http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=156&ArticleID=1859

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (Sept. 8, 2010) - Following recent
confirmations of emerald ash borer in Wayne National
Forest, and taking into account the infestations in
surrounding states, the Ohio Department of Agriculture
today expanded the state’s emerald ash borer quarantine to
include all 88 counties.

The quarantine stipulates that ash materials and hardwood
firewood cannot be taken from a quarantined area into a
non-quarantined area. Despite the fact that quarantining
the whole state will allow for ease of movement of ash
materials and hardwood firewood, it is recommended that
Ohioans continue to exercise caution when moving these
materials.

“Limiting firewood movement helps the state protect
against the artificial spread of many pests in addition to
emerald ash borer, including gypsy moth and Asian
longhorned beetle,” said Ohio Agriculture Director Robert
Boggs. “The department strongly urges Ohioans to continue
buying firewood locally.”

The federal quarantine, enforced by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, remains in effect. This quarantine makes it
illegal to transport ash trees, parts of ash trees and all
hardwood firewood out of the state of Ohio.

Ash trees infested with emerald ash borer typically die
within five years. The pest belongs to a group of metallic
wood-boring beetles. Adults are dark green, one-half inch
in length, one-eighth inch wide and fly from early May
until September. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath
the bark of ash trees and leave D-shaped holes in the bark
about one-eighth inch wide when they emerge as adults.

 
For information on the emerald ash borer, visit
www.agri.ohio.gov.

I have noticed many people are not doing much watering.  I can understand that this is one way to save money in a down economy.  However, as Tony Sands, a TV weatherman in the 70’s, commonly said, “when you dance, you have to pay the fiddler.”

Proper watering does not mean running up huge water bills.  After the 2007 drought and heat wave, we saw thousands of dollars in tree losses and increased insect and disease activity which continue to this day.  Strategic watering can be the difference between life and death for plants, trees, and shrubs. 

For more information, as well as rain gauges and sprinklers, click here>>>

Hamilton County, OH

Boone County, KY

Ripley County, Indiana

Dearborn County, Indiana

It is important to remember as dry or drought conditions persist to water landscape plants correctly and measure water you are applying.  Read more>>>

Additionally, while some areas got downpours Wednesday, many areas were missed, leading to increasingly dry and droughty conditions in many areas.  Many plants are in drought and heat stress at this time, and lawns are turning brown.  Read more>>>