Information on Specific Pests

Information includes links to fact sheets and photographs. This information was developed in western North Carolina.

• Balsam Twig Aphid
• Balsam Woolly Adelgid
• Scales – including Elongate Hemlock Scale and Cryptomeria Scale
• Spruce Spider Mite
• Hemlock Rust Mite
• Grubs and Other Root Feeding Insects  – including white grubs, black vine weevils and root aphids
• Cinara Aphids and Other Post Harvest Pests
• Rosette Bud Mites
• Phytophthora root rot
• Minor pests – including insects and diseases
• Spotted lanternfly – it’s not in North Carolina yet, but growers need to know about it
• Christmas Tree Pest Predators
• Organic Pest Control in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

Integrated Pest Management

• • What is an IPM Farm?
  • Scouting Videos (links to videos on YouTube):
    • How to Use a Hand Lens (in English)
    • How to Use a Hand Lens (in Spanish)
    • Scouting for Balsam Twig Aphid Eggs
  • Fraser Fir IPM
    • • Introduction
      • The Foundation of Pest Control — Cultural Practices
      • Scouting — The Steering Wheel
      • Insecticides — Just One Tool in the Pest Control Tool Box
      • Control Based on Time in Rotation — since not every pest is a problem at every age. 
      • Control Based on Pest
        • Focus on Aphid Control
        • Focus on Mite Control
        • Focus on Balsam Woolly Adelgid
        • Focus on Scale Control
        • Focus on Rosette Bud Mite
      • Control Based on Treatment Window — what you can control at certain times of year. Includes:
        • Winter: December through February
        • March: The Time for Oil
        • Spring: April through Bud Break
        • Shoot Elongation: mid-May through June
        • Summer: July through Early September
        • Fall: September through November

    Pesticides

    • Pesticides Labeled for Use in North Carolina Christmas Trees
    • Pesticide record keeping forms
      • Form for WPS and Restricted Use Applications – NCDA&CS
      • USDA Recordkeeping Manual for Private Pesticide Applicators (Blue Book) – Form 1 & Form 2 – both forms required for complete records
    • Sprayer Calibration
      • Calibrating a Backpack Sprayer for Chemical Mowing Fact Sheet  – CropLife Foundation & NCCTA
      • Backpack Calibration Worksheet
      • Mistblower Calibration Worksheet
      • Video – Calibrating a High Pressure Sprayer
    • Pesticide Safety 
    • Pesticide Application Specific to Christmas Trees
      • High Pressure Sprayers
      • Airblast Mistblowers
      • Backpack Mistblowers
      • Backpack Sprayers
      • Boom Sprayers
      • Important Information on the Label
      • Weather Conditions When Spraying
      • Tips for Keeping Bees Safe

General Pesticide Information

• • • • • North Carolina Agricultural Chemical Manual
        • IRAC Mode of Action Classification– Information on chemical families and reducing the risk of developing resistance
        • Pesticide Environmental Stewardship

Christmas Tree Pest Control from Other States

• Penn State Christmas Tree Pests and Diseases
• Michigan State Christmas Tree Pests
• Virginia Tech Christmas Tree Pests and Control
• Washington State Christmas Tree Plantation Pests
• Oregon State Identifying and Managing Christmas Tree Diseases, Pests and Other Problems
• US Forest Service: Christmas Tree Pest Manual

• • • The information and recommendations on this site are for educational purposes only. The treatment information provided on this site adds to and does not replace the relationship that exists between you and your county extension agent or your own field experience.
    • Recommendations have been developed for western North Carolina and will not necessarily apply to other areas of the country.
    • Implementation of recommendations generated on this web site does not guarantee successful pest control nor is the North Carolina Cooperative Extension liable for pest control results or subsequent tree quality.
    • Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension center in your county.