Author: Wendy Holtz

Here’s How Whiteflies Can Harm Your Palm Tree’s Health

Palm trees add beauty and majesty to any Florida landscape, but it’s important to remember these hardy trees aren’t immune to pests and diseases. One of the nuisance pests that can wreak havoc on palm trees is the whitefly—and it’s a pest that’s common throughout South Florida. Read on to learn how these tiny insects can cause major damage to your palm trees, and what you should do if you have a whitefly infestation.

Weakening the Tree

Whiteflies feed on the sap of palm trees, piercing the leaves and extracting vital nutrients. As they continue to feed, the tree’s nutrient supply is depleted, resulting in weakened foliage and an overall decline in health. The constant extraction of sap weakens the palm tree’s ability to photosynthesize effectively, hampering its growth and vitality. Over time, the weakened tree becomes susceptible to other pests and diseases, further exacerbating its decline.

Yellowing and Browning of Leaves

One of the most visible signs of whitefly infestation is the yellowing and browning of palm tree leaves. As whiteflies feed on the leaves, they inject toxic saliva into the plant, which disrupts the flow of nutrients. This interruption in nutrient supply causes the leaves to lose their green color, turning yellow and eventually brown. If left untreated, the infestation can spread rapidly, leading to defoliation and significant damage to the palm tree’s aesthetic appeal.

Creating Honeydew and Sooty Mold

Whiteflies excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which falls onto the leaves and surrounding areas. This honeydew attracts other pests, such as ants, and creates an ideal environment for the growth of sooty mold. Sooty mold appears as a black, powdery coating on the surface of leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis and further weakening the tree. The combination of honeydew and sooty mold can significantly impact the overall health and appearance of the palm tree.

Transmitting Plant Diseases

Whiteflies can act as vectors for various plant diseases, including lethal yellowing and Texas Phoenix Palm Decline. These diseases can cause irreversible damage and even death to palm trees. When whiteflies feed on infected plants, they pick up the pathogens responsible for these diseases. As they move from tree to tree, they transmit these pathogens, spreading the diseases throughout the palm population. Early detection and proper management of whiteflies are crucial to prevent the transmission of these devastating diseases.

Stunting Growth and Reducing Longevity

Persistent whitefly infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced longevity of palm trees. As the pests continue to feed on the tree’s sap and disrupt nutrient flow, the overall growth rate of the tree slows down. Stunted growth affects the tree’s ability to develop a strong trunk and canopy, making it more susceptible to wind damage and other environmental stressors. Ultimately, if left untreated, a severely infested palm tree may face premature death.

Get Control of Whiteflies Right Away

If whiteflies have made themselves at home on the palm trees and ornamental plants in your garden, don’t wait for them to do more damage. Service Choice of South Florida is one of the few pest control and tree care companies that understands how to take care of whiteflies once and for all. Call us today at (954) 568-9955 to say goodbye to whiteflies for good!

Termite Swarming Season – What You Need to Know

Termite swarming season is the time of year when termites leave their colonies to mate and form new colonies. This can be a cause for concern for homeowners, especially those in Florida where the warm and humid weather is ideal for termites. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about termite swarming season, including facts about termites, signs to look for, and what to do if you notice swarms at your property.

What Is Termite Swarming Season?

Termites can swarm at any time during the year, but they tend to be most active in the spring and summer months. Swarming is a crucial part of the termite life cycle; it’s the time when reproductive (termites capable of starting new colonies) leave the nest to find a mate and begin a new colony.

During swarming season, large numbers of termites emerge from their nests in search of a new home. This can be both alarming and dangerous for homeowners since it means termites are on the move and looking for new places to infest.

Learn More: What Time of Year Are Termites Most Active in Florida?

Signs to Look For

Wondering if termite swarms are invading your property? Here are some of the signs to look for:

  • Flying Termites: During termite swarm season, you may notice a sudden emergence of winged termites, also known as alates or swarmers. These termites are reproductive members of the colony and are often seen flying around light sources.
  • Swarming Behavior: Termite swarms typically occur on warm, humid days, usually after rainfall. If you witness a large number of termites flying together in a concentrated area, it is a clear indication of a termite swarm.
  • Discarded Wings: After swarming, termites shed their wings. Keep an eye out for discarded wings near window sills, doorways, or other entry points. These discarded wings are often found in piles or scattered around the area.

What to Do If You See Termite Swarms

If termites are swarming around your property, you shouldn’t wait to take action. Termite swarms are a clear indication of an active termite colony nearby. By noticing and identifying the swarm early on, homeowners can detect a potential termite infestation before it causes extensive damage to their property.

First and foremost, it’s important to contact a professional termite control company as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend a treatment plan to eliminate the termites. You should also take steps to prevent future infestations by keeping your home free of moisture and fixing any leaks or other sources of water damage.

Learn More: How Often Should I Treat for Termites in Florida?

Call Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control at the First Sign of Termites

Termite swarming season can be a stressful time for Florida homeowners, but with the right knowledge and protection, you can prevent serious damage to your property. The moment you see termites or termite swarms near your property, call the termite control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka right away. We’ll remove any active infestations and implement strategies to keep these damaging bugs away for years to come. Call us now at (407) 880-6655.

How Do You Take Care of Shrubs?

Shrubs are the unsung heroes of any landscape. They provide a beautiful backdrop for flowers, add texture to the garden, and serve as a natural fence. But like everything in life, shrubs need a little TLC to thrive, especially in Florida. Florida’s weather conditions can be challenging for plant life, and unless you are proactive about their care, your shrubs can quickly go from beautiful and thriving to dull and struggling. Read on to learn our top tips for taking care of shrubs in Florida’s unique climate.

Watering

Proper watering is crucial to the health of your shrubs. In Florida, the heat can be intense, and shrubs can quickly dry out. The best time to water your shrubs is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too intense.

During the dry season, ensure that your shrubs have deep watering at least once a week. This encourages deep rooting, which ensures that the plant can access water even during prolonged dry spells. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, as this discourages deep rooting and makes the plant more susceptible to drought conditions.

Fertilizing

Shrubs require proper nourishment to grow and thrive. Fertilizing your shrubs a few times a year provides them with the nutrients they need to bloom and grow. In Florida, the soil can be deficient in certain nutrients, so it’s essential to choose a fertilizer with the right combination of elements tailored to your shrub species.

The best way to ensure your shrubs are getting the nutrients they need is by partnering with shrub care experts like the team at Evergreen of West Palm Beach. We provide the right fertilizer at the right times, priming your beautiful plants for healthy growth.

Pest Control

Florida is home to a wide variety of pests that can damage shrubs, from whiteflies to scales, spider mites, and other insects. If left unchecked, these pests can cause severe damage and even kill your shrubs, so it’s essential to be proactive about pest control. Evergreen of West Palm Beach includes pest control with our shrub care service, so you won’t have to worry about nuisance pests ruining all the hard work you’ve put into your landscape.

Temperature

Florida’s heat can be challenging for shrubs, but it’s not the only climate factor that affects them. Another vital factor is temperature fluctuation. During winter, freezes can harm shrubs, especially if they have not been acclimated to lower temperatures.

During summer, extreme heat and sun exposure can also damage shrubs. Be sure to protect your shrubs from temperature fluctuations by applying mulch, providing shade, or covering the plant during cold spells.

We Keep Your Shrubs Looking Their Best

Shrubs are easy to take care of, but it takes a little work to keep them healthy. Evergreen of West Palm Beach knows what it takes to keep your beautiful plants in perfect health, so they add beauty and value to your landscape for years to come. Call us today at (561) 734-9269 to schedule your free shrub care evaluation!

Central Florida Lawn Watering Tips

Maintaining a green and luscious lawn is a challenge—especially if you live in Central Florida, where the weather can be sweltering hot and unexpectedly wet. While we all want a beautiful yard, it can be tricky to determine the right amount of water to use on your lawn. Over-watering can lead to fungus, pest problems, and other issues while under-watering can lead to dry patches. Read on to discover some Central Florida lawn watering tips for a healthier, more vibrant lawn.

Know Your Lawn

First and foremost, it’s important to be familiar with your yard! Knowing your lawn’s specific needs can help you determine how much water to use and when. Some plants require more water than others, and soil type can also impact the frequency of watering. To determine if it’s time to water, you can use a simple trick – step on the grass. If the grass springs back up once you’ve stepped off, it doesn’t need water yet. If it stays flattened, it’s time to turn on the sprinklers.

Water Early

One of the best things you can do for your lawn is to water it early in the morning. Watering in the morning minimizes evaporation and gives your grass the opportunity to dry out before nighttime. If blades of grass are wet for too long, it can encourage fungus to grow – so you should avoid watering during the night. Also, you might have heard that watering during the heat of the day can help cool the grass down, but this isn’t true. Watering during the day can lead to a significant amount of water evaporating before it even reaches the soil.

Don’t Overdo It

Over-watering can lead to root rot, disease, and pest problems. This is why it’s important to water your lawn only when necessary and to avoid saturating it with water. A general rule of thumb is never to water more than 1 inch of water weekly. This can help keep your lawn healthy while also conserving water. Most lawns in Central Florida require about ½” to ¾” of water once or twice per week during warm weather.

Learn More: Why Does My Lawn Keep Getting Fungus?

Avoid Watering Leaves

When watering your lawn, it’s crucial to avoid watering the leaves. When the blades of grass are wet during the hottest parts of the day, the water droplets can act like tiny magnifying glasses and scorch the leaves. This damage can be superficial, but it can also be a point of entry for disease or pests. To avoid this, aim for the base of the grass near the soil.

Plant Drought-Tolerant Grass

If you’re planning on planting a new lawn or adding grass to your existing lawn, choose drought-tolerant varieties suited for the Central Florida climate. Some of the best drought-tolerant grasses include Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, Centipede grass, and Zoysia grass. Each of these grasses can handle dry conditions and require less water than other varieties.

Learn More: Which Lawn Should I Choose for My Yard? (Zoysia, Bahia, St. Augustine)

A Healthy Lawn Is Just a Phone Call Away

Watering your grass the right way is not as easy as it seems. It’s not as easy as it seems. If you overwater or underwater, it can lead to pesky pest or disease problems, and before you know it, your grass is looking yellow and sad. The lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary know what it takes to keep your lawn lush and healthy. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!