Hello, How do I get some intel on the issues I am seeing on multiple oak trees in my backyard as well as my neighbors'? Our backyards are a deciduous forest with many oak trees among other species. Attached is an example tree. What should I do? Please advise.

Looking for recommendations for perennial shrubs to plant in my front yard (rock landscaping). Ideally something that is low maintenance and can be shapely as the other existing shrubs (staying) are a little kittywampus. I’ve circled the areas in red that need replacements (6 total).

Hi, I can’t narrow down if this is a moss or sedum or ??? A year ago I put creeping thyme seeds in this area but with no rain last year, none were seen. I was hoping this was them now but from all I can find, it’s sadly not. Thank you for any insight!!

I have a large (4 ft diameter) circle of dead grass in the yard, grass is still growing in the center of the circle. It was noticeable last year when we had the very dry weather we had, and now this year it has gotten worse. Can you tell from the picture, what is causing it?

I'm worried about my new Nyssa sylvatica sapling transplanted in the fall of 2023. Tree came from Arbor Day and was covered in black leaf spots. Tree made it through winter and now is starting to die out. What can I do to save the tree?

My septic tank/gutters empty into a creek on my property. My creek water and mud are backing up and blocking my septic system from free flowing into the creek. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem without infringing on county/township rules?

I found these bugs on the inside of my patio door when I was cleaning. I cleaned them up and there were more the next day. Please help me identify them. I am worried they are termites.

have been gardening at my location for 22 years. Many years I’ve used compost as mulch. From the U of M and also another reliable source. A few years I used milorganite. I had my soil tested with you last year. I have not used synthetic fertilizers. A fellow gardener down the street uses synthetic 10 – 10–10 and her plants look extraordinarily happy!! Your soil analysis showed I should use 20 – 0–15. This is interesting because my hydrangeas and peonies have little to zero blooms. The blooms they do get are small and insignificant- the leaves on one large hydrangea and also my large cimicifuga are light in color and light veining. My catmint has disappeared. I am not able to grow Russian sage. My winter Hardy Rose should be 6 feet tall and it’s barely a foot tall with little to no blossoms. Your soil test revealed high in organic matter which I would think would result in healthy plants. I look forward to your response. Feel free to call or email me, Lori Tate<personal data hidden>.

Hello! Appreciate your help. Having to have our tiered garden re-landscaped as the railroad ties are collapsing after 39 years. We hired a crew to build new paver walls and install new steps but not able to get to it with the rainy weather. Question being how can I go about attempting to save my plants? I realize it’ll be extremely tough on them, especially the peronies. Thinking of taking deep roots/ current soil and put them into large storage bins, keep in the shade? Project should take up to 2 weeks. The brick patio will be saved. Thanks!

This tree, now about 8 feet tall, has grown just under my deck for years and is now blocking the sun from the vegetable garden. Is it invasive? is it worth saving?