Pests in the Urban Landscape

Urban neighborhood and park.

The Pests in the Urban Landscape blog shares the latest resources and information from the UC IPM Urban & Community team to help you sustainably manage pests in the home, garden, and landscape. 

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Text reads "Pest Tips for July". In the background you see a picture of a summer garden, abundant with flowers and fruit trees.

July Pest Management Tips

July 1, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Summer is in full force and while it's been quite hot in many parts of California, it's been very cool in others. That's why UC IPM's Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist is a useful tool to help you figure out what to do in your region each month! Here are some general tips for keeping your landscape…
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Sunlight streaming through the leaves of a tree canopy

Pruning and Tree Physiology: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

June 22, 2026
By Igor Lacan
 Pruning in Practice Pruning is perhaps the most common tree maintenance activity that is undertaken on urban and ornamental trees. This is in sharp contrast with forest trees, which are pruned only in exceptional cases and yet grow and develop their mature form quite well, living considerably…
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Ripe red tomatoes with rough uneven discolored surfaces next to a green tomato surrounded by browning green leaves near the ground. Copyright information is at the bottom

Vegetable Garden Diseases and Disorders

June 17, 2026
By Mackenzie F Patton
When you have a vegetable garden, sometimes you might discover your plants aren’t growing as well as expected and look sick. Vegetable plants can get diseases just like animals. A plant disease is an abnormal condition caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, water molds, or viruses. These are known…
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Four sections showcasing tools for pest management and identification with corresponding images. Transcribed Text reads: Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool: Identify 650+ plant pests, diseases, and abiotic problems across 300+ species by narrowing down issues by plant and affected part. Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist: A monthly IPM checklist helping landscape professionals and gardeners manage common ornamental and fruit tree plant pests with a list of actions. Wildlife Pest Identification Tool: Identify Calif

UC IPM Tools are Back Online!

June 15, 2026
By Yulie Velez
Last month, we shared on our blog that UC IPM's website was undergoing changes to redesign and update the content to improve not only the overall look, but accessibility for those with disabilities to be in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   We also…
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It Takes a Village: Managing Invasive Pests in California

June 12, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
Because California is a major hub for commerce and tourism, many non-native organisms, especially plants, insects, and other animals, are brought into our state every day, either accidentally or on purpose. Most of them are harmless, but some are invasive species that cause big problems for the environment…
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