UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program

Landscape Message

The UMass Extension Landscape Message, previously available only by subscription, is now available online and free of charge. The message allows landscapers, arborists, turf managers, nursery growers and other Green Industry professionals to be in touch with local pest activity on a 24-hour basis. The following information is commonly available for turf and landscape plant materials:

  • Weather and general conditions reports
  • What insects are currently emerging
  • Disease occurrences and potential disease problems
  • Growing degree day reports
  • Phenology information for key indicator plants
  • Cultural problems and solutions
  • Pest management strategies, including Integrated Pest Management

A new message is available weekly during the heart of the growing season, bi-weekly in mid to late summer, and monthly during the winter months. Subscribe to our e-mail list to receive notification in your inbox when each new message is posted.

What are YOU seeing?  Let us know in the Reader Feedback section of the current Landscape  Message.

Credits: The Landscape Message is produced by the UMass Extension, Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program. The copy is prepared by from data and reports provided by the staff and faculty of the UMass Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program and the UMass Extension Turf Program as well as cooperating horticulturists and Green Industry professionals. The Landscape Message is coordinated and edited by Jason Lanier, with assistance from Ellen Weeks and Kathleen Carroll.

Disclaimer: The information in the Landscape Message is not presented as recommendations, but rather as expertly audited observations and reports intended to help practitioners make informed decisions. The user of this information assumes all risks and liability for personal injury and property damage (read full disclaimer).

Archived Materials: The Landscape Message Archive contains information that is archived as it originally appeared, in an effort to preserve useful information and to illustrate changing management techniques and pest patterns over time. Some text may contain references to specific pesticide or fertilizer products. Due to the continually changing nature of the trade and of pesticide regulations, some messages may contain references to products that are no longer available and/or are no longer registered for use.