We have just built 6 raised beds and are getting ready to get them going! Questions: 1) We are planning on putting Veggie Dairy Doo on the top 6-10 inches. Can a good quality topsoil be used to fill the rest underneath or would something else be better long term? 2) We have brought water out to each bed. What irrigation method do you recommend? We have been told about Orbitz bubblers which supposedly don't get clogged like drip irrigation. Your opinion needed!

What would you plant in a "floating island" type macrophyte filter that would do well in Washington County? Also, any recommendations for underwater plants would be helpful. We are a student group that is trying to solve a high nitrogen problem in a water body. We have found that the plants typically recommended for this type of planting are not native or even invasive. Any information would be helpful.

My giant Tallow tree next to my two story house is not putting out leaves yet. Is it possible that it was frozen during the last winter freeze? If so, how do I find out if it is dead? 
Laura Santana

I have been hardening off my cabbage seedlings this week and just noticed this on only 1 of the leaves. Any idea what happened?

I'd like to fill our the application and also speak to a Master Gardener. When do the next classes begin? Jean Diebolt themagdalene@gmail.com mobile: (737) 600-6666

A little over four years ago we planted seven Italian Cypress Trees that were delivered in #65 gallon size containers. These trees are now approximately 18 feet tall, but in the past few months something has caused many branches to turn brown. On close examination I find that at the very end of many of these brown branches there remains some green needles. Let me add that the top 1/3 of the trees are nice and green and they look healthy.

These Italian Cypress Trees are obviously a big investment and I want to do everything I can to keep them alive and healthy. About a week ago I had a tree service spray them with something designed to control insects and mite pests. I do not know if this is what needs to be done.

I am attaching two photos for you to see — one will show the degree to which limbs have turned brown and the other will be a close-up of a dead-looking branch showing the green needles at the very end.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you when time permits.

What is boring into my Pin Oak tree trunk? What can I do to stop this boring?

A resident of Antrim County brought this tiny spider in to be identified. I took a couple pictures that are hopefully clear enough to be used for id'ing. The spider was found inside their home.

We have a long line of arborvitae on our property line. Some of them are thinning on about the lower half. We are wondering if there is anything we can do to help them come back to normal.

What type of tree is this?