We've recently noticed a few of the trees on our property in Howell Township, Howell, MI that are severely damaged due to possible insect infestation. Can you identify the source and type of tree this is? Also, what action should be taken. I've attached 3 photos. Thank you.

I stopped into an extension office asking for resources for my backyard orchard. She suggested I download the Michigan Fruit Management Guide. It wasn’t clear before I purchased it that it is for commercial growers. Are there resources for private orchards that include recommended treatments and schedules?

Is there Science behind the practice of sprinkling coffee grounds around your house to prevent mosquito ticks and other pest

Last year, we started a raised vegetable garden because it was in a low spot and sometimes water settles there after a storm. We purchased and filled with bagged "top soil" which isn't actually soil but organic matter almost like mulch. We mixed in a liberal amount of leaf gro and mushroom compost. The vegetable garden had a slow start last year but eventually took off and performed well. I'm wondering how to prepare the soil for this year. The "top soil" has broken down into a real fine, light, almost dusty material though some larger woody pieces remain on top. I plan to amend with more compost on top. Should I add actual inorganic topsoil that we had dumped onto our property or leave it as is? If I add actual soil, I assume I should mix it in with the material already present. Thanks!

I would like to know what would be more effective against the common sod grasses and weeds in Frederick county: Solarization or Occukation? i’m trying to prepare a site for future native meadow sowing

Hi we are trying to determine the origin of a bite. Can you help us ?

I've had a pot of three different succulents since the summer and all was going well. On the advice of the shop where we bought them, I've been giving the pot a good soaking once a month but making sure the water has drained all the way through before returning the pot to its spot in a south facing window that gets direct and indirect light. From last month's watering to this month's, the leaves on the haworthia have started to turn brown and crispy. The rest of the leaf feels normal, with a good amount of "give" as with an aloe leaf. Is the cause underwatering? Should I trim the dead material off the plant? Thank you!

Any problem using concrete blocks to create raised beds? I'm Considering putting them around deteriorating wooden beds.

We had a huge 80-100 foot elm cut down last week because it was right next to the house and full of dead branches/limbs and the trunk was mushy at waist height. The stump has obvious cut across the diameter with evidence of insect infestation. We are now faced with deciding if we should grind out the stump or not? Does removing the stump by grinding encourage roots to die off too fast, thereby causing possible cavities under the house near the foundation? Is it better to let the root system whither slowly, hoping no large pockets form as the roots decay. What is an estimated cost for grinding a very large diameter stump? Thanks so much for your time and advice

Would you please give me some recommendations of trees to plant in the 15 foot strip between my driveway & my neighbor's driveway near the street? I requested this information about a week ago & information was sent to me but I can't find it on my computer. Thank you.