MSU Extension Christmas Trees

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  Four Lessons from COVID-19 for the Future of Christmas Tree Marketing

  Published on June 28, 2021
  Because of this unique Christmas tree shopping environment, we took the opportunity to delve into how U.S. consumers were confronting the holiday season with in order to glean some information about how their purchasing choices might look in the future.

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  Michigan Christmas tree pest update – June 4, 2021

  Published on June 4, 2021
  Scout trees now for insect pests.

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  Managing Diplodia tip blight

  Published on April 28, 2021
  Diplodia tip blight can kill the current year’s growth of trees of any age. Time fungicide applications to protect new growth from bud break through full candle elongation.

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  How to identify and manage common ragweed in Christmas tree production – Part 2

  Published on April 28, 2021
  Strategies to manage common ragweed in Christmas tree production.

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  How to identify and manage common ragweed in Christmas tree production – Part 1

  Published on April 28, 2021
  Identifying common ragweed early in Christmas tree production can help growers develop an effective weed control plan.

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  Gypsy moth populations are high: What conifer growers need to know

  Published on April 16, 2021
  There were extremely high populations of gypsy moth during 2020 and we anticipate elevated populations this year. Scout and treat spruce, fir and Douglas fir for gypsy moths.

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  Bands from Weir’s cushion rust visible on infected spruce needles

  Published on April 15, 2021
  Yellow spots or bands are visible on infected Serbian and Colorado blue spruce needles. Weir’s cushion rust can cause discoloration and pre-mature needle loss.

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  Target stem mothers to control balsam twig aphids in Christmas trees

  Published on April 9, 2021
  Targeting the stem mothers is the key to preventing curling and distortion of new growth caused by balsam twig aphid.

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  Cooley and eastern spruce gall adelgids: Small pests that equal big problems

  Published on April 9, 2021
  These tiny insects are difficult to find but can easily be identified by the shoot galls they cause. If galls were abundant last year and an insecticide is needed, it can be applied in spring when the overwintering immature females are still exposed.

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  Prepare your scouting plan for your Christmas trees

  Published on March 31, 2021
  Spring has sprung and it is time to start scouting your Christmas trees and prepare your integrated pest management (IPM) plan for the year.