In late summer each female adult (European Crane Fly) lays up to 300 eggs in grassy areas, where they soon hatch into "Leatherjackets".  They stay under ground over the winter and cause most damage to the turf the folloing spring.

In 2012 the Meaford area was invaded by the European Crane Fly also called "leatherjacket" in its larval stage.  After heavy rains in the spring, they can be found on sidewalks, driveways or bare grass patches.  This insect causes severe lawn damage so please contact me prompty if you find this insect or see damage.

The adult looks like a giant mosquito.

 

Giant Hogweed is becoming more common in our area and is highly toxic to pets and humans.  If you see plants on your property, they need to be eradicated.

DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH BARE

A leaf  photo of the Giant Hogweed.

The flower of the Giant Hogweed is very simular to that of "Wild Carrot or Queen Annes Lace" but much larger.

 

Fiesta (high iron) is still the best weed control on the market.  However, when improperly applied, this product can cause damage to well established cedar trees.  We have found that in locations where a treated lawn drains onto the base of White Cedars and water pools after irriation or rain, the Cedar foliage can be burned and the iron overload frequently kills clusters of trees.  If you have experienced this, please notify me.  There is a study at the University of Guelph that is looking into this situation.