Is Tree dead?

QuestionWe live in central AZ high desert and planted 2 chitalpa trees 2 summers ago. One never leafed out this spring! We think it may have gotten over watered last summer. The leaves were kinda yellow. The branche

termites

QuestionHow come termites dont attack trees? AnswerTermites live on dead wood cells. In a living tree this wood is on the inide protected by the bark and living tissue (cambium layer). Termites will feed on the tre

black spot

QuestionWhat is the best way to control or eliminate black spot on my roses without using chemicals? I heard/read that baking soda may help prevent it but... too late, my roses already have it. AnswerI would use a

Dry Rot

QuestionI have a fir free in my yard and a friend said the tree was suffering from dry rot What is it, Jim, and how can I control it? Or get rid of it. Thanks AnswerI do not think your trree has what is

Lichen

QuestionI was doing some research on lichens on Google and all I came across was how beneficial they were. But I have these green looking what I call lichens that are starting to grow on my roof asbestos shing

fungus on trees

QuestionWe have many trees on our property and we live in Oregon where we get lots of rain. I have noticed a pine tree that is loosing branches, they are dying from the bottom up and they have quite a lot of green/g

Insects on Gardenias

QuestionThere is a sticky substance on my Gardenia. The buds are also affected and are turning brown and dropping. AnswerI would think your gardenia has either scale insects or aphids. Look for small bu

pre maturing of the flowers and veges

QuestionHi ... when i plant a flower ( sunflower) it plooms before having its known hight (1.5 - 2 m),it plooms approximatly at 50 cm with small flower. AnswerIf I understand your question--the sunflower plants are

diseased garden

QuestionLast summer while I was away for 2 weeks, my small garden developed a major mold/disease problem especially on tomato and squash plants. This is the only area available for planting. Can I prepar

Holly tree defoliation

QuestionWe have two holly trees in our S. New England back yard. Each is 15-20 feet tall and are planted within 10 feet of each other. One has recently exhibited a dramatic change in leaf color to a milk

bugs????

QuestionI was pruning in my garden today and was trimming back one of my ever green bushes (has green and yellow leaves). Most of the branches were covered with little white things. They didnt move, and

bower attacking tree

QuestionI live in Indiana near Louisville Ky. Six years ago I added a tulip tree to my lawn. Last year it started to bloom and was beautiful. This spring I spotted holes in the bottom few inches of the tree. Some re

how to save a potted evergreen tree

QuestionI recieved a potted evergreen tree it looks like some sort of pine tree. I do not know where it came from. I overwatered to the point of several inches of water standing in the pot. I have the pl

holly diseases

QuestionHi Jim, I read your advice about aphids on holly and think I have seen that on mine. The new growth on my plant seems to be targeted mostly. The leaves have holes in them with brown

Rose Pruning

Question When is the right time to prune roses & what sprays should be given after pruning AnswerThere are several web sites for roses here is one on pruning;http://doityourself.com/flowers/gotroses.htm Here in th

PROBLEM EVERGREENS

QuestionJim Hi, what you discribed is what I have, the spittle Bug, what do I do to destroy this and how do I prevent this in the future. Thanks Ken ------------------------ Followup To Question - Jim Hi

blight/mold

QuestionThree out of four of the bushes in front of my house are fine. One, however, has its leaves consumed by what looks like white mold or a blight of some kind. I am a new homeowner and a total novic

Carrotwood tree problem

Question------------------------- Followup To Question - Hi Jim! I planted a Carrotwood tree about a year ago. It seemed to have been doing ok in the full sun with regular water until a few months ago when

spots on Japanese Red Maple leaves

QuestionI received a Japanese Red Maple tree last year. Its small but doing well. It has a lot of leaves this year but I noticed spots on it that are circular and totally brown. There are quite a few on each leaf. T

SAFE WEED CONTOL & Dogs??

QuestionHi, I live on the East Coast. Can you suggest to me what option(s) I have when it comes to a Safe (store bought product or a home-made solution) to killing weeds, YET not being worried about this METHOD harm