The Mattapoisett Tree Committee and Tree Warden Roland Cote will present a tree-banding workshop to demonstrate how to band trees to trap winter moths this fall before they climb trees and lay eggs for a new generation of caterpillars. The workshop will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s property at Dunseith Gardens (Salty, The Seahorse), located at the corner of Rte. 6 and North Street at 1:00 pm. Rain date is October 18.
This environmentally-friendly technique is relatively easy for homeowners to use on their trees. The workshop is presented in partnership with the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the two trees that will be banded will be visible for several months for all to see the quantity of female moths trapped and prevented from laying their numerous eggs.
If you would like to attend this free workshop, please contact the Mattapoisett Tree Committee at MattapoisesttTreeCom@gmail.com or like us on Facebook at MattapoisettTreeCommittee for updates on our work to protect and encourage trees in Mattapoisett.
For those who are unable to attend the workshop, the following is a list of some things to do to protect trees:
- Clean up leaves around trees to control the moth population.
- Tree banding in the fall is a preventative control. The proper way to tree band will be demonstrated at the workshop. Visit http://mattapoisett.net/Pages/MattapoisettMA_WebDocs/treewarden for information if unable to attend the workshop. It is important to never apply petroleum or sticky substances directly to a tree.
- Dormant oil sprays are safe for home application when used as directed and works by coating and suffocating egg deposits on the bark of trees. It must be applied before winter moth caterpillars hatch, usually February into March.
- Chemical spray application works when pests are active. Chemical spray should be applied by licensed professionals. Timing will be determined by the professional for best results.