October 2021

IPS ENGRAVER BEETLES

Infestation and Treatment

Normally, there are two generations of IPS Engraver Beetle each year that affect Spruce and Pine trees. Adults become active early in the spring, infesting fresh slash or winter-damaged trees. Another generation emerges by mid to late August. (Warm, dry weather can result in an additional generation.) Usually, adults emerge in late summer to seek sheltered places to hibernate for the winter.


  • To prevent attacks, use practices that promote vigorous tree growth. Maintain health and ensure adequate water supply.
  • Remove all freshly cut materials that result from pruning or thinning trees, as these attract IPS beetles.
  • Do not stack infested wood next to living trees.


Autumn Tree Lawn and Landscape treats two times in a normal year to control the population. With our spray equipment, we are able to reach heights of 65+ feet to ensure full trunk coverage. The Plant Health Care specialist can adjust the PSI for mindful application. Here is a fantastic view of how our plant health care specialist applies the IPS engraver Beetle treatment.


*We'd like to thank 5280 Drone Service for this amazing video.

5280 Drone Service

What's the deal with Dormant Oils?


Oil is used on woody plants during the dormant season. This term originally referred to heavier weight, less well-refined oils that were unsafe to use on plants after they broke dormancy. However, these older oils have been replaced with more refined, lightweight oils that have potential application to plant foliage. Dormant oil now refers to the time of application rather than to any characteristic type of oil.

Dormant oils are useful for treating overwintering pest eggs such as aphids and scales. The application is effective in limiting the growth of the population before they hatch. Keep in mind it won't completely eradicate a pest but make treating in the future a lot easier. These oils kill pests by either blocking the spiracles through which they breathe or act as a poison by interfering with their metabolism. It will also interfere effectively with insect breeding, again helping to nip any future pest problems in the bud, before they threaten the health and growth of your trees and shrubs. So timing is the most important factor in ensuring the product's efficiency.

Autumn Tree Lawn and Landscape is working on your 2022 annual lawn proposal. It will be sent through the mail by November so be on the lookout!

Quick Facts about Lawn Mites…


  • Several species of spider mites can damage turfgrass in Colorado: Clover mite, Banks grass mite and Brown wheat mite.


  • Damage to turfgrass is primarily related to dry conditions and turfgrass stressed by drought.


  • Clover mites can be a serious nuisance pest. Banks grass mite is the most difficult species of mite to control in turfgrass.


  • Clover mites are considered cool-season mites, in contrast to many other spider mites that cause greatest damage during warm months.

Fall Lawn Recommendations





Fall is an important time for your Kentucky Bluegrass to recover from Summer heat and drought stress. Water your lawn when temperatures cool off to aid with this recovery and build a stronger root system for the next growing season. Our recommendation is to water the lawn regularly up until the point you have your irrigation system winterized. 


The biggest issue on lawns in Colorado as we turn off irrigation but still tend to have warm days and full sun are lawn mites. Banks Grass Mites and Clover Mites do the majority of their damage to turfgrass during these times. Mites breed outdoors on turfgrass, clover, and other plants from Fall through early May. Mite injury to turf is commonly mistaken for winter kill and is usually found in the same sunny dry areas of the lawn where winter drying problems damage the lawn. Reflective heat from retaining walls, buildings, and trees are other common areas where mites will be active. We offer Miticide treatments throughout the Fall, Winter, and early Spring to help control these pests during the time of year when they are the most active and damaging the lawn. 

Anti-Deccication


Desiccation is defined as a state of extreme dryness in the tree industry. Desiccation can be damaging to evergreens, which don’t typically drop their needles in the fall in preparation for colder temperatures. Plant roots are unable to obtain the necessary water when the soil begins to freeze. In order to survive, they begin using all the water stored in their leaves, stems, small branches, and needles. The resulting water deficit will cause browning, scorching and may lead to the shedding of some or all of their leaves and needles prematurely.


A healthy hydrated plant with a strong and stable root system will be better equipped to deal with storm wind conditions. You can’t avoid storms or protect your garden from everything nature may throw at it, but you can help to reduce the risks with an anti-desiccation spray. The best time to use anti-desiccation sprays starts in October. It is important during the winter months when we have cold snaps, to implement a regular treatment of anti-desiccation sprays to your trees. Left untreated, the damage will stunt new growth leaving trees and shrubs with an unhealthy, sparse appearance.


Our anti-desiccant application (applied directly to leaves and needles) provides a protective coating, which helps reduce the amount of water that escapes during drier months. Be sure to check with the experts at Autumn Tree Lawn and Landscape to make sure your trees are receiving proper treatment, on a regular schedule to maintain their health and vitality. If you aren’t sure if your tree is experiencing these issues, it is best to let the professionals assess the situation and determine the best method for either prevention or treatment.