The GW Search engine did not send me to the numerous postings some of us have written in years past. Too bad as lots of interesting gypsy moth data is lost. This question has come from Western New York where I suspect residents are being updated. My suggestion would be to contact Cornell U. for the latest reports on the fungus Entomophage maimaiga which is being tested in the upper mid-west with success over the past few years. Further suggest that this contact be made through the Geneva Experiment Station in Geneva, NY (a division of Cornell) as I have found the staff there helpful directing me to the best sources. As to the question of what the average homeowner can do to protect trees.....etc. Two thoughts: 1. The old method of using burlap and Tanglefoot (easily ordered on line if not available in your stores does help in the early stages of the infestation. You want the thick, gooey type, not the spray-on variety of Tanglefoot. I prefer to use several widths of blue painter's tape side by side rather than burlap. It is easy to apply and coat using a tongue depressor with Tanglefoot, easy to remove and replace when needed with no harm to tree bark. 2. The gypsy moth battle involves everyone in town. The first step is to have an expert appear on the local news and write articles teaching how to identify the tan/yellow egg cases that the female moth lays at the base of trees and underneath everything such as woodpiles, kids swing seats, porch overhangs, etc. usually within a height of 3-4 feet from the ground. Every homeowner should be watching for these egg cases and should receive instructions on how to remove and destroy them. Egg cases are scraped off with a putty knife into a container and then the spot where the case is removed is painted with a bit of winter strength dormant oil. This is an old time method and if a suburban community will turn out in late summer/fall seeking and destroying the egg cases, each in his own neighborhood, it really makes a difference. A good Scout project. A great family project. Well worth the effort to coordinate.

I am going to need to have a tree service come and remove another tree and grind down that stump, plus several other stumps from trees that were already removed anyway, so I figured I would just have them do those oaks at the same time. I don't really feel the need to keep those small oaks because we have numerous other larger oaks that are in better spots, as well as being more majestic and beautiful looking. I would prefer some smaller trees that would give some sort of show, whether it's a spring or summer bloom or some fall color I don't really mind. I have lots of oaks but no blooming trees, and my only fall color tree is an unhealthy and badly pruned liquid amber that is going to be removed. I'm not sure there is a jacaranda in the background. The trees to the left of my oaks are persimmons, we enjoy the fall/winter display of fruit a lot. I thought about planting some persimmons of my own, or some other fruiting tree, but since we get so many birds hanging out in those trees I don't think I will. If I have a fruit tree I like to keep the birds out so that I can enjoy the fruit, and I kind of want these trees to be for the birds to enjoy. So some small, blooming, bird-friendly trees are what I was thinking, which is why I was leaning towards Redbuds.

You guys are awesome! Thank you. Jay-ha, see, I always think "bigger is better!" That thinking can get me in trouble, I see! LOL. These pines started out taller than yours. I don't know the names of all our trees but we do have lots of queen palms. I love our yard and all the trees. I know Norfolk are not native but I think they are so pretty! Not sure if you can see, but we do have some of those different "grasses" amongst the bald cypress/pines. Also, a few little palms...also not sure of the name. We just like the look of that natural Florida scrub...you know what I mean, yes? We have planted a mahogany tree in the horse pasture, where we have two big flamboyant trees. We planted a little baby avocado. I swiped some spanish moss from a recent trip to your neck of the woods and hung it from a tree in our paddocks. (I have two miniature horses, BTW.) I really want a sycamore tree for some reason...I am on a kick to get one. I also have a HUGE hanging staghorn that we have had in the family since the 1970s. I also have an orchid I received on my 13 birthday 29 years ago. It ONLY blooms in my birthday month....August. Love my plants! I am REALLY getting into plants and trees! I am going to google the names of the ones you mentioned. We bought this house about 18 months ago and went from having NO yard (townhouse) to an acre and I am enjoying it so much! Thank you for all your help. I am in Broward County...west part (Plantation.) Thank you again. I showed my DH the pic of your pines and now he is depressed! Lou-UGH...tweezers? *shudder* I guess I could do it. What I started doing was plucking them off (w/my hands...but they are so squishy!)and putting them in a plastic bag...and I was just going to tie the bag in a knot and toss them in the outdoor garabage. Then, I dunno...I just got grossed out! I put chlorine in my pool yesterday...and found a bunch of baby frogs in the pool. I skimmed them out (took awhile, they tried to get away) and put them in the moist bedding of some arecas near the pool. A few hours later...i guess they all found their way back to the pool and were bloated and floating on top...dead. :( Really bummed me out!

frmbritt - it's best if you start a new post/thread. You'll get more responses. Feeding birds can become a challenge when certain birds dominate your feeders. I struggle with this too (I get a lot of blackbirds). To prevent doves you need feeders they can't use. I could suggest a tube feeder with perches. The fat doves can't land on the perches. They also have tube feeders and suet feeders with cages around them. This prevents bigger birds from entering and allows smaller birds access (like a bluebird). The not so fun part is buying new/more feeders. I'm going thru this now.... Just when I thought I was good on feeders, now I'm buying caged feeders, and they aren't cheap.