i live in southeastern nebraska, the leaves on
our hackberry trees are turning yellow, curly
up and falling. our lawn service says its due
to spider mites.

any input on how to control or rid of the pest
would be welcomed

Reply to post by craig adamek, on July 08, 1999 at 22:20:22:

If it is indeed spider-mites (I'm a new yorker)and it is labled in your state for use, I would recommend Avid, Morestan (if you can find it) or but don't quote on this an insectidal soap/pyrenone mixture. Avid I believe has a 30 day residule, Morestan kills both the mite and the eggs, Soap@pyrenone works very well also but has no real residule and does not kill the eggs. (pleas excuse the spelling errors)

However; it seems to me that the damage is done and it may not be worth the effort(environmentaly sound) to treat for it anyway. If the tree has set buds then the odds are that tree will live to breath another day sort-to-speak. (providing that is the true reason)
B.Smith

Reply to post by craig adamek, on July 08, 1999 at 22:20:22:

Sorry I don't have a treatment recommendation for you. However, I think it is always good to know for sure what you are dealing with before you take action.
Here in northern California I have seen both aphis and scale insects as pests on Hackberry. The aphis cause a yellowing and disfigurement of the newest leaves. The scales cause twig dieback.
If you have mites, you may be able to see them with a hand lense. Be aware that there are different kinds of mites, including ones which are predatory towards the kinds that attack plants.
It is always good to make sure that any treatment material is applied at an effective time for a target pest, and to consider whether natural pest/predator relationships can keep the problem within acceptable limits, without the use of sprays.
Get as much information as you can from your pest control expert locally, so you can understand his approach and see if it makes sense.