LSU AgCenter

    The Chinese Pistache – Pistacia chinensis, is a very dependable shade tree with many outstanding features.  It is a native of China and a tree that often gives some fall color for our area.

Chinese pistache usually reaches about 25 to 30 feet in height in our area with a rounded, oval canopy.  It does require pruning and training in the early years to create branches in desirable places along the trunk.

This tree grows quickly in full sun to partial shade on moderately fertile well-drained soils and can withstand heat and drought well.
   
    Chinese pistache is not a tree to be planted in low or poorly drained areas.

Brief Recognition Factors

·                    Autumn red colors.

·                    Accent, specimen tree when pruned properly.

·                    Oval to round form.

·                    Very good shade tree.

·                    Tolerant of Urban Conditions.

·                    Very clean looking tree.

·                    Not the edible pistachio.

Now the Negatives

·                    Young trees may need staking and pruning.

·                    May take 8-10 years to grow into a reasonable sized shade tree.

·                    Leaves may thin before fall.

Overall, this is a very good small to medium sized clean canopy tree underutilized in our area.

Termites Swarming

It is that time of year when I get calls about the tiny, black or brown winged insects in and around the home.

The question most often asked is:  Is this an ant or a termite?

As the weather begins to warm, we are seeing activity from our native subterranean termites.  The insects found in and around the home are probably termite swarmers.

Swarming is a means by which sexually mature adult termites move out of a colony that has become overcrowded and/or lacks adequate food.  During this season, the insects become ”swarmers” by developing wings and taking flight.  Swarmers themselves do not cause damage to structures.  Their offspring are responsible for this.

If you find swarmers in your house, this does not mean that you have termites in your home, but if you find large numbers, you may have an infestation.

Generally, if you find a few to a couple of dozen, they may have been attracted to light and come in through small cracks.  If you vacuum them up and the next day you see several dozen and lots of broken wings, this should send up a red flag.  At this point, you should inspect frequently for three signs of termite infestation – swarmers, mud tubes and damaged wood.

Most importantly, have a pest control operator do a thorough inspection of your home if you see the above signs.  As a general rule, the native subterranean termites swarm from January to April and fly during the day.

The dry-wood and Formosan termites swarm from April through June and usually begin flying at dusk and are attracted to lights.

If you have questions about termites and want them identified, bring in the soldiers and we can identify or call a pest control operator to identify or make an inspection.

Tree Care Demonstration

 Where: Bonne Terre Garden Fair At Southdown Plantation

 When: 9:00 a.m. – noon, May 5, 2007

 What: Latest technology care of trees using air knife, Eco Mulch and microinject of growth regulators.

Demonstration will take place under a tent near the Gift Show under a large Oak tree.

Vegetables to Plant in April

Snap beans, butter beans, radish, collards, cucumbers, eggplants, cantaloupes, okra, Southern peas, peanuts, pumpkins, winter squash, summer squash, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes (transplants), peppers (transplants) and watermelons.

Question – Can we grow peanuts here?

Answer – Yes.  Peanuts can be planted here in April and May.  Spanish peanuts have the smallest seeds, runner types have intermediate size seeds and Virginia types have the largest.  Fertilize lightly with 1-2 pounds of 8-24-24 per 100 feet of row.  Shell the seed peanuts and plant about four seeds per foot of row.

   If you have any questions or need more information, please give me a call at 985-873-6495.  My email:  bjoffrion@agcenter.lsu.edu or visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com.

            “It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability.”