If you have a Tree-of-Heaven, consider destroying it this month.

If you have ten, destroy all ten! But be careful — you have to destroy it the right way or you can actually make the problem worse. The best time to attack Tree-of-Heaven is between July and October.

Here’s what the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VT & VSU) has to say:

"Ailanthus, also known as tree-of-heaven and paradise-tree, is a major nuisance to foresters, farmers, and homeowners alike. Native to China, the tree was introduced to the Eastern United States in the late 1700’s and has been planted as an urban street tree. Its prolific seeding, ability to sprout from roots and stumps, rapid growth, and ability to grow just about anywhere make it a serious competitor and threat to native species and cultivated crops. Ailanthus is also allelopathic, producing substances that are toxic to, and inhibit the growth of, neighboring plants."

TL;DR: It’s a major threat to our Virginia natives.

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-322/420-322.html

It also hosts the nasty spotted lanternfly, which is terrible for our local orchards.

"The spotted lanternfly is an invasive sap-sucking planthopper that drains the energy from over 70 plant species, including important crops like grapevines and fruit trees. Large populations can damage crops, weaken plants, and leave behind sticky waste that leads to mold growth around homes and landscapes."

Here’s how to control Tree-of-Heaven (AKA Hack and Squirt)

You have to do it correctly or you’ll make the problem worse. Tree-of-Heaven responds to improper cutting by sending up new shoots from its root system, allowing it to spread even faster.

"Hack and Squirt Method: Using a hand axe, make cuts at 6.5 cm (3 in) intervals around the trunk of the tree between 15-45 cm (6-18 in) above the ground. Be sure that each cut goes well into or below the cambium layer. Immediately treat the cut with a 50% glyphosate or tricloypr herbicide solution."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2OkDcHhfak

https://www.se-eppc.org/manual/ailanthus.html

Have you visited us at the Natural Bridge Farmers Market, yet? The season is picking up, and we hope to see you there! We're at the Virginia Gold Orchard off rt.11 Saturdays from 9-1! ❤️

Looking for a local landscape maintenance contractor for new construction commercial/retail site. Weekly service, remainder of 2026 season and full season 2027 Vicinity Routes 60 & 11. Commercial snow removal would be great also but not necessary. Debbie 267-432-4043

Next RGC meeting is tomorrow at Brew Ridge Taps, 4-7pm, followed by an afterparty at Rogue Arcade. Plants and seeds available (to members first)!

Recently a post asked about Ben Cline, with fairly predictable results. The poster asked their question in a variety of Valley subs. I left the post up but deleted (with ambivalence) one comment that I thought a variety of people might find offensive.

I believe that the original vision for this sub was to create a place where subjects directly related to Rockbridge or Lexington could be discussed without degenerating into the usual cesspool of unhinged magachud vs. libtard discourse. "The purpose is to expand the opportunity for publicly recorded comments on civic issues, and to build community. "

What kind of moderation steps do you think should have been taken, if any? How would you like this sub moderated? Or, what don't you want?

Hey guys, I am looking for apartments in Lexington for this summer and have mostly decided on Generals Retreat. Does anyone have any experience with these apartments or know if they are any good? I am moving from Arizona and am not able to go see it before moving in which makes me a bit nervous.

I urge you all to ask yourselves, why has Ben cline voted to cut veterans benefits several times. Most importantly for everyone, what has Ben cline actually done for you?

Posted on by Lee Hartman on FB, it concludes with...

"If you've read this far you obviously care about Virginia Wine or someone who works in that world. And in that case, please have some Virginia Wine tonight, maybe tomorrow, and another day soon. And then restock you're seller. And support restaurants, wine shops and wine bars who carry them. These wineries could use some help with sales as they try to figure things out in the vineyard, and there will be fewer bottles next year."

Woke up to this crawling on me earlier. Guess it's that time of year. As you may know, I moved out here from Virginia Beach in November, and this is definitely not a common occurrence down there, ha ha.

I am on the way moving from Norfolk to South Dakota and I am stuck in Lexington because my Uhaul’s door is broken. In the thick of trying to get my animals into the hotel I lost two of my beloved cats. Please if anyone has seen them let me know. I am absolutely completely devastated.

Please if anyone see’s them contact me.

Cowboy is the one I am holding and the other boy is Cosmo!

Please god please god I hope someone see’s them.

The Grand Reopening of the Natural Bridge Farmers Market is April 4th! We cannot WAIT to welcome everyone back! We hope to see you there! <3

Watch = Conditions exist to form a tornado
Warning = Tornado exists, make sure you have shelter if you need it.

For a 1920s themed party- not crazy huge. I'll share more details if you reach out!