Avery/Mitchell Winter Christmas Tree and Ornamental Update

Annual production meeting for Avery and Mitchell County Christmas tree and ornamental producers. Program includes information on Emerald Ash Borer, New Scale Problems in Christmas Trees, Estate Tax Update, New Plants for Mountain Nurseries and Results From 09-10 Algae Study. The meeting will be held at Mayland Community Colleges, Sam's Center Auditorium on Friday January 28, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served and two hours of pesticide recertification credit will be available. To register for the event call the Mitchell County Center at 688-4811.

Spruce Spider Mite

Growers should be keeping a watch for spruce spider mite with the hot, dry weather we have been having recently. Growers should be scouting to determine the presence of mites and they should review the economic thresholds to determine if or when they would need to treat.

The economic thresholds used by most growers are listed below. However, each grower has different needs for tree quality. These numbers should be adjusted up or down by each grower based on his or her own experience and needs.

Size of Tree
Less than waist high 40%
Waist high to year before sale 20%
Year of sale 10%

*Percentage of infested shoots to sampled shoots