedies were limited. For trees that are already stressed, Mr. McSween indicated that spraying would limit the canker worm. If you take this route, large trees will require the help of a professional. Smaller trees can be sprayed with a product purchased at Home Depot (active agent: Dipel or Thuricide).
Mr. McSween indicated that much of the damage to our trees had probably already occurred, but with the temperature rising the cankerworm problem would quickly dissipate (within a week). Mr. McSween stressed that the best solution to our problem would be to increase our tree banding efforts in the fall. Our own Carl Leonard led the Midwood Tree Banding Project in 2001. Continuing and supporting Carl's efforts will be a focus for the PMNA during the fall of 2002.