Key Takeaways
- The weather patterns in the Midwest were fairly normal in 2025, but the season came to an abrupt end with an early arrival of winter.
- The 17-year cicadas, Brood XIV, invaded the eastern sides of Hamilton County and other eastern counties, bringing both benefits and drawbacks to the plants and soil.
- The box tree moth is a concerning insect that has been devastating to boxwood plants in the area, and everyone needs to monitor their plants for this insect.
- There are no preemptive insecticides to control the box tree moth, but regular weekly spraying can help control the insect.
- The author will continue to keep readers informed about the box tree moth situation in the new year.
Introduction to the Year in Review
As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the events and issues that may have had an influence on our lawn and garden practices. The weather is always a significant factor in this regard, and for the most part, the weather patterns in the Midwest were fairly normal in 2025. However, the season came to an abrupt end with an early arrival of winter, with five inches of snow falling on December 2, followed by another major snowfall on December 13.
The Impact of Weather on Plants
The early winter weather had a significant impact on the plants, with temperatures dropping into the single digits. This was similar to 2022, when single-digit temperatures in December caused damage to many evergreen plants. However, this year was different, as the plants had a chance to acclimate to the colder temperatures, with the temperature dropping into the 20s and 30s around Thanksgiving. This allowed the plants to prepare for winter, and they were not as damaged as they were in 2022.
The 17-Year Cicadas
One of the significant events of the year was the invasion of the 17-year cicadas, Brood XIV, in the eastern sides of Hamilton County and other eastern counties. The author had firsthand experience with the cicadas and can attest to the fact that they were harmless to humans and even beneficial to the plants. The cicadas emerged from the ground, leaving behind thousands of quarter-inch holes that stayed open all year, providing a free aeration for the soil and allowing water to penetrate the soil more easily. The female cicadas also laid eggs on the tips of the branches, causing a natural pruning effect, and the decomposing bugs enriched the soil.
The Box Tree Moth
However, not all insects are as beneficial as the 17-year cicadas. The box tree moth is a concerning insect that has been devastating to boxwood plants in the area. The insect was first discovered in Loveland, Ohio in 2023, and for the first two years, it stayed contained in that area. However, this past season, it spread to surrounding communities, causing significant damage to boxwood plants. The author is concerned about the impact of this insect and will continue to keep readers informed about the situation in the new year.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the year 2025 was a significant one for lawn and garden practices, with the weather, 17-year cicadas, and box tree moth all having an impact. The author is grateful for the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with readers and hopes to continue doing so in the new year. The author wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year and looks forward to keeping readers informed about the latest developments in lawn and garden practices, including the box tree moth situation. With the new year comes new challenges and opportunities, and the author is excited to see what the future holds for lawn and garden enthusiasts.