We had a Star Magnolia for 20-25 years. About 5 years ago it developed a black growth on it's branches and abruptly died. We would like to replace it with a Star Magnolia in it's same location but since we are not familiar with it's disease we fear it may reoccur. Can you help us with this? The area seems to be dormant as we haven't been able to grow simple begonias in the soil. What can we plant there instead. It was a specimen plant and does not have that much room for height. (See Picture Below. It is of the area where we want to plant another Magnolia and there is a stake in the spot. ) NEXT QUESTION!!!! MOSS in Lawn and Garden We have so much moss that grows in our lawn and planting areas. We live in a somewhat wooded area, but it seems to have taken over How can we get rid of it? (See Pictures Below - There are Two of the Lawn area.)

I have a privet hedge that is experiencing branch dieback; according to the literature the most likely causes seem to be wilt or honey fungus. Since there are no "black shoelace' streamers or mushrooms around the base of the plants I suspect that wilt is the more likely cause. I've attached several photos of branches exhibiting the problems. Can you kindly identify what my problem is and if there is a course of action I can take to combat this issue? Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi, Found this in my screened in porch today. Looked on the internet and I think it looks like this, but just wanted to be sure.

Some of our boxwoods (I believe Korean) have brown leaves after the winter season. I am thinking that I trimmed them too late in the fall and that the browning is winter burn but not sure. These boxwoods have always been very healthy. I appreciate your evaluation of our problem and suggestion of any remedies. I have attached some photos which I hope are helpful.

I'm a volunteer at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport. This Easter Red Cedar (Juniperus virginian) had an industrial strength infection of bag worms last year. The museum had it sprayed twice by a local company. I estimate that 1/3 of the tree has been defoliated. From the ground, I can't determine if the defoliated upper branches are leafing out. The lower half of the tree seems robust. Some say the tree is dead and it should be cut down. I would like to save it if possible. Should: I take a wait and see if the upper branches leaf out, consider removing the upper branches or cave into the "cut it down" movement? thank you, dennis