It's hard to believe that I’m already sitting down to write my fall blog. It seems just a short time ago that summer was in full bloom: pool parties, cookouts with friends, trips to the Vineyard with the kids. But as I stepped outside on this fine, crisp evening, I could detect the distinct whiff of...well, fall. That is, if fall has a smell (which I believe it does!) And, as further proof that fall is upon us, the swamp maples are starting to turn color; that magnificent fiery red that's an autumnal favorite of mine. So I guess I must reconcile myself to the fact that summer is indeed over.
And speaking of the change of seasons, there is something that I want to alert all of you to as we head towards winter: the deer! Well, not the deer exactly, but something deer-related. Deer are facing a very tough season ahead, in terms of an adequate food supply. There is a very noticeable decline in the crop of acorns on the trees this year, and this will have an enormous impact on the deer herd this winter. A normal acorn crop is a huge bounty for them. Thanks to those tasty little nuggets lying on the ground, deer can pack on fat, carbs, and plenty of calories in just a couple of months. But when you add the lack of their favorite food source to the additional threat of a hard winter with deep snow (anyone out there remember last winter?) the scenario becomes even more bleak for these hungry creatures.
When you don’t see a mast crop of acorns on the trees, it's a sign that you'll definitely see even more deer feeding on (yes, you guessed it) your landscape. You'll see damage like you haven't seen in several years, all because of the scarcity of this tiny but oh-so important fruit/nut called the acorn.
But we at ohDEER stand prepared for this increased threat.We'll be putting our strongest repellent yet to work, starting this month. If you’re concerned, or if you have any new plantings, PLEASE be sure and let us know. And if you want to make sure that you're on our list to be sprayed, just drop us a line and we'll get you started just as soon as we can.
On another note, I was fortunate enough to attend a ‘tick talk’ in Lincoln today, put on by the Tick Action Committee. The speaker was none other than Tom Mather from the University of Rhode Island. Tom is known as the 'tick guru' and, after hearing him speak, I know why he has that handle. His presentation was extremely informative, and he provided answers to a number of questions that I'd had about ticks. But rather than listen to me go on and on about all that, do yourself a favor and check out Tom's web site (www.Tickencounter.org). I guarantee you it will be time well spent.
One very key point he made in his talk was that one of the worst fall tick seasons is at our door step. The first frost, roughly two weeks away, will get the ticks moving. Your best defense? Get on our list now for a fall yard spray. And spray yourself, your kids, and remember to check, check, CHECK the whole family for ticks!
I hope you all have a great fall...be safe, be happy, and get out there and enjoy all that New England has to offer in this wonderful season!
Kurt
