This message was recorded on Tuesday, March 6, 2001. The pear psylla is an insect that produces large quantities of sticky honeydew on pear trees in the area.
Large infestations can seriously weaken trees.
Delay dormant oil sprays for other fruit trees, however, as the oil will darken the buds. This causes them to heat up and break dormancy earlier than usual, and puts them at greater risk from a late freeze. If you had problems with powdery mildew on lilacs, roses, or other shrubs last year, protect them this year by raking up and discarding or burying the old leaves. This will help prevent reinfestation of the disease organisms. Don't compost this material unless you are certain your compost pile is heating up to at least 140 degrees.