Have you noticed the cedars (Ashe Juniper) trees these past months? One of our citizens asked me about the trees dying and I had not noticed the trees until I made a trip to Dripping Springs. The diseased trees were obvious . Complete sections of cedars are brown, the tree limbs have dropped their needles and only bare branches remain.
I called the Johnson City Extensions agent, Jerod Breckion. He sent an Email with the following information. The disease is caused by the Juniper Budworm. The experts say, the Budworm does not affect any other tree species, however recovery of the trees is uncertain as there are many conflicting factors to the trees disease, especially during this drought.
The adult moths are about a quarter inch long and about the color of dead, ashe juniper foliage. They are active mostly at night and attracted to light. They generally remain at nest during the day and fly when disturbed. Until they fly they are difficult to detect. There are predators and parasites, flies, wasps, spiders, and other insects. Removing infested branches by hand could be effective on individual trees.
I don’t want to overload you so I’ll give you more information when it is available.
K.B.B. has completed a memorial in Bindseil Park. Barbara Costigan lived in Blanco for several years. She lost the battle with cancer. Her sister in California, Margarite Costigan, requested a memorial in Bindseil Park, a blooming tree and bench dedicated by Margarite and sister Phyllis Costigan who lives in Blanco. We need to complete the mulch around the bench and tree.
If you haven’t visited the parks, Bindseil and State, recently, we encourage you and your families to enjoy both parks. We have treasures in Blanco that we all should take advantage of.
July is the time to begin to prepare for Summer and Fall gardens. There is still time to start seeds in vegetable and flower gardens.
More from Keep Blanco Beautiful.
