Top Ten Pathogenic Diseases of Woody Ornamentals

Three elements need to be present for a plant disease to develop: a host, a suitable environment and a pathogenic organism. Most plant pathogens are either fungi or bacteria. Below are ten of the more common pathogenic plant diseases associated with woody ornamentals in the Intermountain area

Necrotic Ring Spot

Necrotic Ring Spot (NRS) is a fungal disease that primarily affects the roots of turfgrasses. The disease occurs on turfgrasses worldwide. Many turf species can serve as host to the disease. In Utah, the disease primarily affects Kentucky and annual bluegrass turf, although it can occur on tall fescue grass as well.

Crabapples in the Landscape

Crabapples are ornamental trees closely related to common apple trees and are distinguished by fruit size. There are approximately 100 commonly planted varieties of apple trees. Crabapples make an excellent addition to Utah landscapes as they are considered to be drought tolerant, low maintenance, and versatile trees that can withstand the sometimes harsh climate conditions in Utah. Crabapples proved year round interest with profuse spring bloom, bright fall colors, and persistent fruit that can be brightly colored and attractive to native birds in the winter months

Maples in the Landscape

Maple trees (Acer sp.) are a common fixture and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes. There are over one hundred species, each with numerous cultivars (cultivated varieties) that are native to both North America and much of Northern Europe. Trees vary in size and shape, from small, almost prostrate forms like certain Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and shrubby bigtooth maples (Acer grandidentatum) to large and stately shade trees like the Norway maple (Acer platanoides). Tree shape can vary greatly, ranging from upright, columnar, rounded, pyramidal to spreading. Because trees come in a range of shapes and sizes, there is almost always a spot in a landscape that can be enhanced by the addition of a maple. Maples can create a focal point and ornamental interest in the landscape, providing interesting textures and colors, and of course, shade. Fall colors typically range from yellow to bright red, adding a burst of color to the landscape late in the season. This fact sheet reviews recommended cultivars and their planting and care

Backyard Fruit Production in Utah\u27s High Mountain Valleys

Utah’s population has seen significant growth in recent years resulting in population increase outside of the Wasatch Front and into Utah\u27s high mountain valleys. These locations include Bear Lake Valley, Ogden Valley, Morgan and Henefer, Park City, Wasatch Valley, and Sanpete Valley. Much of the information presented here would also apply to the Uintah Basin and other high elevation locations in eastern Utah. Common characteristics of these valleys include high elevations (greater than 5,000 feet) leading to short growing seasons. Many homeowners who are new to these regions wish to establish perennial fruit crops in their gardens. This publication outlines the challenges to fruit production in Utah’s high mountain valleys, offers mitigation suggestions, and lists plant materials that might be successfu

Thriving Hives, Beekeeping Monthly Calendar

This calendar was created in an effort to simplify and make beekeeping easier to understand and learn for the beginning beekeeper. The calendar offers a broad understanding of what is happening in the hive in addition to guidelines for basic beekeeping tasks on a monthly basis. The calendar also provides users with lists of in-bloom plants to look for in the landscape as the beekeeping season progresses. This can help beekeepers assess resources available for the bees in the landscape. In addition to the monthly tasks, suggested recipes for some of the feeding supplements and treatments mentioned in the calendar are included to aid the beekeeper in implementation of these tasks

Setting Up Your Hive and Installing Bees

Getting your hive set up and your bees installed is an exciting first step for a beekeeper. However, it can also be a confusing and anxious time if it is your first experience. As there are many different methods for installing bees, this fact sheet provides a guide for the first time beekeeper. As you become more comfortable and experienced with your bees, you may modify these recommendations and methods to you own preferences

Putting the Yard and Garden to Bed

This fact sheet gives tips for getting the yard and garden ready for winter

Splitting the Hive

Warming late spring temperatures mark the beginning of swarm season in Utah, especially for beehives that have successfully overwintered. Swarming is when bees naturally divide the existing colony roughly in half, with half the bees remaining in the hive and the other half leaving (with the queen) to look for new accommodations. Colonies that swarm are often left with limited resources, do not produce much honey, and can be rendered too weak to overwinter. Splitting your hives in anticipation of swarming can help reduce the negative effects of swarming, giving bees a chance to build up resources and strength before the next winter. This fact sheet explains how to split hives, which is a better alternative than swarming that can prove detrimental to colony strength and longevity

Landscaping for Season Long Color

This fact sheet describes plants that can give landscapes color all season long with blooms in spring, summer, fall and winter interests. It includes a listing of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ground covers, bulbs, and ornamental grasses