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Asked September 14, 2024, 11:57 AM EDT

We are concerned about the bark of this dogwood that was installed 5/23. I didn't see any sawdust of evidence of borers. Not sure if it fungal or a canker? it seems mostly healthy. These photos are dated 9/14/24. Hope you can help. Thanks U.T.

Frederick County Maryland

Very large dlug #885234

Asked September 14, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT

Is this a sign of a problem? I have never seen a slug this size I live in Oak Park Heights, MN. 55082

Washington County Minnesota

Redbud #885233

Asked September 14, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT

My young northern redbud gets yellowish leaves. The veins stay green. See photo from last year. This year isn’t as bad. A somewhat nearby neighbor also has a young redbud and it looks worse than mine this year.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Ground Cover underneath pine trees #885232

Asked September 14, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT

Hello, I am looking for none Invasive ground cover to plant underneath my pine trees that will spread, but not spread rapidly. I want something that is native to Minnesota. I have gotten some help, but when looking up the recommendations the plants were invasive in Minnesota. Examples: Lily of the valley, lamium ground cover, ajuga ground cover, and vinca minor. I did more research myself and saw that Heucherella foamy bells and epimedium are good options. Please help me get some good plants to place underneath my pine trees for ground cover. Thanks!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Garden Soil testing #885224

Asked September 14, 2024, 9:45 AM EDT

Where can I send my garden soil to be tested for lead and any other contaminants? Thank you!

Baltimore County Maryland

Garlic and gladiolus, ok neighbors? #885220

Asked September 14, 2024, 9:05 AM EDT

Hello. I'm planning on planting garlic in my garden this fall. I've already ordered a few varieties. I've learned that I need to rotate them through my garden, and I'm wondering if I can plant cloves in beds that already have some gladiolus bulbs growing there. I can probably separate them by at least 8", assuming there's no bigger issue with garlic and gladiolus as neighbors. Related question about rotating-- how many seasons should I wait before re-planting garlic in the same bed? Thanks for any info.

Howard County Maryland

Black Hills spruce tree slowly turning yellowish #885218

Asked September 14, 2024, 8:29 AM EDT

I have a grove of black hills spruce that were planted in 2008. 3 of the 50 trees are starting to look sick. I have pictures attached. It is not the entire tree, but portions of it that are turning like a lime green color, then yellow, and then finally brown. The other thing that is noticeable is that the individual limbs towards the outside are all drooping and seem to have no upward strength to them. We are in central MN and the rain this year has been incredibly great! Is there anything you can think of going wrong here or more importantly anything I can do to prevent losing my trees?

Kandiyohi County Minnesota

Insect eggs and spots on sweetspire #885216

Asked September 14, 2024, 8:03 AM EDT

I have several sweetspire that are in morning sun and afternoon shade. They are all covered with dark brown with a ting of red color. What is it? What should I do? Is there a treatment or anything I can do to improve the quality of the leaves?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

How to help Monarch butterflies #885213

Asked September 13, 2024, 11:34 PM EDT

OK, I planted milkweed years ago. I grow zinnias nearby so the butterflies have sources of food all summer. Most years, I have seen Monarch caterpillars eating the milkweed from dawn to dusk. But I have NEVER seen a pupae. Am I just growing bird food? Should I move the caterpillars to an enclosure with some milkweed leaves?

Montgomery County Maryland

Ceramic Kilns #885211

Asked September 13, 2024, 11:13 PM EDT

Hello, My uncle got a family house that had quite a lot of ceramic kilns. We are unsure as to what to do with these items, but I am reaching out to see if any 4H group would be interested in them. The only request is that these items be picked up. We just want them gone and out of the house and do not want them to go to waste.

Wayne County Michigan

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