Hello, We have a +/- 100-year-old Siberian Elm on our property in Wash Park and are trying to decide if it needs to come down or if we should give it a good trim. We lost several large branches in the big snowstorm last month and have had issues with the tree in the past, including elm leaf beetle infestations. When we last had the tree trimmed, about 3-4 years ago, we were told by the arborist that the tree was nearing the end of it's life and we should consider taking it down. We would hate to take down such a wonderful old tree, but we are concerned with the damage it may continue to cause if it keeps loosing major limbs. Is this something you might be able to provide guidance on? Thank you!

Just received Hosta Bulbs in the mail are their tips you can give me about its planting?

A month ago, I hired a company to prune the top third of my Japanese Hollies. I came home to find that had cut two thirds from the top. They look horrible. The front facing branches were not cut. The bushes are healthy and there is new growth. My question is should the front facing limbs be cut back?

Hello,

I have an extensive, weedy bed of Iris, mostly overrun with a grass that sends rhizomes throughout. I would like to use a graminicide that is specifically labeled to treat this grass and specifically labeled to not damage the Iris. Can you help me to correctly ID it?

Just found this strange looking plant after removing leaves from my just-emerging fern. Can you identify and advise - let it be or remove it? Many thanks for any insights.

Something is killing Wax-leaf Privet, aka Ligustrum Japonica. New growth first wilts, then growth turns black and dies. Mature leaves look dusty and are mottled purple and brown. It happens suddenly. I’ve watched several decline and die within the last month. A healthy plant loses 50% of it's leaves within about a week. My neighbors and I have 8-10 Privets each. All were planted 3 years ago along a swale separating lots to provide privacy and control irrosion. If all die, it's a loss of more than 50 shrubs; more than 12 on just my property. Can they be treated/cured? (I know Privets are controversial, so no haters, please.) Photo 1 shows shriveled dead new growth at branch tips. Photo 2 shows discolored mature leaves. Photo 3 shows what 3 weeks ago had been healthy looking shrub.

Hello! We recently purchased and planted six apple trees of several varieties to begin our small homestead organic orchard. I was curious what type of diseases and pests are prevalent in this area so that I can get a head start on prevention and control. Any information you have on this would be great. Thanks!! Emily

do you perform autopsy's on dead bees to determine cause of hive collapse ?

I had a small patch of lawn seeded to fill in gaps when sidewalk work was performed. The grass has grown in but grows way faster than the rest of my lawn and doesn't appear to be grass. It almost looks like some kind of weed or thick grass with each piece splitting into multiple pieces. The color is a light green and not the same color as the rest of my lawn. Do you know what this is and how best to get this area looking like the rest of my lawn? Thank you in advance!

MSU Extension states that a jelly or jam jar can be turned upside down after processing, and it's sealed in order to distribute fruits throughout the jar. Ball and other sites are saying no.

What's the actual safe process for this please?

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_stop_strawberry_jam_from_separating?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1_qYEGsHODruxIsSrVyba7YC0Ox0xPSePU_LzjG-zVqg2WP9jTTixDfwM_aem_AaALyzwLvyJDeU81ojZCaF6NH6AX_RZn35ruaPc4U2QFtww2IpHMdFIYwQPq2bknKMRNvcOZu6VuQGnTcjRzW_jH