Search Results

Prevention of squash vine borers #781424

Asked February 07, 2022, 1:52 PM EST

Last year, I planted squash and zucchini in raised pots on my deck. They did really well until I noticed Squash vine borers had started to destroy the stalks from the inside out. How can I prevent these borers this year?

Carver County Minnesota

Browning of white pines #781111

Asked January 31, 2022, 7:39 PM EST

Starting this past fall and continuing to now, my 50 white pines are starting to brown and yellow out. I’m in Brainerd, and have never seen this much of that before. I’m afraid of some fungus, or maybe it’s the drought. I need some guidance.



Crow Wing County Minnesota

Branch Pruning Needed in Serbian Spruce? #778102

Asked November 19, 2021, 11:08 AM EST

Some Tree History: I have a Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) in my backyard planted in fall 2016. In spring 2017 I found out (from Oakland Nursery Dublin, OH help desk) that white pine weevil killed the leader branch of that spruce. In 2017 I pruned out that dead branch out and selected a healthy adjacent branch that was upwardly growing and bound it to a short straight bamboo stake with green horticultural tape at various points along the branch. The stake was removed after a year. In fall 2017 (and subsequent falls) I used BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed 12-month duration systemic insecticide and fertilizer at the base of the spruce per container directions to prevent weevil damage for the following spring. In April 2018 (and subsequent Aprils) I also applied permethrin contact insecticide on the area at and near the leader branch. The spruce in year 2021 about 11 – 12 feet tall and about 8 feet across at its base. Problem: In 2021 I’ve noticed another branch is competing with my trained leader branch (see attached photos, one showing labeled branches on the spruce and another showing the full spruce). I understand that apical dominance/maintaining a single leader is important to maintain the conical shape of the spruce and to prevent the spruce from splitting apart between top branches. Should I leave the spruce alone and allow the two branches to compete for sole leader domination (if that can occur) or should I prune down the competing branch and, if so, to what extent (to the base of that branch at the spruce trunk or to where else)?



Franklin County Ohio

OMG Am I having a Night of the Living Dead experience? Not pods but ???!! #777938

Asked November 16, 2021, 5:25 PM EST

Found these under the leafy dirt under an old wooden lounger... they look like turnips but aren't hard, they feel like a hard boiled egg when you squeeze them. They have a root at one end. I peeled the outer skin off and there was gelatinous stuff inside (see upper left of pic 3) and then I sliced one in half (pic 2) and then more slices, pic 3.... What could these be? Some sort of mushroom? Never seen anything like this in over thirty years here!! Any guesses/suggestions welcome!



Travis County Texas

Why are my Doug Fir’s needles turning yellow? #776786

Asked October 30, 2021, 3:37 PM EDT

I am just noticing that some of my 90-foot tall Doug Fir’s needles are yellowing. It has been windy here in SE PDX and very small branches are dropping — but I don’t think it’s more than usual. The trunk bark looks fine to me. I’m wondering if it’s from the extreme heat of the summer, and I did not water it at all. Should I water it in extreme heat? And what can I do for it now? Yikes. Thank you.



Multnomah County Oregon

Lowell Vegetable Garden #776338

Asked October 25, 2021, 12:16 PM EDT

I live in Glenwood Springs, CO. Have had various vegetable gardens over the last 40 years. 7-8 years ago I , built a raised garden that is about 3' x 3' x 26' long. Filled with topsoil and it drains well. Grow tomatoes, peppers, kale spinach, peas, beans, onions, carrots, radishes, and cucumbers. I do try to rotate where I plant stuff. When I test the PH, the soil really wants to go basic so ii add a lot of acid and organic fertilizer. The tomatoes get smaller every year. I think it is time for a comprehensive soil test. Can you help?



Garfield County Colorado

Southern Magnolia variety in planter boxes #773895

Asked October 01, 2021, 10:00 PM EDT

Condo has Magnolias in brick planters with metal lining. The small planters are 4 by 4 feet with a depth of about 4 feet. These planters are over the garage. The trees are 15 years old and about 15 - 20 feet tall and are still producing flowers. They were given a root inhibitor treatment two years ago. We are concerned that the roots will push thru the bricks breaking the planter or go thru the cement. We have had several arborist tell us they can't guarantee the trees won't damage planter or garage. Have read the roots are fleshy and therefore couldn't push through metal. Is that true? Should we continue doing root inbititor? Will the trees eventually die because they become root bound before causing damage? Thanks

Multnomah County Oregon

Home lawn #772605

Asked September 21, 2021, 6:46 PM EDT

Our lawn appeared to go dormant due to very dry weather, we got a few good rains and it greened up for a few weeks. However, now it looks dead or dormant again but in spots not previously stressed. Everything I read basically says to wait til Spring. Is there any other test or way to confirm exactly what is going on? thanks Kay Frey

Butler County Iowa

Cucumber leaf wilt #772186

Asked September 18, 2021, 2:46 PM EDT

My cucumber plants are dying with cucumbers still growing. Planted 1 June. Plenty of rain.



Midland County Michigan

Cockleburr management #770975

Asked September 06, 2021, 9:28 PM EDT

I have dug out burdock from garden space that still has hydrangea plant in it. What can I use to kill burdock roots without killing the hydrangea?

Hennepin County Minnesota