bed around tree

Questionis it an o.k. idea or dangerous to the health of an oak tree or pine tree to build a flower bed with stones around the bed? AnswerTree roots can not stand more than a couple of inches of added soil around t

Hackberry Tree Sap

QuestionBeginning recently, I have to park my truck under a rather large hackberry tree at our home in Middle Tennessee. We have lots of them and it is difficult to avoid because the carport is full. Sap rains down

appropriate trees

QuestionI am the director of a small museum in the Pacific NW. I want to plant a tree that would be appropriate for the area, and easy to maintain. I would like the tree to be relatively small, perhaps 2

Science:Plant Growth

Questionhow can a plant grow under an artificial light when the light does not have the same minerals and other sources as the sun? AnswerThe sun, a torch, and a light bulb all emit energy in the form of particles

Wasp all over the globe willow tree

QuestionI have a lot of wasp and some bees around my globe willow tree. There is something dripping lightly like it is raining also the grass is really sticky under the globe willow tree. Also when you look up at th

Cedar eater

Question cedar post I purchased a load of cedar posts from the Texas hill country last year. I have them stockpiled on my coastal property one hour south of Houston. We have noticed that when we strip the bark back,

Sunset maple not turning red

QuestionI have a sunset maple in my backyard that I planted about 7 years ago. The leaves on the tree have never turned the red color in fall, which was the specific reason that I planted this tree. In the fall, som

Japaneese Maple

QuestionWhen is the best time to trim a Japaneese Maple and how far back can you trim it? AnswerMajor pruning should be done during the dormant season after the leave have fallen, from late November to early Januar

big white fungus at the base of mulbery tree

QuestionHello Jim, I have a sickly looking ( about 2/3 dead) Mulberry tree with a large rather fast growing thing at the bottom. It grows initially white then turns brown. If you touch the white part it is mushroom

Mimosa

QuestionI have a mimosa tree that has a lot of white bugs on it. I thought they were flies, but they do not move when I poke at them. They appear to be stuck on tree. They are multiplying quickly. They are also in c

Apple Tree Care

QuestionI have a two years old apple tree. It was cut off the bark around the trunk ( by a grass trimmer )about three inches. It is still look green and normal, but some people said it is dying. Is

Bradford Pear pruning

QuestionI just read your answer to a question about pruning Bradford Pears. They line the street in the development where I live and are about 10 years old and tall and beautiful. But, they are starting

asian lady beetles

QuestionWe are INFESTED every year by Asian lady beetles. They get into our siding, windows, trim edging, attic, EVERYWHERE! Suggestions? Anything would be appreciated. We live in the North G

Fire Ant Infestation Inside Pecan Tree

Question Pecan Tree Trunk The trunk of an old large pecan tree is infested with fire ants. How do I get rid of the ants without killing the tree? The tree produced an abundance of pecans in 2003, but now

the globe willow

Question how and when to prune this is a mature tree that is quite tall and full. any advice? AnswerThe best times to prune willows trees are in the late summer or early fall. This variety bleeds sap, so it is impo

Dog Urinating on my new trees

QuestionI have a small pug that keeps going to my new trees that I just had planted this past weekend to go to the bathroom on the trees. Can this kill my new trees? I got a Cherry tree, a Sugartyme Crabapple

USE OF SPIKES IN TREE TRIMMING

QuestionI HAVE FOUR QUESTIONS: I RECENTLY (10/27/08) HAD MY OAK TREES TRIMMED AND THE CREW USED CLIMBING SPIKES. I NOW UNDERSTAND THIS WAS PROBABLY NOT A GOOD IDEA. (1) AM I OK BECAUSE OF THE TIME OF YEAR? (2) IF NO

Austrian Pines, 2 questions

QuestionI planted two Austrian pines in my front yard in 1971, they were about 4 tall after planting them, they did well for years. They grew to about 40. This summer I had to take them out, (expencive)

tree fertilization

Questionhow do i fertilize trees in the forest for better acorn production AnswerAcorn crops can vary greatly from year to year. During 揾eavy?years, acorns can rain down from the trees, almost covering the ground b

hemlock for fire wood

QuestionYou have already stated it is middle of the road BTU for indoor woodstoves. Do we have a high creosote level when burning this type of wood? Right now we have maple and oak in our woodpile but can resupply n