GRANULAR SULFUR (Water soluble) 90% Elemental Sulfur 10% Inert Materials

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Phyllis Bell
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1 GRANULAR SULFUR GRANULAR SULFUR (Water soluble) 90% Elemental Sulfur 10% Inert Materials SULFUR is the fourth major nutrient essential for good plant growth. It can safely be applied to soil 15 to lower the ph, The Chicagoland area soils are generally high in clay content and alkaline in ph. An average ph for this area would be around 7.4 to 7.5. Most trees, shrubs, garden plants and lawns would prefer a soil with a ph of 6.5 to 7.0 and many plants prefer an even more acidic ph. Certain essential nutrients are only available for plant uptake at this lower ph. The following plants, in particular, would benefit from adding Sulfur when planting and after planting to lower the ph. They are broken down into two groups, "Acid loving" ( ph 6.5): Magnolia, Mountainash, Pin Oak, Red Maple, River Birch, Hydrangea. (Plus any other acid loving plants) "Super acid loving" (ph 5.5): Azalea, Rhododendron, Holly, Winterberry, Blueberry. Schwarz Nursery would recommend having your soil tested to find out the exact requirements for nutrient and ph adjustment. The following recommendations are a generalization based on information provided by the DuPage County Cooperative Extension Service. Lbs. of Sulfur Lbs. of Sulfur Change in per 1,000 sq. ft. per 100 sq ft. ph desired Loamy Clayey Loamy Clayey 8.5 to to / to / to to /2 2 NOTE: A general rule for this area (7.5 ph) clay soil, to amend for acid loving plants (6.5pH) add 1 lb. of Sulfur per 25 cu. ft. of clay soil. To amend for super acid loving plants (5.5pH) add 2 lbs. of sulfur per 25 Cu. ft. of clay soil. 1 3/4 cups is approximately equal to 1 pound of sulfur.

2 RECOMMENDED SUlFUR APPLICATION (Without a soil test) =============================================================================== APPLICATION FOR TREES (At the time of planting) APPROXIMATE TRUNK CALIPER: 5-6 " 3 1/2-4 1 /2" 2.1 /2-3 1/2" Hole Size Hole Size Hole Size Change in 6 ' x 30 " 5 ' x 24 " 4 x 24 " ph desired: Loamy Clayey Loamy Clayey Loamy Clayey 8.8 ta c. 14 c. 6 1/2 c 7 3/4 c. 4 1 / 4 c. 5 1/4 c. 7.5 ta /2 c. 4 3/4 c. 1 3/4 c. 2 1/2 c. 1 1/4 c. 1 3/4 c. 8.5 ta /2 c. 7c. 7.5 ta /2 c. 3 1/2 c. 6.5 ta / 4c. 1 3/4c. =============================================================================== APPLICATION FOR SMALL TREES & SHRUBS (At time of planting) Larger shrubs & Smaller trees Smaller shrubs Hole Size Hole Size 3 ' x 18" 2 x 24" Change in ph desired Loamy Clayey Loamy Clayey 8.8 ta /4 c. 2 c. 1/2 c. 3/4 c. 7.5 to 6.5 1/2 c. 3/4 c. 1/4 c. 1 /2 c. 8.5 ta /4 c. 3 c. 3/4 c. 1 c. 7.5 ta c. 1 1 / 4 c. 1/2 c. 3/4 c. 6.5 to 5.5 1/2 C. 3/4c. 1/4 c. 1 /2 c. =============================================================================== HOW TO APPLY SULFUR: At the time of planting: Use the above chart as a guide line for the amount of Sulfur you need if you have not had your soil tested. Disperse sulfur granules along with fertilizer and soil amendments in your backfill so it will be evenly distributed throughout the planting hole. Existing Plants: Use chart on the front page based on area to determine amount of sulfur needed if you have not had your soil tested. Apply like any granular fertilizer. Auger holes to a 6-8" depth so Sulfur is in root zone or if grass is not present you may broadcast the sulfur on the surface. If you are applying sulfur to lower the ph of a soil the effects are only temporary and it will need to be applied repeatedly. How often depends on your soil, weather, etc. Generally speaking, you will need to apply sulfur every two years, This is where a soil test is invaluable, it takes out the guess work.

3 APPLE SCAB APPLE SCAB Apple scab is a foliar and fruit disease of Apples, Crabapples, and Hawthorn. An olive to black spot develops on upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and on the fruit. Severely spotted leaves will turn yellow and drop off in summer. Apple scab will be especially bad if there is excessive rainfall in early spring when the leaves are tender. Control: Rake up and discard diseased leaves as they fall off the tree. If the tree has had a considerable amount of scab in the past a spray schedule of alternating fungicides is recommended to prevent a resistance to one chemical or another. The recommended fungicides are Captan, Maneb or Fungonil. First application is made at swelling bud stage and is repeated 3-4 more times at 7-10 day intervals. Another choice is to use the systemic fungicide Infuse. This needs to be applied as the leaves emerge and 1 more time, 2-3 weeks later. APPLE SCAB APPLE SCAB Apple scab is a foliar and fruit disease of Apples, Crabapples, and Hawthorn. An olive to black spot develops on upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and on the fruit. Severely spotted leaves will turn yellow and drop off in summer. Apple scab will be especially bad if there is excessive rainfall in early spring when the leaves are tender. Control: Rake up and discard diseased leaves as they fall off the tree. If the tree has had a considerable amount of scab in the past a spray schedule of alternating fungicides is recommended to prevent a resistance to one chemical or another. The recommended fungicides are Captan, Maneb or Fungonil. First application is made at swelling bud stage and is repeated 3-4 more times at 7-10 day intervals. Another choice is to use the systemic fungicide Infuse. This needs to be applied as the leaves emerge and 1 more time, 2-3 weeks later.

4 CEDAR-APPLE RUST CEDAR-APPLE RUST This fungus is unique in that it needs two different plants to complete its cycle. It first infests junipers from which it is passed on to crabapple, hawthorn or quince. In the first year of its two year cycle, it is found on the juniper as small round galls that look like milk duds. In the second year these galls swell and produce finger-like, orangeyellow, gelatinous projections. At this point they let our spores that infect the other host plants. The fungus then appears on the leaves of crabapple, hawthorn or quince, as rust colored spots. Related rusts attack the leaves and fruit and can cause early leaf-drop. Twigs are also attacked and deformed, developing abnormal, antler-like branches. Bright orange spores are shed, carried by the wind and re-infect the junipers starting the cycle all over again. Control: 1. Pick off milk dud galls from junipers. 2. Spray crabapple, hawthorn or quince with Maneb or Fungonil, 3-4 times at 10 day intervals starting in early June. Extend the spray schedule during rainy seasons. Another choice is to spray Infuse. This is applied starting at bud break and reapplied 3 more times. 3. Sanitation is important. Rake up and discard any infected leaves and fruit as they fall.

5 PEACH TREE BORER PEACH TREE BORER Rev W 020 ARMY TRAIL ROAD ADDISON, IL (630) Purpleleaf plum ( Sandcherry, Cistena, Newport and others) ornamental & fruiting cherry, almond, peach, apricot and other trees & shrubs belonging to the Prunus family are especially susceptible to the Peach Tree Borer. The larval form of this insect feeds below the bark, eventually choking off the vascular system of plants. Symptoms of this problem include small holes seen on the trunk and/or limbs, and amber-colored gum-like sap leakage. Preventive chemical controls are most effective in dealing with newly-hatched larvae. Usually, once larvae have entered the plant and become fully grown, they are invulnerable to most pest control methods. In mid to late June mix & apply 2 oz. Bonide Borer-Miner Killer (permethrin) per gallon of water required to cover the trunks, lower limbs, and surrounding soil of host plants. Repeat the application approximately 4 weeks later. Follow all manufacturer directions as indicated for the treatment of fruit and nut trees, particularly if applied to edible fruiting plants. Note precautionary statements. An alternative treatment would be using Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control. This is used as a soil drench once a year. PEACH TREE BORER PEACH TREE BORER Rev W 020 ARMY TRAIL ROAD ADDISON, IL (630) Purpleleaf plum ( Sandcherry, Cistena, Newport and others) ornamental & fruiting cherry, almond, peach, apricot and other trees & shrubs belonging to the Prunus family are especially susceptible to the Peach Tree Borer. The larval form of this insect feeds below the bark, eventually choking off the vascular system of plants. Symptoms of this problem include small holes seen on the trunk and/or limbs, and amber-colored gum-like sap leakage. Preventive chemical controls are most effective in dealing with newly-hatched larvae. Usually, once larvae have entered the plant and become fully grown, they are invulnerable to most pest control methods. In mid to late June mix & apply 2 oz. Bonide Borer-Miner Killer (permethrin) per gallon of water required to cover the trunks, lower limbs, and surrounding soil of host plants. Repeat the application approximately 4 weeks later. Follow all manufacturer directions as indicated for the treatment of fruit and nut trees, particularly if applied to edible fruiting plants. Note precautionary statements. An alternative treatment would be using Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control. This is used as a soil drench once a year.

6 BIRCH TREE CARE BIRCH TREE CARE Birch trees are much admired in the landscape and they add unique winter interest through bark color and texture. The delicate summer foliage gracefully rustles in the wind and fall color is a nice clear yellow. In order to keep your birch a thriving specimen in your landscape here are a few tips on Birch Tree Care. Birch trees have a relatively shallow root system that prefers to be kept moist and cool. We recommend a 3 layer of mulch around the root system of the tree. This mulch layer conserves moisture, buffers roots from extreme temperatures and adds beauty to the landscape. During hot, dry, windy weather the trees should receive adequate moisture. The best way to water is by setting your hose on a slow trickle at the base of the tree. This may need to be done once a week during very dry conditions. Spring is an excellent time to fertilize your birch. We recommend using fertilizer. River Birch trees require more acidic soils, therefore it is a good practice to apply yearly applications of Granular Sulfur in addition to fertilizing. Through correct watering and fertilization you can keep your birch tree growing healthy and vigorously. In addition to the above care, white birch trees will need to be preventively treated for the Bronze Birch Borer. The Whitespire Birch is an improved variety of the white birch that is less susceptible to borer infestation. River Birch is not susceptible to the borer. Ask for a handout on treating for the Bronze Birch Borer.

BAGWORMS Rev. 2010 21 W 020 ARMY TRAIL ROAD ADDISON, IL 60101 (630) 627-6261 www.schwarznursery.

7 BAGWORMS Rev W 020 ARMY TRAIL ROAD ADDISON, IL (630) BAGWORMS Bagworms, a relatively new insect pest in northern Illinois, can cause severe damage to many evergreens including arborvitae, chamaecyparis, some cedars, fir, junipers, pine, etc., and deciduous trees including apple, baldcypress, birch, maple, oak and others. Newly hatched caterpillars appear in spring but are well camouflaged by plant foliage. They can easily spread long distances through the air with wind currents, constantly finding new plant hosts. Young caterpillars up to ¼ long feed on surface layers of plant leaves which cause a lighter coloration to occur and the initial damage appears minimal. The foliage, however, will soon turn brown. The most severe damage is caused when caterpillars enlarge and mature. They can be up to 1 long and are able of consuming entire needles and leaves. Damage usually starts at the top of plants and gradually moves downward. Entire branches can be defoliated leading to their death, and the entire tree or shrub may die if action is not taken to control the problem. It is possible to apply an insecticide such as Bonide s Eight, Malathion, or Captain Jacks, if the young larvae are discovered early enough. The best time is when Japanese Tree Lilacs are in bloom. Multiple applications may be required & spraying should be thorough; always follow the manufacturer s explicit directions. If chemical control is not achieved in summer, maturing caterpillars become resistant to pesticides. If accessible, the more obvious browned bags can be picked off plants and destroyed or disposed of in a practical and permanent manner. Examine plants very carefully to make sure all bags and the silky bands which attach them to twigs are fully removed. If not removed, the silk bands could cause eventual girdling damage to branches. While male insects become flying moths that mate with females to produce offspring, the females remain enclosed in their protective sac with the potential of producing from 500 to 1000 eggs before their death. Eggs overwinter in the sacs left on trees, and caterpillars will emerge in spring to start a new round of damage. Bagworms, a relatively new insect pest in northern Illinois, can cause severe damage to many evergreens including arborvitae, chamaecyparis, some cedars, fir, junipers, pine, etc., and deciduous trees including apple, baldcypress, birch, maple, oak and others. Newly hatched caterpillars appear in spring but are well camouflaged by plant foliage. They can easily spread long distances through the air with wind currents, constantly finding new plant hosts. Young caterpillars up to ¼ long feed on surface layers of plant leaves which cause a lighter coloration to occur and the initial damage appears minimal. The foliage, however, will soon turn brown. The most severe damage is caused when caterpillars enlarge and mature. They can be up to 1 long and are able of consuming entire needles and leaves. Damage usually starts at the top of plants and gradually moves downward. Entire branches can be defoliated leading to their death, and the entire tree or shrub may die if action is not taken to control the problem. It is possible to apply an insecticide such as Bonide s Eight, Malathion, or Captain Jacks, if the young larvae are discovered early enough. The best time is when Japanese Tree Lilacs are in bloom. Multiple applications may be required & spraying should be thorough; always follow the manufacturer s explicit directions. If chemical control is not achieved in summer, maturing caterpillars become resistant to pesticides. If accessible, the more obvious browned bags can be picked off plants and destroyed or disposed of in a practical and permanent manner. Examine plants very carefully to make sure all bags and the silky bands which attach them to twigs are fully removed. If not removed, the silk bands could cause eventual girdling damage to branches. While male insects become flying moths that mate with females to produce offspring, the females remain enclosed in their protective sac with the potential of producing from 500 to 1000 eggs before their death. Eggs overwinter in the sacs left on trees, and caterpillars will emerge in spring to start a new round of damage. BAGWORMS BAGWORMS Rev W 020 ARMY TRAIL ROAD ADDISON, IL (630)

8 BRONZE BIRCH BORER BRONZE BIRCH BORER WHAT IS BRONZE BIRCH BORER? The Bronze Birch borer is an insect that infests birch. In it s larval stage the borer is a white grub about ¾ long. The borer tunnels just below the bark of the tree feeding on the living tissue called the cambium. This tunneling creates feeding galleries that, in effect, girdle the trunk and branches. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFESTATION? The first signs of borer infestation appear in the leaves of the tree. The leaves in the upper portion of the tree turn yellow and become thinned out. Branches appear swollen with raised ridges above the feeding galleries, especially on upper branches. Small 1/8 D-shaped exit holes can be detected on upper limbs and trunk in May and June. As the infestation becomes worse the tree begins to loose branches and entire trunks die. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Borers are more likely to attack trees under stress, so it is very important to keep birch trees growing vigorously. During drought weather conditions trees must be kept moist through supplemental watering: a layer of mulch will also help protect the root system. Yearly feeding in spring with fertilizer will help keep the tree growing vigorously. Preventative chemical application for the Bronze Birch Borer is recommended to insure your investment. We recommend applying Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub insect control. This is applied once a year as a soil drench. When planting a birch consider a Whitespire white birch or a River Birch. The Whitespire is a variety of white birch that is less susceptible to the borer, however we do recommend preventative chemical application. River Birch is far less susceptible to the borer than all other varieties of birch.

flattened, or in groups, in crevices beneath the bark. The eggs soon hatch, and the larvae bore into the sapwood where they make tortuous

flattened, or in groups, in crevices beneath the bark. The eggs soon hatch, and the larvae bore into the sapwood where they make tortuous j ^ju Agriculture Canada Publication 1718 B Major pests of birch and maple trees The birch leafminer The birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla Lepeletier) attacks the white or paper birch (Betula papyrifera