I have 2 apple trees at my home on Old Mission Peninsula. Rabbits have chewed away most of the bark 2 feet up the trunks. I have now blocked them off with chicken wire. Is there anything I can do to help save the trees?

Hello, I am working on a research study and would like to access the data that MSU compiled (along with the Michigan Dept of Treasury). It was referenced here on your website, but the links through MSU are no longer active: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/f65_fiscal_data_portal Can you please point me to the right location to access this data? Thanks Angela

Hello! I am an intern at Minnesota Public Radio and I am writing a story about how the super dry winter, the second in a row, might affect peoples' gardens. What can they do to prepare? Is there anyone who'd be able to speak to me about this, preferably this afternoon or tomorrow, for use in a radio broadcast? Best, Alex

What items would you request from a funder to start a community garden?

I'm looking to start a garden on property that a house once stood on. The house was condemned and removed in February of 2020. I believe the house had asbestos siding. I currently have a few raised bed gardens filled with mulch, manure and compost. I would like to amend the soil and be able to plant directly in the ground. Do think this is possible?

We have 11 acres with a South face rise that we are interested in planting a small orchard. There have been fruit trees previously on the property. We are beginners and would like to grow organically. We are looking for disease resistant fruit trees that are hardy. Can you recommend varieties that would be successful in the Boyds, MD area. Also helpful would be nurseries that stock these trees and any other planting and care information. Thanks

My question relates to the timing of pruning a young cherry tree. 3 years ago I obtained/planted a 1 inch/4 foot tall (so probably 2 year old) North Star cherry which I pruned/trained the following year. Last year I did not prune because of loss of some scaffolding branches from heavy snow the previous winter. Needless to say perhaps, growth over the past year was vigorous. I would like to get a start on reshaping this tree's scaffold during dormancy, but I am concerned about the risk of Eutypa infection when pruning before mid-summer. Admittedly, this information comes from an Extension Department video from a more temperate climate, the Univ of Calif Santa Cruz. Should I maintain this concern, or rather, discard it and prune while the tree is still dormant (but after last frost)? Thank you for your reply. Mark Fausch

How can people with small flocks of chickens learn if the avian flu is in the area?

What is the best way to get rid of centipedes and keep them from coming into the house? They mostly show up in one bathroom. I have cleaned any debris and vegetation from around the foundation. in the bathroom i use peppermint oil around the drains and plumbing where it goes through the wall and pour a 1;1 vinegar solution in the drains. thi9s has taken care of 90% and we only see a small, like very tiny, ones occaisionally.

Hello, we would like to plant 2 or more pecan trees on our property. I was wondering if you could give advice regarding which two (or more) varieties we should choose in northern baltimore county. Thank you!