Gypsy Moth Caterpillars
 

The forests around my area in Plymouth look like they would in November, they have desimated this area. There will be a lot of dead trees when this year is done, I can't see how they will survive without a leaf left on them.

In spite of what Spence and his arborist said, here's the scoop:

Rhode Island has been hit hard by large caterpillar concentrations this year, especially in South and Kent Counties. In North Kingstown and South Kingstown, on a ride to the beach, the sides of Route 1 look as if the trees have just begun to bud. Residents across the state have watched their yards become skeletal and endured the rain of caterpillar poop falling from above for weeks.

The good news? The worst is likely over. The state Department of Environmental Management has been monitoring the caterpillar infestation and said in early June that many trees that have been defoliated should start to re-foliate by the end of July "with the proper care."

I am starting to see a few patches of new leaf growth on some of my oak trees. They were down to zero leaves, but in the past 2 days I am seeing spots of green way up there. Hopefully they pull through this. pretty concerned they may not make it....

And so what happens when/ if they all re-bloom???? Wont they just get chewed bare again?
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I think we're talking different kinds of damage.

How so???? May I use your statements from the other thread;


For what it's worth, I can always respect a man who is willing to accept when he is wrong. Or say they are sorry. I know. I have a brother who can do neither.....

No Not this year. The pupae or caterpillar stage is over for these beasts.

God you're on edge. Do you need help? Are you ok?

I am good. Thanks for asking.

That is a direct answer to your question. I pose a question to you, all I get is a deflection. Hell, I will withdraw the last commentary in the post.... So how about a direct answer to how this thread is a different type of damage????? I cant follow where you could be possibly going with that, even after reading both threads again.....

Drive rt 3 from exit 2 to 5. See all the dead trees with no bark? Those are from the same thing s couple of years back. Trees don't seem to survive a TOTAL defoliation. I lost a large oak same way. Fire wood.
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A year here and there they can survive. Consecutive years, 3 maybe, and dry conditions can and will kill them
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Complete defoliation for 3 plus consecutive years on old trees because of them. Complete to the point where they turn to my pines and make them bare. Keep in mind there are other fungus and insect problems and so on that can play in to the tree dying. Most go un noticed or put off. But the #^&#^&#^&#^&pillers eating the leaves bare isn't alone gonna kill a big tree.
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Recovery will be harder this year due to the drought conditions...

My area hasn't seen any damage...but 10 miles north of me looks like a war zone.... I remember the damage back in the 80's I lost several fruit trees...

Jeff,why not answer the question or at least admit you were mistaken? I hope you are a Hillary supporter because you each know how to dodge the truth. I guess your best defense is a good offense.
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Spence, have the gypsey moths eaten that giant French flag that you have flying high and proud ? :hihi:
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Simple, partial defoliation versus total defoliation. Has a huge impact on re-foliation. It's worm poop, relax.

Nice try but still the wrong answer. You have my pity.

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The answer is correct, the question is wrong.

Misinformed?
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Regardless my cherry still has a lot of holes in the foliage and they ain't growing back...never have.

There is no need to,it has not been stripped of foliage.
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Pretty well damaged, like I said, regrowth is dependent on damage. My damage is different.

That is an understatement

:rotfl:
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Is there anything that doesn.t turn into an arguement anymore. So much for helpfull info.

Talk to Dingles, he started it.

It happened to us several year in a row back in the 70s. July looked like Feb. I recall them saying at the time that the trees could withstand it for one year, but we wound up having it 3 years in a row, until there were enough wasps to do the job. Lots of trees died. You can spray to kill the caterpillars.

Yes Mike, you can indeed spray to kill them. The problem is the only pesticide that kills Gypsy Moths also kills Honey Bees and Lady Bugs.

Update on my oak trees, they were completely stripped of leaves, but today I am seeing widespread regrowth on almost all of my trees. I think if they are completely defoliated, they will regrow leaves if they have a certain percentage left, they will try to survive with what little is left, without the regrowth

What's the best preventative for the damn things