Drought Takes Its Toll On Northeast Trees And Lawns

The Hampton Gardener's lawn suffering from drought. The brown 2-foot-wide swath is where a water main was replaced decades ago and very sandy soil was used as backfill. As a result, this strip always browns out before anything else. ANDREW MESSINGER

This scene of maple leaves on a lawn usually happens in October or November. This leafdrop shot was taken September 4. The drought is resulting in early leaf drop throughout Long Island, New England and the lower Hudson River Valley. ANDREW MESSINGER

A sod webworm moth, wings folded, on a blade of grass. The worms or larvae do most of the damage. They can be controlled with organic and chemical pesticides. Feeding can leave circular brown spots throughout a lawn where the blades and stems have been browsed to the ground. ANDREW MESSINGER

Fritillaria imperialis blooms early in the spring and is an effective deer repellent when in flower. However, the plant is also the alternate host for the scarlet lily beetle so keep this plant as far as possible from any hardy lilies in your garden. ANDREW MESSINGER

A closeup of the Viburnum leaf beetle. It’s actually only about a third of an inch long but can be devastating to Viburnums of not controlled. There are organic (biological) controls as well as chemical controls. Beetles and larvae can be picked, but those left behind result in reinfestations. ANDREW MESSINGER

Foliar damage from the feeding of the Viburnum leaf beetle. Note that the feeding can be done inside the leaf as well as on the leaf margins. ANDREW MESSINGER