Better, worse or the same?

Now we are into the 2012 Conker Tree Science season, it is interesting to wonder whether this year is better or worse than previous years in terms of the level of damage caused by the moth.

One person from south Wales emailed to say that of the two trees she had been watching: 

"Both trees were very badly infected early on in the season this year with leaves shrivelling and dying following the harsh winds and weather.  However I think this has actually benefitted the trees as they have subsequently produced new leaves which, at the moment, show no signs of infection.  The trees had enough time to produce new leaves which seem to be outside the normal cycle of the moth.

   I think leaf litter may explain some of the infection but certainly is only part of the story. The weather is certainly a major factor.  2 years ago when we had quite a dry year the badly infected tree did much better and actually produced some conkers which it hasn't for a while."

I'm sure that weather does have a role in influencing moth numbers where the moths have been for several years - but what type of weather affects the moths? Is winter or spring weather more important?

Another person, from Leicestershire, also emailed to comment:

"This is to tell you that hereabouts infestation is vastly reduced from previous years. No trees are predominantly brown from a distance and on many that were heavily infested last year it is difficult to find any mines."

How is it looking in your area? Are the trees faring better or worse than last year? Feel free to add your comments below.