- peerlesstree
- Jun 12
Due to a wet spring with bouts of hot weather, the population of nymphal deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) has exploded this year. Another species, lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), have also been growing in number and are found in a very large geographic area. Lone star ticks are an aggressive and active species. They are associated with several pathogens, including the "allergy to red meat."
This condition is real but not limited to red meat. In the scientific community, it is more accurately known as alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS. AGS describes an allergy to the alpha-gal carbohydrate (or sugar molecule). Our bodies do not produce alpha-gal, and naturally produce alpha-gal antibodies. One of these antibodies, IgE, causes a sensitivity to many products, including "red meat" and many other products, such as bacon, milk, ice cream, cheese, gummy candies, and even certain types of medical products.
Right now in the United States, AGS is correlated with lone star tick bites. Frequent bites or bites from many ticks are associated with the development of AGS, but the cause is unknown. It could be caused by the alpha-gal carbohydrate, which has been found in tick saliva. Ticks also produce their own molecules that are structurally very similar to the carbohydrate.
As we head into the warmer summer months, keep up your protection against ticks. The lone star tick can often be found in places where you rarely find deer ticks, such as open fields, as it tends to be more tolerant of dry habitats.
Focus on personal protection methods:
 Wear an EPA-registered repellent
 Protect fabrics, clothing, and shoes with permethrin
 Include a daily tick check in your schedule
 Call Peerless!
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- peerlesstree
- Mar 31
Severe drought conditions from last year (one of the driest for the tri-state area on record) and cold, dry wind this winter have caused damage to many woody trees and shrubs. Winter injuries are seen most widely on broadleaf evergreens including Rhododendron, Boxwood, and Holly. Symptoms include browning, leaf curling, foliage desiccation and twig die-back.
"Dead plant parts should be pruned from the canopy but it’s often prudent to wait for several weeks following symptom onset to ensure the shoots and branches are dead. In some cases, the foliage is killed but shoots remain alive and can resume normal growth during the growing season." (UMass Landscape Message, March 2025)
Winter burn on Rhododendron
Winter burn on Boxwood
Winter burn on Holly
The abnormally dry weather conditions from last year may also affect stone fruit such as peaches, plums, and cherries this spring. Symptoms on the tree include shoot die-back, which can lead to brown rot disease on developing fruit and foliage.
Brown Rot on Cherry