what is the best way to overwinter iris in my basement? Thanks.

I am a master naturalist, I live in southern Oregon on a semi rural property in Ashland. I qualified as a Firesafe property through the City of Ashland. I am wondering what are the most fire resistant ground covers that you would recommend for the 0 to 5 foot zone around my house? That area now consists of decomposed granite and light compost after removal of 3 inches of for bark mulch

We keep seeing firebrats everyday inside our home. I have respiratory issues and chemical sensitivities so I was wondering what to use to rid these pests. We baited glue traps with flour every where we see them but they are not catching any. Well three over the past two months. I see you recommend a silica gel base but I can’t find that anywhere. Can you recommend a brand or store in Md that might sell that? I do not want the boric acid powder as that does bother my lungs at least in the laundry powder form. Thanks so much.

Perhaps more a legal question than agricultural. Our neighbor's huge walnut tree branches extend over our garage and driveway. We appreciate the shade during the summer. The falling walnuts however, break multiple slate tiles on our garage slate roof, and, seriously dent our cars parked in our driveway. What recourse do we have? Can we hire an arborist and simply cut off any branches entering our yard? We haven't yet talked to our neighbors about this, but, how much can we do without their agreement? Regards.

Hi, we have very large 25+ year old crepe Myrtle in our backyard that got hit hard with spotted lantern flies over the summer. We didn’t spray the bugs but we did put down one treatment of Bioadvanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed. Now, the bark on the areas of the tree where the bugs were looks much different than the bark of the areas where there were no bugs. Is there anything we should do to help the tree? 

Thank you. 

I’ve hopefully included photos below. I have a couple ash trees that appear to be losing their bark. Like somebody is shaving it off. It’s piled at the base of the tree. I’m hoping it is not the ash borer bug. What is it?

I found some unknown larvae in my mason bee box. the larvae are about an inch long, yellow in color. Are they friend or foe?

I am looking for information on small greenhouses for home gardeners. Do you have a publication, video or class on the subject? We have not yet purchased anything and want to learn more before we do.

I have 6 blue spruces in my yard and they are looking sickly. I have had a tree company out over the last few years, watering & Spraying and they do not look good at all. The picture here is the worst of the 6. Any assistance to help it survive would be helpful.

Thanks, K

Greetings, Why does the applesauce recipe from NCHFP NOT call for vinegar, but the apple butter recipe does? https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/canning-fruits-and-fruit-products/applesauce/ https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/canning-fruits-and-fruit-products/apple-butter/ Many thanks! Kim