I live in south central Louisiana & strive to raise oak trees for shade.  This year, there has been an influx of Buck moth caterpillars, learned what they're called from Google & that they favor eating leaves & stems from these oak trees, but not to worry because the leaves will return, which they do.  

However, there are so many, I decided to spray what I thought was a "light" insecticide on the tree limbs. But to my demise, I realized what I mistakenly sprayed ended up being a pretty strong herbicide.  Shortly after spraying this the grass below the trees was dying & also the tree limbs that I had sprayed.  Google recommended excess watering of the trees as an attempt to flush out any herbicide that was transmitted to the root system.

Any suggestions and do you think that the trees may survive.

Hello wonderful people! We received a 7ft-ish white oak sapling from our city in mid-December and I have two questions about it. It was planted by the city’s contractor and it’s quite firmly taped to a bamboo stake. Should the stake be removed now that the tree is leafing out and should we replace the stake with something else for support? We would like to do some under planting to support native insect that will use the tree as a habitat. Can we do that next spring or should we do that asap to avoid disturbing the roots as it gets established? Thank you!!!

Hello, I would like to grow some herbs and vegetables in containers this summer. Wondering what I need to be aware of in order to make sure the containers are safe for growing food in. I'm worried about chemicals leaching into the soil and into the plants. Thank you.

So the Fat Albert Spruce is disease tolerant in MN? I know the Colorado Blue Spruce is not disease tolerant in MN anymore. Please advise.

Hello, I planted this Glowing Embers Hydrangea in August of last year. It appears to be beginning to produce some leaves near the base. 

This is my first hydrangea. Could you please advise how I should care for it this Spring?

Thank you!!

Ron Roush

Does Minnesota extension sell trees?

Is it better to cover the plants or let them be during the cold and possible snowy nights. I have about 50 tulips and dandelions. I am concerned that the plastic may do more dmamage than good.

Our apple trees are, for the first time in 5-6 years, LOOKING like they will have fruit. We planted a Whitney Crabapple about thirty feet away about 3 years ago, and I think that was the solution. I notice quite a few bees visiting the trees this year...unlike past years. We only have ten apple trees on our half-acres. Is there anything else we can do to pollinate the trees and ensure fruit?

On Tuesday, we saw termites shawmers flying around the the patio in the backyard. Called three termites companies and upon inspection they found no Termites infestation. The house and two of them suggested the bait canister treatment and one company drilling & treating the exterior masonry slabs, rod/trench exterior/soil to inject the liquid for termites (Termidor). This is my question: Since there is no infestation and this would be preventive treatment what would be the best preventive treatment for our home, the canister treatment or the Termidor treatment.Thank you. .

What are my options for environmentally safe treatments for grub infestations in a lawn/garden other than nematodes. (I know someone who said nematodes are not very effective - perhaps this is because the grubs are from a larger beetle - not the Japanese beetle?) A tip where to purchase items are also helpful. I have seen items at Menards and Bachman's. Thank you.