- Author: Chris M. Webb
Falling trees, or even a single fallen limb, can cause property damage, personal injury, and even death. These types of problems can happen at any time, but are more likely to happen during or right after a storm.
It is wise to take the time to evaluate trees on your property. The University of California has a publication, “Inspect Your Landscape Trees for Hazards”. It is available for free online in English and Spanish. The publication points out specific signs that may indicate that trees, or pieces of them, are at risk for falling. All evaluations are done from the ground.
As we head into our region’s stormy time of year, it is a good time to evaluate your trees for safety. You might want to share this information with your neighbors too!
Broken branch recently examined by Ventura County UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Jim Downer
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Did you know that California employers are required to take four steps to prevent heat illness? The steps are:
- Training employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
- Provide enough fresh water for each employee to drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage them to do so.
- Provide access to shade for at least 5 minutes of rest for an employee who believes they need a preventative recovery period.
- Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.
Further information can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/HeatIllnessInfo.html. Main topics for further heat related information are:
- Heat illness training – including seminars and PowerPoint training in English and Spanish.
- Heat illness regulation.
- Heat illness prevention publications – many available in English and Spanish.
- Additional heat illness links.
The University of California has heat stress information as well as many other safety tips at http://groups.ucanr.org/ehs/Safety_Notes/.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The University of California Communication Services Division has created a new website. The website is designed to help people easily and quickly find hundreds of free, online publications written by UC ANR (Agricultural and Natural Resources) authors.
The site has much to offer for everyone. The most popular publications are located in the center of the homepage. On the left hand side, the site is easily browsed using the following subjects:
- Agricultural Production
- Agronomy and Range
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- En español
- Food Safety
- Home Gardening/Landscape
- Natural Resources
- Nutrition and Health
- Organic Production
- Pest Advice
- Soil, Water and Irrigation
- Vegetable Crop Production
- Youth, Family/Community
This growing collection of free information can be found at https://ucanr.org/freepubs/.
/span>- Author: Chris M. Webb
Ever wanted or needed to know more about a pest? This is a common request at the Ventura County UCCE office.
The University of California has a wonderful website devoted to IPM (integrated pest management). The site is quite diverse. It has information about:
- the home, which includes pests of structures, people and pets.
- gardens and landscapes, where viewers can search by plant or by common pests, including plant diseases and weeds. Common management methods are also a part of this section.
- whether pesticide use is appropriate, how pesticide use relates to water quality, and other pesticide guidelines and suggestions.
- identification of pests and natural enemies with the aid of photo galleries.
- quick tips, available in PDF format, in English and Spanish.
These subjects and much more can be found here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The tiny Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) has the potential to wipe out the California citrus industry. It is a carrier of the deadly bacterial plant disease, Huanglongbing (HLB), which is also known as citrus greening disease. This disease is fatal to citrus trees.
The insect feeds on citrus leaves and stems. Unfortunately, ACP has already been found at several sites in California. It threatens not only the commercial citrus industry, but also the ability of California residents to grow citrus at their homes.
It can take years for the symptoms of HLB to appear. Inspection and elimination of ACP is our first line of defense. Signs of disease include: asymmetrical yellowing and splotching of leaves; new growth is misshapen and twisted; produces bitter, inedible, misshapen fruit.
To help stop the spread of this insect and disease: inspect trees monthly and whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending to trees; plant only certified disease-free citrus trees from a reputable nursery; do not bring any plant material into California from other states or countries.
At the end of this post you will find a presentation from the Citrus Research Board, provides additional information and photos. Topics covered include: other plants that can be attacked by the psyllid; maps showing locations of pest and disease; ways that the pest moves around; what happens when ACP is detected; how an infestation affects commercial citrus orchards.
If you find the Asian citrus psyliid, call the CDFA hotline at 800.491.1899 right away.
To learn more about the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB disease, or to download printed materials in English, Spanish and Chinese, please visit www.californiacitrusthreat.com.