Squirrels gnawed branches

It was evident that at the base of all of the branches that had died that the bark had been gnawed off by squirrels as you can see in this photo. While I was looking up at the second tree I even caught a squirrel peering down at me. I saw a lot of chewing damage throughout the tree so these oaks have to put up with a lot of abuse from these squirrels. Since this discovery, I have noticed other trees with dead branches throughout the canopy so I figure our squirrel population is doing well.

Tree branches dying

I recently received a call about oak trees on Merritt Island dying. I was given two locations so as I was out and about I stopped by to see what was going on. At both locations I saw the same thing and that was branches that had died out here and there throughout the canopy. These were older trees and the branches that had died were way up in the canopy so I couldn't see anything from the ground. Luckily, I had my binoculars in my car so I got them out and started looking at the branches that had died and I discovered the problem - squirrels! See the next post for another picture and explination.

Ladybug Larvae Eating Aphids!

This is Mutual of Omaha in action (on a quieter scale that is) and I got it on film. My fennel plant has been overrun with aphids (I'm blaming the drought) and I was waiting for the good guys to show up and they have arrived. These are larvae from the genus Scymnus and at first glance you may think they are mealybugs but they aren't! In Florida, adults and larvae of only 13 species feed primarily on aphids, compared to 75 species that feed on scale insects. There are noticable differences between these two groups as pointed out be Dixon (2000). The aphid eaters develop quicker, age faster, move faster, are generally larger and lay their eggs in clusters. Those that feed on scale generally develop more slowly, live longer, are slower moving, typically smaller in size and lay their eggs singly. If you are interested in insects check out our Featured Creature site (the link is in the right hand column of this blog under Useful UF Websites)

Fringetree full of fruit

This native fringetree is full of ripe berries for some lucky bird or two. This is one of my favorite native trees because it not only attracts wildlife but it also is small growing, deciduous and produces attractive white flowers in the spring. Because it is small, every yard has room for one!

New Bulletins from the University of Florida Specialists

ENH1151/EP412 Rainlily, Zephyran-thes and Habranthus spp.: Low Main-tenance Flowering Bulbs for Florida Gardens
A 12-page illustrated fact sheet describes these small flowing bulbs that flower within a few days after a rainfall — where to plant them, how to care for them, how to propagate them, and common species and selections. Includes references. No-vember 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep412
ENH1156/EP416 Right Plant, Right Place: The Art and Science of Land-scape Design: Plant Selection and Siting
A fact sheet that provides an overview of functional, aesthetic, and environmental requirements to consider in selecting and placement of plants in the landscape. February 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep416
ENH1155/EP415 Natural Area Weeds: Mexican Petunia (Ruellia tweediana)
An illustrated fact sheet, describes this herbaceous perennial that is popular with consumers, landscapers, and growers — Iits preferred habitat, dispersal, hybridiza-tion, cultivars, invasive status and distri-bution in natural areas, IFAS Assess-ment, and control. December 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep415
ENH03/LH013 Establishing Your Flor-ida Lawn — Revised!
An 8-page illustrated fact sheet that de-scribes the two primary methods of es-tablishing turfgrass — seed and vegeta-tive propagation (sodding, sprigging, and plugging) — as well as post-planting care, fertilizing, mowing, and renovation. January 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh013
ENH860/EP110 Fertilization and Irriga-tion Needs for Florida Lawns and Landscapes Revised!
A fact sheet that outlines environmentally friendly approaches to fertilizing and irri-gating Florida lawns and landscapes. December 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep110