We have an approx 100yo white oak in our backyard, being stressed by the construction of a garage nearby. The arborists from the 2 companies we had in for pruning estimates have recommended 2 different things to help with the stress, aside from fertilization. One has recommended use of an "Air Spade" to loosen the soil compacted by construction (does this damage fine roots?) and the other has recommended an application of paclobutrazol growth inhibitor to decrease foliage and new shoots in order to encourage root growth. Thoughts? Suggestions? I thought the experts from my alma mater ('84, '88) would know. Thanks for your help with this. The tree is in the R hand corned of the attached picture. I might also add that it is further stressed by the recent removal of a mature hickory on our neighbor's property (farther to the R off the picture) that shaded it on one side .

Hi there, we are a seafood processor in Idaho that has been shipping domestically for 50 years and now we are trying to export trout to a new customer in Chile. We have been having issues with where to begin in terms of health certificates, inspections for export, etc. We also handle catfish so we have HACCP plans and are inspected almost daily by USDA but they have not been able to help us in this regard. We have reached out to the US Department of Commerce but have not heard back. In our search, we learned that OSU's NIC may be able to help. Can you point us in the right direction on who to talk to for these certifications or can OSU do them themselves? Thank you

Hello, I live in Eugene and am planning to plant a stone fruit tree in my back yard. We are at fairly low elevation, with wet soil during the winter. Are there any peach or nectarine varieties that are particularly hardy in wet conditions? Additionally, a dwarf tree might be appropriate for the space available. I'm planning to berm up the area before we plant, so the roots will start a bit higher than the surrounding soil. Thank you!

I have what appears to be a queen bumble bee on my house siding. Could this be due to habitat disruption? The railroad has been doing clearing along the tracks that run along the Willamette in north Portland. Or, is this emergence confusion due to the unseasonable weather? Or or, is this foraging common when weather permits in December? Thanks for any input and consideration…

I live near Rogue River in a small mobile home park on 140 acres. The park is covered by ponderosa pines, douglas firs and many planted speciality trees (redwood, cedars, etc.). Next to my home is a pine forest with new (2023) dead or dying pines. It happened so quickly, that I missed the extent of the dying off until we had some trees removed for safety. One pines (23" diameter) needles died from the bottom up in six months this summer. We assume it was due to a change in available water, as a badly leaking irrigation canal was patched, so no more summer water. The tree did not have bark damage. BUT: this fall, 10' away, we noticed the bark was stripped from 4-5 pine trees and the dying needles were at the crowns of the trees (20-30" diameter) .A somewhat different situation. Is this possible pine bark beetle damage? Meaning irreversible damage? Meaning death? This is happening on the edge of 100-200 pine tree stand> What is the best thing for the property owners to do, to stop the spread? Is there a task force for beetle destruction? I lived in the North Lake Tahoe basin during a huge infestation and die off during the late 80's, early 90's. I can't remember how the trees were treated (removed?) Please, advise. I've attached some pictures of the trees. Thank you

I have a dwarf lime tree that I brought inside the house due to the cold weather. Last year, it got attacked by spider mites and barely survived. A neighbor said the spider mites came because I didn’t give the lime tree enough water. So I’ve been watering it but now I have so many of these tiny flies/gnats on the pot, soil, around the plant and around my house. How do I get rid of them and prevent them from coming back?

Hi, 

I am looking for a low grow, low water, low maintenance grass seed mix to use in Gunnison.  We are at 7,700' in elevation.  The site gets full sun and is  located along city roads.  It is a reclamation project. 

I live in Scottsburg along the Umpqua. I have some Japanese Knot Weed trying to establish itself along the bank of my property. I recently read an article about Oregon State’s research on the use of an insect called a “psyllid” and it’s potential for control of this invasive species. Are we to a point yet where a species of psyllid is available to the public and if so, where can I get them to try for myself and others in my community? Thank you so much for your assistance.

Is my Juniper a male or female?