Palm Beach County UF-IFAS Extension

Cooperative Extension

News and Events

Why Are Lovebugs Flying Around My Car?

Ahhhh... the lovebug! If you live in Florida or in the Southeast, you are currently being inundated by swarms of lovebugs flying around your vehicle. These insects often end up splatted on your windshield and front grill. Many of the cars coming off the highway are covered in insect gunk. You may be thinking, "Do these critters have a death wish?" Well, there is a reason for everything... read on.

Summer Lovin’ Flowers

If you want fabulous color in the landscape consider heat tolerant flowering annuals.
Click here for more information and photos.

Preparing for Summer Storm Season

No tree is guaranteed to withstand hurricane force winds. To minimize potential damage to your home you must however prepare your landscape trees for summer storms. Take some time to carefully look at each canopy tree in your landscape. First properly prune out all dead or damaged branches, then remove any crossing or rubbing branches, and finally remove branches that are narrowly attached to the tree trunk. This pruning routine will prevent the dead branches from falling out of the tree and it will help thin out the tree canopy to allow winds to easily pass through. It is so much easier to prune a young tree rather than a large overgrown specimen. If you are hesitant about tree trimming or you cannot prune that large tree you can contact a certified arborist at isaarbor.com For tips on proper pruning attend ‘Tree Risk Assessment & How to Decrease Liability by Identifying and Decreasing Tree Hazards’ Saturday August 11, 10am-11:30am this free program is open to all residents and will be held at the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service at the Mounts Building Auditorium, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Call the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service to register at 561-233-1759.

Figure 1 Stephen Davis Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service program assistant demonstrates proper pruning techniques during a Master Gardener monthly educational meeting on May 3, 2012.