You are here:

Plant Diseases/Questions Answered by Expert Dr Stephen Vann

SubjectDate Asked
schefflera2/5/2012
  Q: could you tell me what causes the dark brown spots
  A: Charles: Without looking at these spots under some sort of magnification, I would be guessing. They ...
Monkey puzzle tree1/30/2012
  Q: I read your reply re the ooze which is indicative of disease. However, the ooze is flowing higher ...
  A: Lori: The ooze is called slime flux or bacterial wetwood. Check out information on this bacterial ...
Orchid Help(1)1/27/2012
  Q: see att image. Thank you!
  A: Alfredo: From your image, I do not see any evidence of a disease or insect from your orchid. In ...
Orchid Help1/27/2012
  Q: May I know what happen to my encyclia cochleata? I water the plant in the morning and evening(not on ...
  A: Alfredo: I do not recognize these leaf spots as being a disease. I would suspect some form of ...
Tomato leaves1/18/2012
  Q: My tomato leaves are kind of shriveled on several plants. Also a brown color is getting on a lot of ...
  A: Albert: Based on your image, these leaf symptoms are probably the result of a root/soil stress, ...
Italian Cypress turning yellow1/16/2012
  Q: I have 8 Italian Cypress trees. About 4 months ago one of them slowly turned yellow from the ...
  A: Ezi: There may be multiple reasons for the yellowing. Difficult to ascertain positively without ...
White growth in soil1/10/2012
  Q: We noticed our lawngrass(kikuyu) started to recede until at this point few grass is growing and ...
  A: This growth is a type of fungus living on organic material in the soil. It can be be one of ...
Aloe Vera abnormal leave growth1/4/2012
  Q: Several months ago I felt strang but did not pay too muvh attention. This morning I saw my aloe ...
  A: Bright: I see that you were able to attach photos. After seeing your images, I still don't think we ...
Aloe Vera abnormal leave growth1/3/2012
  Q: Several months ago I felt strang but did not pay too muvh attention. This morning I saw my aloe ...
  A: Bright: This growth does not sound like a disease nor insect that I am familiar with. Seeing a photo ...
aphids spreading12/30/2011
  Q: from northeastern pa...my hibiscus plants are 5 years(peach color)and 12+ years(red). I put them ...
  A: Marian: You may consider trying an insecticidal soap or a material called Malathion. Both products ...
apple tree health12/29/2011
  Q: I have a 20+ year old apple tree, getting hit hard with borers and sapsucker birds.. Is their a ...
  A: Nerol: With borers, getting the insecticide/chemical to the pest is the big issue. Any sprays work ...
spiderplants12/13/2011
  Q: I have a couple of spiderplants in pots, a month or so ago I divided them up then the leaves began ...
  A: Assuming the root issues have been solved and the plant is getting sufficient light and moisture, ...
tree parasite?11/20/2011
  Q: I have a deciduous tree (don't know the name - it flowers, then has green leaves in the early spring ...
  A: Donna: These may be some type of insect. Can you take and send a closeup photo? This will help with ...
oak tree bark fungus11/19/2011
  Q: I have an Oak tree in Daytona beach Florida aprox 9 years old the trunk is covered in a flat green ...
  A: Hank: Can you send me a closeup photo? This may help with an accurate ID. Does the tree appear to be ...
Winterizing Flower Beds11/17/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, Thank you for taking my question. I live in Kingman, KS (zone 6a). I have lantanas, ...
  A: Tim: The sheltered area will definitely help take some of the damaging wind and temperatures off ...
Winterizing Flower Beds11/17/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, Thank you for taking my question. I live in Kingman, KS (zone 6a). I have lantanas, ...
  A: Tim: Plant diseases are my best suit, however I did check w/some folks here and they tell me that ...
rose rosette in coreopsis11/7/2011
  Q: I recently removed 12 rose bushes due to rose rosette. I've also noticed that a couple of nearby ...
  A: Highly unlikley that your coreopsis has rose rosette virus. These virus agents tend to be quite host ...
black spots on maple tree11/4/2011
  Q: There are two maple trees in my front yard. the trees turn from green to yellow to red. There ...
  A: Annette: If the spots appear dark black and are raised on the leaf surface, it may be a leaf disease ...
magnolia tree and disease11/3/2011
  Q: my small magnolia tree appears to have diseased leaves; the underside has several bits of what looks ...
  A: Philip: A photo may be helpful for an ID. Try to get as close as you can to make the photo and be ...
Cotton Candy/Wooly fungus or insect webs?10/23/2011
  Q: One of the shrubs in my yard is being overwhelmed with a thick covering of what looks like white ...
  A: Dave: No disease here. Your images appear as the waxy deposits(spirals and long strands) of ...
Arborvitae Green Giant10/17/2011
  Q: I live in NE GA and last spring had 9 Green Giants planted along property line. They are gowing ...
  A: Jann: It would be best if someone could examine a physical sample. Sometimes interior leaves get ...
fungus10/16/2011
  Q: I just discovered a yellow fungus about six feet up on a silver maple. I have four large wild cherry ...
  A: Thisstructure may represent the fruiting body of a fungus that may be causing a decay that is on the ...
Oak Tree Spores10/15/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I have a large oak tree in my yard with hundreds of small holes in the bark. What is ...
  A: Bryan: If these holes (approx. 1/4 inch diameter)are on the main trunk and seem to be arranged ...
Arizona Ash issue10/13/2011
  Q: I have a question about my Arizona Ash. It is a younger tree, approximately 10 year old. I Live in ...
  A: From your photo and description, this tree may be in trouble. The bark cracks with associated ...
tree10/13/2011
  Q: what kills pine beetles,,,,,,,,,,,i live in ala
  A: There are several types of beetles that can attack pine. If you are referring to the tiny pine bark ...
Weeping Willow tree10/12/2011
  Q: I have a 7-yr old weeping willow tree that has red spikey patches all over it. I found a similar ...
  A: I have not seen these structures associated with borers or any other insects on weeping willow. To ...
Ficus Tree10/1/2011
  Q: We live in San Diego and have a beautiful outside 20+ foot tall Ficus Benjamina Tree. It usually ...
  A: If the yellow leaves are occuring over most of the tree, this is usually a sign of a root/soil ...
Cycad fronds turning yellow.9/25/2011
  Q: Can you please help. We have 2 huge cycads (they are approx. 13 years old) growing in large pots ...
  A: Sharon: From your description, I do not suspect an infectious plant disease but rather an ...
Diseased Crepe Myrtle9/18/2011
  Q: I live Northwest of Houston in Tomball. My crepe myrtle is 2 years old that I have watched grow ...
  A: Joyce: From your description, sounds like your leaves may have a deposit of honeydew on them. This ...
maple tree tar spot9/9/2011
  Q: I have a small maple that i have grown since about 6 inches tall and is now maybe 10 feet tall. ...
  A: Connie: yes, you can do this. Removing the spotted leaves from the tree ( if feasible/practical) in ...
Euonymus Plant Disease9/8/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I have 4 euonymus plants fully grown on my property in Long Island, New York. They are ...
  A: Dave: From your description, sounds as if these 4 may be succumbing. These symptoms may indicate a ...
Storm damaged Maple tree9/7/2011
  Q: During a recent rainstorm in NJ, a branch section of a very large and extremely tall maple broke ...
  A: Katherine: Based on your inquiry and photo, I agree. This tree is a great candidate for firewood! ...
Chanticleer Pear9/6/2011
  Q: I have a Chanticleer Pear tree that is about 30 feet tall. Last year I noticed that part of the very ...
  A: Scott: You may consider getting someone to visit your tree "in person". Contact your local county ...
Chanticleer Pear9/2/2011
  Q: I have a Chanticleer Pear tree that is about 30 feet tall. Last year I noticed that part of the very ...
  A: Scott: The symptoms that you describe does not indeed sound like fire blight nor any other ...
Dogwood Tree Leaves are firing9/1/2011
  Q: Vann, I have another problem with another of my dogwoods. This one is approx. 4" in diameter. ...
  A: Fred: The damage has already been done, however I would expect recovery, especially if your tree has ...
Dogwood Tree Leaves are firing9/1/2011
  Q: Vann, I have another problem with another of my dogwoods. This one is approx. 4" in diameter. ...
  A: Fred: From your photo, it appears as if the edges (margins) of the leaves are browning. If this is ...
apple8/26/2011
  Q: my most of apple fruits suffers from rusting,why it happens and what is its permanent remedy.
  A: Vivek: Are you referring to the infectious disease called cedar-apple rust? This is the only thing ...
white lilac planted one yr ago8/25/2011
  Q: My lilac bush(5 Gal) was planted one yr ago. It bloomed profusely the first time this spring. ...
  A: Bonnie: A root bound situation can be stressful. This is best corrected at planting time. ...
black soot on pecan tree leaves8/24/2011
  Q: I recently bought a pecan tree andplanted it 900 metres up in the Lebanese mountains in full sun, ...
  A: The "sooty" stuff sounds like sooty mold. Very common on pecans. Don't park your car under a tree ...
2nd sago image8/22/2011
  Q: Here is the 2nd image that you can see some of the pot and stones I spoke of. Thanks again - Ken ...
  A: Ken: Not too cool was referenced to the fact that the stones should not be glued to the plant ...
Maple Tree Fungus/Fungi Killer?8/22/2011
  Q: I have a large maple tree in my yard. It has an open knot hole approx. 3" in diameter. There is a ...
  A: Fred: Ideally, the best time to prune is during the dormant season, however on an ...
Maple Tree Fungus/Fungi Killer?8/22/2011
  Q: I have a large maple tree in my yard. It has an open knot hole approx. 3" in diameter. There is a ...
  A: Fred: More trouble than its worth. At this point it will not make a difference. The decay is ...
Yellow Poplar tree scales8/20/2011
  Q: What should I treat the earth around my trees to taken up into the trees to kill the scales? I ...
  A: Walter: Check out a product called BAYER ADVANCED GARDEN TREE AND SHRUB INSECT CONTROL. It comes in ...
Maple Tree Fungus/Fungi Killer?8/20/2011
  Q: I have a large maple tree in my yard. It has an open knot hole approx. 3" in diameter. There is a ...
  A: Fred: No. This white fungus probably represents the fruiting body of a fungus that may be causing an ...
2nd sago image8/20/2011
  Q: Here is the 2nd image that you can see some of the pot and stones I spoke of. Thanks again - Ken
  A: Ken: I suspect that the stones were placed in such a manner for looks and support. If they are ...
Another sago palm question8/20/2011
  Q: After reviewing previous questions and replies I haven't found any specific answer to what I am ...
  A: Ken: From you photo, I do not recognize this "growth" as being a specific disease nor insect ...
bugs- ???8/18/2011
  Q: I have a balcony planter with several of the large flowering tobacco plants, large green leaves, ...
  A: Jim: Can you send me a photo of these critters? It is near impossible to give you an accurate ID w/o ...
grapevine8/14/2011
  Q: my grapevine which is in a large pot and is around 10 years old has severely puckered leaves like a ...
  A: Jacqui: The leaf puckering can be caused by several things. Sometimes plants may get accidentally ...
willow tree fungus?8/13/2011
  Q: Can you tell me what this is. Its only on the leaves and its little reddish yellow pimples.
  A: Janell: These "pimples" are called "willow acne". No, just kidding!!! What a lame joke for Monday ...
weeping mulberry tree8/13/2011
  Q: We have had the above tree for about 3 years now and it has been doing very well. However, recently ...
  A: Wilma: Usually, leafspots alone don't have a significant impact on an established tree. Make sure ...
Autumn blaze maples8/12/2011
  Q: I have two Autumn blaze maples that were planted around 3 yrs ago and they have never turned to the ...
  A: Nancy: Temperatures can influence the color, particularly how cool it gets during the fall. ...
Pine trees8/12/2011
  Q: Mr. Vann I have these pine trees, not sure what kind they are. They are all about 10' diameter and ...
  A: Difficult to say without examining them in person. You may consider contacting your local county ...
sick tree8/11/2011
  Q: I have been looking at a sick Hackberry that I can't determine what's wrong with it. I think it's a ...
  A: Suzie: I am unable to tell much from your photo. Often it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis ...
Crype Myrtle Tree - yellow/sticky leaves7/31/2011
  Q: I have two lavender oclored Crype Myrtle trees on my parkway in Houston, TX. They are a little over ...
  A: Bob: Sticky leaves are usually a sign of "honeydew" which is insect "poop" on which sooty mold ...
Mimosa tree problems7/30/2011
  Q: My Mimosa has been full and beautiful for about 10 or so years. All of a sudden, the top is dryed ...
  A: Dee Dee: This tree, unfortunately is quite susceptible to a wilt disease called Fusarium Wilt. No ...
White Spots on Tulip Tree7/30/2011
  Q: I read a post here about the tulip tree spots thinking it sounded similar but I don't have the ...
  A: Teresa: These spots on your photo resemble lichens, harmless growths that we see common on trees. ...
Weeping Pussy Willow Crown7/28/2011
  Q: We recently purchased property with a weeping pussy willow, about 6' tall. This spring the tree ...
  A: Lynn: Thanks for your photo, but unfortunately I did not see any good clues here. You may wish to ...
Weeping Pussy Willow Crown7/28/2011
  Q: We recently purchased property with a weeping pussy willow, about 6' tall. This spring the tree ...
  A: Could be several things. Check the bases of the dying branches. Look for any apparent physical ...
fruiting mulberry trees7/27/2011
  Q: .we planted a fruiting mulberry tree last August(2010) It seemed to be doing fine. I was concerned ...
  A: Norma: Removing the dead portions should not impact the overall health of the tree. The browning of ...
emerald green arborvitae (smaragd) problem7/26/2011
  Q: I purchased and planted 25 one gallon size, emerald green arborvitae shrubs, the first week in April ...
  A: Lydia: Your description does not sound like a bonafide contagious disease. I suppose there might be ...
Arborvitae disease/insect problem7/26/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I moved into my house two years ago and have a row of (what I believe to be) Arborvitae ...
  A: Christine: These are the immature fruit w/seed. This is arborvitae. No problem here. Keep a lookout ...
chinese pistache in trouble!7/24/2011
  Q: Our chinese pistache is about 5 years old and suddenly the bark is falling off the trunk and I ...
  A: Margie: The bark on pistache does become "flaky" as the tree ages. This might be interpreted as ...
Squash7/20/2011
  Q: I planted summer squash and butternut squash this year. Other than growing slowly, as compared with ...
  A: Jerry: Suggest having a soil test done. Ck in with your local county ag Extension office about this. ...
Bark damage to Red Blaze Maple Tree7/18/2011
  Q: We have a Red Blaze Maple tree approx. 5 years now, still appears to be doing great, but last year ...
  A: Sandra: That is fine. You can send a photo when you have access to a camera. Be sure to reference ...
hydrangea tree7/18/2011
  Q: Until about 2 weeks ago, all 3 of my hydrangea trees were doing well and are now flowering. All of ...
  A: Elizabeth: Looking at the soil around the root zone can be a clue. Use a small spade to dig down a ...
hydrangea tree7/18/2011
  Q: Until about 2 weeks ago, all 3 of my hydrangea trees were doing well and are now flowering. All of ...
  A: Elizabeth: The soap should be safe if it was mixed and applied properly. Could the soil be dry? Not ...
Gardenias7/18/2011
  Q: The developing flower buds fall off the gardenia plant before flowering.
  A: Ruben: These symptoms do not sound like a bona-fide contagious disease. One possibility is the ...
sweet chestnut7/13/2011
  Q: I am trying to find out why a mature sweet chestnut has developed reduced leaf growth over the last ...
  A: Moby: Unfortunately, your image was not attached to your message. You may wish to try again. The ...
Chinese Pistachio Stress7/11/2011
  Q: We are having a problem with one of two Chinese Pistachio trees in our front yard (south side of ...
  A: Nancy: Another email address to use: svann@uaex.edu Please put Chinese pistachio in the subject ...
rose of sharon disease7/11/2011
  Q: Dr. Steve, My 9 year old rose of sharon tree has blue green moss like areas on the entire trunk and ...
  A: This growth may be lichens. These are "leaf-like" gray green growths. These and our garden variety ...
problems with my honeysuckle trumpet vines7/10/2011
  Q: I have two honeysuckle trumpet vines that I have on trellises on my clothes line poles. They were ...
  A: Diane: From your description, sounds like you have some insects feeding on your plant.They are more ...
Tulip Tree w/ White Spots on Branches7/9/2011
  Q: I have a Tulip Tree that has white round fuzzy spots all over the branches and trunk of the tree. ...
  A: Theresa: Control the insect that is causing it. Best to get an ID first. You can locate the insect ...
chitapla7/9/2011
  Q: have a black fungus or pest on leaves,looks like little black dots on leaves,giving off a resin ...
  A: Charles: Can you send me a photo of these dots? Try to get as close as you can and be sure that your ...
Thuja trees7/8/2011
  Q: I bought 4 Thuja trees about a month ago. I followed the directions and planted them accordingly. ...
  A: Mike: From your description, these may be symptoms of a root related stress, rather than a bona ...
Tulip Tree w/ White Spots on Branches7/7/2011
  Q: I have a Tulip Tree that has white round fuzzy spots all over the branches and trunk of the tree. ...
  A: Theresa: If these spots are "leaf-like". or even flat, they may be lichens. Use you computer to ...
Chinese Pistachio Stress7/6/2011
  Q: We are having a problem with one of two Chinese Pistachio trees in our front yard (south side of ...
  A: I am unable to see much detail in your photo, but does the sap flow seem to originate at the ...
black spots on sunset maple7/6/2011
  Q: I planted an 8 foot sunset maple in July last year and most of the leaves turned red, shrivelled up ...
  A: Sounds like your maple has been through some stressful times. Premature leaf coloration and ...
Norfork Pine7/5/2011
  Q: We have an office plant about 3 feet tall that is a Norfork Pine. It has changed offices this last ...
  A: Sharon: From your description, this doesn't sound like a bona fide infectious (contagious) disease, ...
Bark damage to Red Blaze Maple Tree7/2/2011
  Q: We have a Red Blaze Maple tree approx. 5 years now, still appears to be doing great, but last year ...
  A: Sandra: Loss of bark may indicate a wound followed by the initation of decay, a slow, yet ...
deodar cedar6/30/2011
  Q: I have a very large and wide deodar cedar in my yard. I do not know exact age, but the house was ...
  A: Colleen: I do not suspect a disease based on your description. You may take a look at the branches ...
Chinese Pistache Tree Question6/29/2011
  Q: Good morning, Dr. Vann. Thank you for be willing to answer my question. A branch on my young seven ...
  A: Tim: Ouch! $60.00 huh. It is very important to protect the bark of the tree, especially at the ...
Chinese Pistache Tree Question6/29/2011
  Q: Good morning, Dr. Vann. Thank you for be willing to answer my question. A branch on my young seven ...
  A: Tim: I see what you mean. I am concerned how strong the "connection" will be long term. There is ...
Chinese Pistache Tree Question6/29/2011
  Q: Good morning, Dr. Vann. Thank you for be willing to answer my question. A branch on my young seven ...
  A: Tim: Trying to "repair" the break may be more trouble than it is worth. The affected area may ...
aristocrar pare tree6/28/2011
  Q: I have a mature subject tree that has some branches at the upper level where the leaves are ...
  A: Don: From your description, this may be a common disease that we see here in my part of the world ...
Apple6/27/2011
  Q: How to treat apple trees affected with root rot disease due to heavy rain.
  A: Vivek: There are commercially available fungicides that can be applied to the soil, but they are ...
red leaf maple disease6/26/2011
  Q: Just noticed the bark splitting and releasing from around the tree, and is covered with a white ...
  A: Jim: The bark splitting has probably allowed the entry of microorganisms into the the tree interior ...
Shademaster Locust in Toronto6/25/2011
  Q: I appreciate your help in identifying the problem with our 20 year old Shademaster Locust. This year ...
  A: Kevin: These "leafy" grayish green things are lichens. These are not plant disease agents. Often ...
Phlox and other plants have white foam6/24/2011
  Q: We are only in our 2nd season at our new home and wondering if the soil has some disease. My phlox ...
  A: Yvonne: Thank You for your response. As I mentioned some types of weed killers can cause plant ...
Phlox and other plants have white foam6/24/2011
  Q: We are only in our 2nd season at our new home and wondering if the soil has some disease. My phlox ...
  A: Yvonne: Thanks for the photo. It is a bit out of focus, but I don't think that the foam is related ...
willow tree problems6/23/2011
  Q: my grandma has a willow tree in her yard, she noticed some a white substances coming from the tree ...
  A: Layla: The yellow bellied sap sucker is a type of woodpecker. We have them here in Arkansas. They ...
Maple Trees6/23/2011
  Q: I have 2 maple trees for long time.The bark is coming off & all you see is tree roots ...
  A: Bark falling off of a tree can be a sign of decline. If there are a lot of dead/dying branches in ...
Phlox and other plants have white foam6/23/2011
  Q: We are only in our 2nd season at our new home and wondering if the soil has some disease. My phlox ...
  A: Yvonne: 82 sounds very nice right now to me. It has been 96-98 this entire week with a humidity of ...
Phlox and other plants have white foam6/23/2011
  Q: We are only in our 2nd season at our new home and wondering if the soil has some disease. My phlox ...
  A: Yvonne: Hope your weather is cooler and wetter than we are here in Arkansas right now! Does this ...
Fruitless mulberry tree problems6/22/2011
  Q: We live in Arizona at about 4500 feet elevation and have two 35+ year old fruitless mulberry trees. ...
  A: Roberta: It is difficult to make an assessment w/o seeing your tree in person. One of the trees ...
crabapple with fire-blight6/21/2011
  Q: I have a much beloved crab in the middle of our small garden, and for the past four years it has had ...
  A: Jane: Good to have you back! Must have been sitting at your computer this morning early. Removing ...
crabapple with fire-blight6/20/2011
  Q: I have a much beloved crab in the middle of our small garden, and for the past four years it has had ...
  A: We have FB here also. It is very common on our ornamental ("Bradford") pears. Unfortunately, this ...
Sago Palm6/18/2011
  Q: The new growth on two Sago Palms appears to have turned yellow overnight! What can be done and what ...
  A: Art: This yellowing growth may indicate several things. Difficult to say w/o seeing the plant. ...
Red Maple6/17/2011
  Q: I have a 10-15 yr old Red Maple thet has no leaves on it. I do not know when all the leaves fell ...
  A: Diane: Sounds as if the maple may have died some time back. Can you send a photo of these white ...
plum tree disease6/16/2011
  Q: We have two plum trees. A Stanley and a Toka. The Toka plum tree has small greenish egg like ...
  A: Katie: Best that someone sees your tree in person. The eggs may be from a beneficial insect rather ...
autumn blaze maple6/15/2011
  Q: We bought an autumn blaze maple last year and it has done good until recently. I noticed there is a ...
  A: The splitting has probably created a wound through which microorganisms can enter plus the wound may ...
white cocoons on undersides of hollies6/14/2011
  Q: I recently read a question by another person concerning the same dark powder (almost black) on the ...
  A: Roxanne: Can you take and send a closeup photo of some of these white cocoons on the leaves? It is ...
outdoor plants6/13/2011
  Q: all my plants are loosing their green leaves, they just fall off keeping the pants alive but bare, ...
  A: Mary If all of your outdoor plants are losing leaves, I do suspect a bona fife contagious disease, ...
Psocids6/12/2011
  Q: Vann, I have a Gumbo Limbo and one of the branches show Psocids activity. How can I treat it? ...
  A: Richard: It is my understand that no treatment is required in your particular case, they will just ...
Yellow leaves on lemon tree6/11/2011
  Q: I live in south of Spain and in my small back yard have a lemon tree which was fine since last 5 ...
  A: Nijka: This is a rather significant area as seen in your photo. Please re-read my earlier ...
Yellow leaves on lemon tree6/10/2011
  Q: I live in south of Spain and in my small back yard have a lemon tree which was fine since last 5 ...
  A: Nijka: When the bark becomes loose and falls from the tree, this indeed may be an indication of ...
Orchid Help6/9/2011
  Q: I've repotted my Antelope Dendrobium with new charcoal as I suspected it has rhizome ...
  A: Alfredo: Nothing characteristic from this particular leaf photo, other than there is a possible root ...
AfricanSumac6/7/2011
  Q: Planted a 5 gal African Sumac 3 years ago and it grew very good and have 4 branches from the bottom ...
  A: Bob: As I visualize this, sounds like your plant has developed a type of dieback in which the upper ...
Brown Spots on Hydrangea6/7/2011
  Q: i am sending some pictures of this hydrangea. other than the brown spots some leaves have been ...
  A: Lee: Not all spots are created equal. Take a look at Cercospora Leaf spot in this bulletin that I ...
unknown plant disease on tree6/7/2011
  Q: i have a hawthorn tree in my yard. i live in Edmonton Alberta, and its zone 3b, but its also ...
  A: Marisa: Cool photo! This does look like a type of leaf gall. There are thousands of these out ...
Brown Spots on Hydrangea6/6/2011
  Q: i am sending some pictures of this hydrangea. other than the brown spots some leaves have been ...
  A: Lee: From your image, I do not recognize any particular infectious disease here. The appearance and ...
Decay inside maple tree6/6/2011
  Q: Recently I had storm damage to a maple tree. The winds split the tree down the middle exposing what ...
  A: Trish: I would also suspect some level of internal decay in that tree (nearest the house)as well. ...
Decay inside maple tree6/6/2011
  Q: Recently I had storm damage to a maple tree. The winds split the tree down the middle exposing what ...
  A: More than likely the scenario goes something like this. Sometime ago (maybe years) there was an ...
Holly6/5/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I recently purchased a couple of holly bushes ( yellow variety). The leaves are turning ...
  A: Belinda: If you have an appreciable amount of sand in the soil, more often irrigations required than ...
Pink colouring on my Lemon Thym6/5/2011
  Q: I'm wondering if you can help me. I recently bought assorted thymes to plant around my back garden. ...
  A: Trefor: This coloration does not look like an insect nor a disease, but probably a response to an ...
Pink colouring on my Lemon Thym6/5/2011
  Q: I'm wondering if you can help me. I recently bought assorted thymes to plant around my back garden. ...
  A: Trevor: Can you send along a closeup photo of this pink stuff? It maybe an insect issue, but best ...
dying western yew6/4/2011
  Q: In my yard, which is located in NJ, resides a western yew tree. The leaves are turning yellow, which ...
  A: Michael: Using "Google Images" look up sapsucker damage and see if this looks like the holes. These ...
plumcot problem6/3/2011
  Q: The fruit on my plumcot have several holes with a clear liquid oozing out. The liquid hardens ...
  A: This clear resin-like material is plant material. It is a plant response to a wound being made- ...
Armillaria Root Rot6/3/2011
  Q: Just received lab results that my Podocarpus hedge has Armillaria Root Rot and I am in Zone 9b. I ...
  A: Daniel: Armillaria has a very large host range. Sometimes called "the shoestring fungus". Finding a ...
Hydrangea6/3/2011
  Q: I live in western NC and for the past 4 years I have had this problem on just the leaves. It blooms ...
  A: Lee: Hydrangea can have an annoying leaf spot that we can see often in the summertime. It is usually ...
purple leaf sand cherry6/1/2011
  Q: what is wrong with my purple leaf sandy cherry? it looks like it's "scorched".
  A: Teresa: Your photo is a bit too out of focus to see clearly. Are the twigs dying back from the ends? ...
Double Althea6/1/2011
  Q: I have an 8 year old double pink althea that was growing and flowering well for the last 7 years. ...
  A: Debbie: May wait a little longer. Examine the base of the plant- look for any physical damage where ...
tar spot on maple tree6/1/2011
  Q: The answer to my last question tells me my maple has tar spot. Will the leaves that fall with the ...
  A: Judy: The sexual spores(ascospores) that are produced in the spring are infectious. Rake up/destroy ...
dieback of ferns on oak5/31/2011
  Q: I have a very old oak tree that has ferns on most of the limbs--no worry. Now, they are not ...
  A: Tommie: Not sure what the story is here. If the ferns are drying up and turning crispy despite the ...
White wool5/30/2011
  Q: I have a small gumbo-limbo tree around 4 yr old. I noticed one of its branches is now covered with a ...
  A: Rick: Your description sounds like this stuff maybe insect related. Best to get an accurate ID ...
Holly bushes5/26/2011
  Q: I have four large holly bushes that have been in front of my home for 7 years. This year I noticed ...
  A: Spider webs should not have an impact on the health of the hollies. The spiders are probably there ...
willow tree looks scraggly5/23/2011
  Q: I have a weeping willow that is around 12 years old and at least 35 feet high. This year the ...
  A: It is difficult to impossible to diagnose your issue w/o seeing the tree in person. Here are some ...
conifers5/22/2011
  Q: I have a row of conifers at the back of the house and a few have brown patches on them. Also have ...
  A: Andrew: Many things can cause brown areas to develop with the canopy of conifers. It could be ...
crape myrtle5/21/2011
  Q: I have a crape myrtle that is 3 years old and about 8 feet in height. I have never had a problem ...
  A: John: This growth does not sound like a disease, but merely a phenomena of growth. Sometime when ...
trees5/20/2011
  Q: 2 fruitless Mulberry in Joshua Tree CA @ 3000' elevation. Leaves @ ends healthy and large in 1 to 2' ...
  A: Ernesto: It will be important to determine what insect is munching on the leaves before an ...
Peach tree disease?5/19/2011
  Q: i have 4 holly trees (2 male 2 female) all within 10 feet of each other, inter twined and well ...
  A: It is best to get your two problems properly identified before taking any course of action. There ...
holly tree5/19/2011
  Q: i have 4 holly trees (2 male 2 female) all within 10 feet of each other, inter twined and well ...
  A: John: I do not suspect an infectious disease based on your description. There may be some soil ...
botrytis on tulips5/19/2011
  Q: I have an area (about 10x5 feet) of tulips. Zone 6, wet springs. All three years that i plant them ...
  A: Alla: I am to assume that someone has examined your plants and determined Botrytis was present and ...
Chinese Pistachio Tree wilted/brown leaves= dead?5/18/2011
  Q: I have what I believe to be two Chinese Pistachio trees in my front yard. One of the two put out ...
  A: Sharon: The twig test is quite good, however after checking numerous twigs that turn out brown, it ...
problems with growing wildflowers from seeds5/16/2011
  Q: I have planted wildflower seeds in trays.They come up but then stop growing maybe reaching a height ...
  A: Jane: You did not mention if you are loosing any plants. Be sure the soil drains well. Overly wet ...
Schefflera diseases5/12/2011
  Q: I have a mature schefflera that I'm moving outside as the weather is warmer. I noticed a few of the ...
  A: Gregg: The sticky/clear material sounds like "honeydew". Honeydew is the sugary excrement(poop)of ...
Aphids on my althea trees, hibiscus ornamental tree, and on my gardenia bushes5/12/2011
  Q: I can't seem to get rid of the aphids on my althea tree, gardenia bushes, and my ornamental hibiscus ...
  A: You may wish to focus on just the insect side of things. Often the combination products like you ...
Weeping Willow bark separation5/10/2011
  Q: We have a weeping willow that is approx. 4 years old (in northern MN). This year it has a massive ...
  A: Becky: This separation may be due to a cold injury event. The ants are taking advantage of this ...
moss?5/8/2011
  Q: I have 6 flowering plum, they are 10 years old. the trunks have been turning yellow with what looks ...
  A: Glad you are joining us from afar! These growths may be lichens, a complex growth that is actually a ...
Japenese Maple5/4/2011
  Q: I have a red coral bark japanese maple that was planted last year. It is in full sun. Recently, I ...
  A: Wonderful trees! The brownish black discoloration can be an indication of one of two things. There ...
trees5/4/2011
  Q: 2 fruitless Mulberry in Joshua Tree CA @ 3000' elevation. Leaves @ ends healthy and large in 1 to 2' ...
  A: Ernesto: Mites can be extremely small (<0.5 mm), so be sure nothing is there. Again, it may be best ...
Garden ants5/3/2011
  Q: Last year I had my garden overtaken by ants..tons of ants. I would pull a carrot and 50+ ants would ...
  A: Shawna: It would be best to get your ants identified first and try to determine where they may be ...
Euonymus Chicago Fire has flies??5/3/2011
  Q: I got last fall, it is about 30" tall now. Anyway, today I noticed almost all the branches have a ...
  A: Claire: These may be winged aphids. Best to confirm the identity first, since aphids can be a pest. ...
Common holly5/1/2011
  Q: Hello I have a common Holly tree in my back garden and for several weeks on certain parts of the ...
  A: John: Is the resin coming from the leaf or is is possible to be dripping from a plant above? Can you ...
leave fungus4/30/2011
  Q: i was wondering if you could try and help me with a fungus problem i have with my Stemmadenia ...
  A: Brian: Without being able to look at the growth under a microscope, I would be guessing. You really ...
Canadian Hemlock4/29/2011
  Q: I planted a few Canadian Hemlocks last summer, I have one tree that is turning brown on the bottom, ...
  A: Steve: This may be evidence of transplant shock. This is that adjustment a tree goes through getting ...
Wilting Lilac Bush4/29/2011
  Q: This morning when I let my dogs out I noticed how many buds where on one of my Lilac's. About an Hr. ...
  A: Cherilyn: Like you, I am at a loss to what could cause this to happen in just a short time. Give ...
weaping cherry disease4/28/2011
  Q: My Dwarf weeping Cherry tree is oozing a thick sap like liquid from the trunk. Last year it started ...
  A: Good Morning. The thick sap-like ooze is the trees' response to a wound in the bark/wood. Often the ...
Slightly drooping leaves on Chinese Pistache tree4/27/2011
  Q: I planted a 6 foot Chinese Pistache tree a couple of weeks ago. It seems to be doing pretty well. ...
  A: Tim: It is probably a bit too soon to tell if the cut root is responsible for the leaf yellowing. ...
pear trees - knotty pears?4/26/2011
  Q: Last late summer/fall, they produced many pears. They were very sweet and tasty, except the pears ...
  A: The symptoms that you describe on your pears may be a virus disease called pear stoney pit virus. ...
Slightly drooping leaves on Chinese Pistache tree4/25/2011
  Q: I planted a 6 foot Chinese Pistache tree a couple of weeks ago. It seems to be doing pretty well. ...
  A: Tim: It should grow out of this, especially if the tree "catches on" in a timely manner and the ...
trees4/25/2011
  Q: 2 fruitless Mulberry in Joshua Tree CA @ 3000' elevation. Leaves @ ends healthy and large in 1 to 2' ...
  A: Ernesto: There may be a tiny insect or mite in those tiny bunched leaves that is not readily visible ...
Slightly drooping leaves on Chinese Pistache tree4/25/2011
  Q: I planted a 6 foot Chinese Pistache tree a couple of weeks ago. It seems to be doing pretty well. ...
  A: Tim: The drooping leaves/stems may be an indication of root stress, often a complication or result ...
Large Spots on Oak Trees4/24/2011
  Q: Good Afternoon~ In the last few days I have noticed large white spots appearing on the trunks of my ...
  A: Brandy: This may be a condition called "smooth patch". Google this for some images to compare. ...
Curling Disease4/23/2011
  Q: I have been having a yearly problem with my Fruit Salad tree (peach, apricot,& santa rosa plum ...
  A: Vic: This looks like a fungus disease called peach leaf curl (great picture!!). It is caused by a ...
Oak tree fungus4/22/2011
  Q: I have 2 large Interior valley Oak trees in my yard that developed a white powdery fungus on all the ...
  A: Can you send a photo of the white powdery stuff? This may be an insect or even a disease. Seeing ...
Golden euonymus disease4/21/2011
  Q: We have a golden euonymus plant and there are white and black bumps all over the leaves and ...
  A: Breanna: These are scale insects- probably tea scale. The infestation looks heavy. In my part of ...
vinca minor dieback4/20/2011
  Q: we have had beautiful vinca minor covering large parts of of our front yard for at least 20 years ...
  A: Rita: This could be a fungus disease called branch and stem rot. It is very common here in ...
Hydrangea's4/18/2011
  Q: I have 2 hydrangea's.We live in Ga.. Every year something starts eating on the leaves. I would like ...
  A: The spots in your photo may be an indication of a plant disease rather than something literally ...
White lumps on grapevine?4/17/2011
  Q: I have recently noticed many pea-sized white lumps on the branch of my grapevine. They appear to be ...
  A: These "bumps" may be a type of insect such as an aphid or scale insect. You are welcome to send me a ...
golden euonymus disease4/15/2011
  Q: can I use a sulfur base fungicide on this plant? Also how about on garden phlox? Do hydragea get ...
  A: Cheryl: Sulfur based products can be used on a wide variety of plants and is recommended for ...
camilla leaf disease4/10/2011
  Q: My camilla is growing but each year for past several springs a black cover appears on leaves--looks ...
  A: Marion: Using a wet paper towel, see if the black stuff will wipe off a black leaf or two. If so, ...
Ginko bark & Pear Tree4/9/2011
  Q: My Ginko tree had a split in the bark last year that appeared bright red....that has healed over and ...
  A: Cold temperatures followed by intense sunlight on the bark of some thin barked trees can cause ...
Hoya Obscura Care(3)4/7/2011
  Q: Sir, Your advice please. @@@@@IMAGE:77142:Plant-Diseases-715/2011/04/Hoya_7.jpg##### ANSWER: ...
  A: Alfredo: I suppose it is possible, but I do not usually see these types of symptoms associated with ...
palm plant fungus??4/6/2011
  Q: i have an outdoor palmplant. its leaves are turning all brown, with white spots on the leaves, some ...
  A: Jennifer: Thanks for your photo! I do not recognize any type of insect nor disease organism from ...
Weeping Cherry Tree4/5/2011
  Q: My 5 yr old cherry tree had some white marks on the trunk last year and is now seeping large amounts ...
  A: Carol: This "sap" or resin-like material is formed in response to a wound made in the bark. It is a ...
Fruitless Mulberry trees4/4/2011
  Q: I have three very large fruitless mulberry trees. I noticed in February that the bark was peeling ...
  A: Jay: This may indicate some level of decay that is going on inside the tree, especially if it is an ...
Weeping willow4/3/2011
  Q: I have a minicher weaping willow which up untill last year was doing and looking great but last ...
  A: The ants are usually not the problem, they are the result of something else. Perhaps they are ...
Aspidistra turning brown & yellow4/3/2011
  Q: I have a (formerly thick an beautiful) large aspidistra sitting in front of a north window (full ...
  A: Good to hear the roots looked OK. You might want to check them at the present time to see if they ...
Aspidistra turning brown & yellow4/2/2011
  Q: I have a (formerly thick an beautiful) large aspidistra sitting in front of a north window (full ...
  A: These plants do best in shade. Any direct sun can injure the leaves. I do not suspect an infectious ...
bumps on Plum Tree4/1/2011
  Q: I have a young Plum Tree, maybe 3 years old, At the base there are about three bumps, but when they ...
  A: Shelly: The larger raised bumps appear as normal woody callus tissue as mentioned earlier. They do ...
bumps on Plum Tree4/1/2011
  Q: I have a young Plum Tree, maybe 3 years old, At the base there are about three bumps, but when they ...
  A: These bumps may be just callus tissue formed in response to an early injury (the tree's response to ...
Holly fungus or insects3/30/2011
  Q: I saw the earlier question for a holly bush with a possible fungus or insect infestation - white ...
  A: Sherry: Hi. Your leaves have scale insects on the underneath side. These "nasty" critters make ...
Redtip Tree3/30/2011
  Q: My Tree has turned brown on one side can you give me an solution
  A: Elizabeth: I am assuming that you are referring to the Redtip Photinia, a shrub that can can get ...
palm plant fungus??3/27/2011
  Q: i have an outdoor palmplant. its leaves are turning all brown, with white spots on the leaves, some ...
  A: Jennifer: If the leaves are browning over most of the plant and have occurred fairly rapidly, then ...
baby crepe myrtle3/26/2011
  Q: I grew a baby crepe from seed in nov this past year it was doing beautiful about 3 -4 in high it ...
  A: Linda: The yellowing and subsequent leaf drop are evidences of a root malfunction. This can be ...
ORANGE TREE NEEDS HELP3/25/2011
  Q: WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY ORANGE TREE AND HOW DO I FIX IT? MY ORANGE TREE APPEARS TO BE DYING. ALL THE ...
  A: Amber: difficult to tell w/o seeing the tree. Check the trunk for loose or damaged bark. Look for ...
Pittosporum White growth3/25/2011
  Q: I have 1 year old pittosporum, probably 2-3 tall. For the last 7-8 months I have noticed a white ...
  A: Katlin: These look like scale insects. Can be nasty, especially if there are a bunch of them. If ...
Drake Elm Budding3/24/2011
  Q: I have several young Drake Elms (planted 2 yrs ago) and they all have budded out. One of them has ...
  A: Jerry: I am not quite sure of the smaller leaves on a branch. Take a look at that particular ...
Pittosporum White growth3/24/2011
  Q: I have 1 year old pittosporum, probably 2-3 tall. For the last 7-8 months I have noticed a white ...
  A: Katlin: The foamy consistency may indicate an insect called a "spittlebug". Resembles a small glob ...
Pittosporum White growth3/24/2011
  Q: I have 1 year old pittosporum, probably 2-3 tall. For the last 7-8 months I have noticed a white ...
  A: Is the growth have a cottony(fuzzy) or a foamy consistency? Does it appear to be affecting the ...
Maple autumn blaze3/23/2011
  Q: We just bought a house in november in Amarillo texas... We have these 'twigs' for trees in our front ...
  A: Sabra: Using your fingernail, gently scratch a few stems to remove the outer bark in a small area. ...
Bare spots in bark on mimosa tree.3/20/2011
  Q: I live in the Ft. Worth,TX area and have a large mimosa tree which has developed bare spots in the ...
  A: Melvin: The bare spots that you describe- are these areas with no branching? I am not sure what you ...
yellowing of lemon tree leaves3/17/2011
  Q: i am living in Punjab state in India, my lemon tree's leaves are developing yellow spots and in very ...
  A: Monika: Thanks for the information. I feel that the leaf "blotches" are not related to a contagious ...
yellowing of lemon tree leaves3/16/2011
  Q: i am living in Punjab state in India, my lemon tree's leaves are developing yellow spots and in very ...
  A: Based on your photo, the brown areas do not appear as an infectious plant disease that may be caused ...
meyer lemon tree3/14/2011
  Q: I have a Meyer Lemon tree -about 5 years old. It has lumpy growth on its branches. It still bears ...
  A: Sonal: Great to hear from a reader so far away! From your description, I don't think the lumps ...
holly bushes3/13/2011
  Q: Holly bushes have a white fungus on all the bottoms of the leaves looks like baby powder. what do ...
  A: This indeed may be a fungus OR it may be an insect infestation. Best to see a picture of this white ...
Arborvitae emerald greens with gaping holes3/12/2011
  Q: We had 20 of the emerald greens planted in our front yard to create a barrier against the traffic ...
  A: Can you send a photo showing a part of this line of arborvitae? Include a photo of maybe two trees ...
Sick pine tree2/28/2011
  Q: My father has a gnarly little pine in his yard that serves a focal point at the front of his house. ...
  A: I apologize for the delay in answering. Several things may be an issue causing the gradual decline. ...
Strange fungus2/22/2011
  Q: Vann, I hope you are able to identify the thing in the attached photograph. The green moss is fine, ...
  A: Louise: I am not sure myself of the identity. This could even be an algae of sorts. It would ...
African Violet Help(3)2/21/2011
  Q: Pls see att. image.
  A: Alfredo: This photo is suggestive of water and/or temperature damage, rather than something ...
African Violet Help(1)2/21/2011
  Q: My African Violet growing reasonably well till last week when I discovered some rapid browning on ...
  A: Alfredo: These foliar brown areas may be many things. AF can be "picky" about where they do best. ...
Yukka tree diseases2/18/2011
  Q: Like Brian whose letter I have read, my Yukka tree has suffered from the snow and excessive cold ...
  A: From your description, sounds like the plant may indeed be in a terminal condition. The ooze may be ...
Dead stalks or what appears to look like dead stalks2/17/2011
  Q: I had 2 beautful robbelinis that I left too long in the pots from nusery. One had 4 stalks 2 are ...
  A: Patricia: You can remove the dead portions, but be very sure they are dead first. I would almost be ...
Green onions formed orange bumps2/14/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I live in Hawaii and grow 2 bunches of green onions in a container. My family and I cut ...
  A: Sean: Rust is usually easily ID'd. There are several fungal organisms that produce rust on various ...
Green onions formed orange bumps2/13/2011
  Q: Dr. Vann, I live in Hawaii and grow 2 bunches of green onions in a container. My family and I cut ...
  A: Can you send along a photo of these bumps? Do the plants seem to show any decline or are the bumps ...
Orchid Help(1)2/12/2011
  Q: I found some black spots and yellowing on my orchid. Is it fungal infection? I would mist the ...
  A: Alfredo: This does not resemble a fungus infection to me, however orchids are susceptible to a ...
Peace Lily Help(1)2/10/2011
  Q: My Peace Lily, of which I've grown for about 6 months is experiencing yellowing & browning of ...
  A: Alfredo: Did you have the opportunity to check the condition of the root system? You can certainly ...
Peace Lily Help(1)2/9/2011
  Q: My Peace Lily, of which I've grown for about 6 months is experiencing yellowing & browning of ...
  A: Alfredo: You are correct, overwatering is one of the most common problems for houseplants. ...
Tulip Poplar Trees and Scales2/1/2011
  Q: I live in Kingman, Kansas, which is in South Central Kansas (hardiness zone 6a). I am very ...
  A: Timothy: Good idea to shelter against the wind. Since the bark may be thin on younge trees, you may ...
Tulip Poplar Trees and Scales2/1/2011
  Q: I live in Kingman, Kansas, which is in South Central Kansas (hardiness zone 6a). I am very ...
  A: Timothy: I would not expect there being an issue with using the bald cypress as mulch. No more than ...
Tulip Poplar Trees and Scales1/31/2011
  Q: I live in Kingman, Kansas, which is in South Central Kansas (hardiness zone 6a). I am very ...
  A: Timothy: Thanks for your inquiry. This tree is a beautiful tree. I would be more concerned about ...
Gardenia Help1/30/2011
  Q: Your advice please.
  A: Alfredo: I do not think the spots are contagious, but do watch for spread to other leaves. The ...
Lemon tree-tan lemons1/30/2011
  Q: I found "tan" lemons on my tree, meyer lemon, in No Calif, full of lots of good lemons higher on the ...
  A: Elizabeth: Consider collecting 2-3 representative "bad" lemons and carry them by one of your local ...
ligustrum - wax leaf privet1/29/2011
  Q: vann- we have a line of tall wax leaf privet in our yard that are becoming sparse. i'm not sure if ...
  A: Frances: These are quite hardy plants. For some good advise you can contact the local county ...
Yucca tree disease1/26/2011
  Q: Good evening Dr. Vann, We have had a terrible start to winter here in England, with snow and severe ...
  A: William: Thanks for the photo. From your description, I suspect cold temperatures may have created ...
Photo of Product(Front)1/25/2011
  Q: I followed the instructions and misted the plant. The liquid fungicide can be used directly. I used ...
  A: Alfredo: I am sorry, but I am not familiar with this product being used for managing plant diseases. ...
Balsam Plant Help(2)1/24/2011
  Q: Sir, Your advice please. @@@@@IMAGE:71257:Plant-Diseases-715/2011/01/Balsam-Plant_2.jpg##### ...
  A: Alfredo: The powdery mildew area should appear as fuzzy white or gray patches. The fuzz can be see ...
White Birch tree with 1 foot white worms1/24/2011
  Q: I am looking at a 12 skinny inch white worm or snake dangling from my birch tree seems to like the ...
  A: Fran: I would need to have a photo of this animal to give you an idea. I am assuming you meant it ...
Yukka tree disease1/23/2011
  Q: Good evening Dr. Vann, We have had a terrible start to winter here in England, with snow and severe ...
  A: William: Are you referring to a Yucca? Can you send a photo of this area that you are concerned ...
Balsam Plant Help(1)1/22/2011
  Q: I found some funny patches on my balsam plant leaves which I suspect to be fungal infection. I've ...
  A: Alfredo: The symptom on this leaf does not resemble a fungus infection. If is something that we may ...
pachira plant pests1/21/2011
  Q: My problem: I've noticed that the leaves of my Pachira plant are being eaten - I suspect earwigs or ...
  A: Milton: Sorry if I was confusing. I was wondering if you have seen any new damage that would ...
pachira plant pests1/21/2011
  Q: My problem: I've noticed that the leaves of my Pachira plant are being eaten - I suspect earwigs or ...
  A: Milton: This area shown in your image does not resemble an animal bite to me. The eaten areas are ...
pachira plant pests1/21/2011
  Q: My problem: I've noticed that the leaves of my Pachira plant are being eaten - I suspect earwigs or ...
  A: Milton: Earwigs are not commonly considered a pest of living plants, but more of a consumer of ...
trees1/17/2011
  Q: i have about 20 green ash trees that the horses have crewed some of the bark off ,some pretty bad. i ...
  A: Doug: To my knowledge, there is nothing that can be applied to a wound like this and correct or stop ...
Jasmine Help1/14/2011
  Q: Some of my jasmine buds are browning and dropping. Could it be due to fungal attacks? I live in ...
  A: Alfredo: If fungal in origin, the condition usually worsens and spreads from one plant to another. ...
Plant Help1/14/2011
  Q: May I know what is the visible difference btwn fungal/bacterial attacks and bona fide injury(eg. ...
  A: Alfredo: You are correct, the two can be confusing and symptoms my overlap. To be sure, a lab test ...
Pesticides in plants1/10/2011
  Q: I love eating vegetables but recently have been disturbed by the thought that many of the pesticides ...
  A: I am not the best person for your question. I do know that there is a lot of testing done to ...
white mushrooms under blue oak trees12/1/2010
  Q: I am having a heavy infestation of white mushrooms under my 2 blue oak trees. Is this a sign of the ...
  A: Mattie: Difficult to say if they are causing a problem for the tree without determining the ...
Japenese Red Maple Tree11/29/2010
  Q: I have a little red bug that is eating the bark from my tree and the tree is dying. What is this and ...
  A: Marlene: I am afraid that insects are my short coming, but I do have an office mate who might be ...
Cactus11/25/2010
  Q: I have an ornamental cactus (no name on plant when purchased) about 3ft high. The pot is 8 in. in ...
  A: Jim: From your image, this area of the plant looks like a potential bacterial issue, especially if ...
Desert Rose Help11/20/2010
  Q: My desert rose bloomed recently. The first flower was fine but the second one was distorted. The ...
  A: Couple of possibilities. (1) Thrips. These a very small (1-1.5mm), slender, and very fast moving ...
White fungus on Sour Orange Trees-What is it?11/19/2010
  Q: I recently planted (about a year ago) sour orange trees to make a hedge. I noticed recently (soon as ...
  A: Jeremy: If it is "fuzzy" there is a remote chance it could be a fungus called powdery mildew, ...
Disease - Blue Colorado Spruce11/18/2010
  Q: Our Fat Albert seems to be attack by a disease or insect at the very top... The new growth last ...
  A: Paule: It could be either an insect or a disease within the top portion of the stem tip. Difficult ...
White fungus on Sour Orange Trees-What is it?11/18/2010
  Q: I recently planted (about a year ago) sour orange trees to make a hedge. I noticed recently (soon as ...
  A: Jeremy: Does this coating look "fuzzy" or waxy like? Has the tree been sprayed with anything? Do all ...
Cobwebbing Insect Killing Indoor Lilac11/17/2010
  Q: I have an Everblooming Lilac bush I brought inside for the winter. I no sooner brought it in and ...
  A: It will be best to get a positive ID in order to select and use the best method of control. Spider ...
mullberry tree fruitles11/17/2010
  Q: I have 2 10 year old mulberry trees that have developed over the past 5 years a black colored on the ...
  A: Cesar: Your description sounds much like a condition called sooty mold. This is a group of fungal ...
Cleveland pear tree wth limp branches11/14/2010
  Q: My eight year old cleveland pear tree has about one-third limp branches. The leaves, other branches, ...
  A: Ed: I am not aware of a particular disease/insect that may cause this. Has the tree done this ...
sick peace lily11/13/2010
  Q: I've had a peace lily on my back porch for about 2 years. This morning, I was cutting dead leaves ...
  A: Jennifer: There are several different looking scale insects. I usually see those that are about 1-2 ...
crepe myrtles11/11/2010
  Q: I have one crepe myrtle alone at the end of my walk. The leaves turned solid black but it seems to ...
  A: Rick: This description sounds like a condition called "sooty mold". It is not a disease, but a ...
white moss/fluff11/11/2010
  Q: I've notice a tree in our yard has this white, fluff type moss looking stuff on the bottom of ...
  A: Karli: I would be suspicious of this being a waxy exudate of an insect - possibly a wooly aphid or ...
Fungal Infection11/10/2010
  Q: Is there fungal infection on my fuchsia leaves? More and more lower leaves seem to get affected. ...
  A: Alfredo: I still would consider avoiding the mist on the foliage- just water the soil. Water may ...
Fungal Infection11/10/2010
  Q: Is there fungal infection on my fuchsia leaves? More and more lower leaves seem to get affected.
  A: Alfredo: I do not recognize this spot as a fungus. It could be a bacterial issue. Does the yellow ...
Web coming out of trees11/9/2010
  Q: We have an Oak tree and a maple tree in our front yard. This morning I noticed tiny web like ...
  A: I expect these strings to be associated with insects that are residing in the trees that are using ...
pecan tree11/8/2010
  Q: I have three pecans trees in my yard, and every one of them has rotten pecans, do you have any ...
  A: Dianne: Pecan trees are notorious for producing great for a few years then have an off year or two. ...
Gardenia Leaf11/8/2010
  Q: Several leaves(especially the lower few) of my gardenia are yellowing. Is it due to chlorosis? ...
  A: Alfredo: I'd first take a look at the roots if they have been in the same container for a year. ...
treatment for scale?11/7/2010
  Q: Vann, I have attached a picture of holly leaves with spots. Could you tell me if this Scale? And if ...
  A: Chrissy: Difficult to say if this is scale or perhaps aphids or mealybugs. The oils can be good, but ...
Birch Tree Problem11/5/2010
  Q: I have a Whitespire birch tree that is about 16 years old and I just notice that one of the three ...
  A: Michael: This may be an indication of some level of decay within the interior. This decay is often ...
Orchid Help11/4/2010
  Q: I found some black patches on my orchid leaves. Is this fungal infection? Would it go away with the ...
  A: Alfredo: That could be a possibility. Next time you mist, see if water tends to remain in that area ...
Orchid Help11/4/2010
  Q: I found some black patches on my orchid leaves. Is this fungal infection? Would it go away with the ...
  A: From your image I do not recognize these "blotches" as an infectious disease, but rather a cosmetic ...
quacking aspen disease11/4/2010
  Q: I have several aspens that I believe are quacking aspens. One of the mature trees has a trunk that ...
  A: Ramona: Does the tree seem to be affected by the black trunk? For example, has it lost its leaves ...
Pls help my Wrightia Religiosia11/3/2010
  Q: Why are the young leaves turning black? Too much/too little sunlight? This has happened for several ...
  A: Alfredo: I wouldn't expect sun to damage the edge of the leaves, but in this business I have learned ...
Pls help my Wrightia Religiosia11/3/2010
  Q: Why are the young leaves turning black? Too much/too little sunlight? This has happened for several ...
  A: Alfredo: This does not look like a bona fide infectious disease issue, but rather an injury, ...
Plant Help11/3/2010
  Q: There are some discolouraions/greyish patches on the young leaves of my balsam plant and Mirabilis ...
  A: Alfredo: If you are fertilizing the plant through the leaves, it could cause an injury from the ...
Plant Help11/3/2010
  Q: There are some discolouraions/greyish patches on the young leaves of my balsam plant and Mirabilis ...
  A: Alfredo: I do not recognize any familiar disease from your balsam leaf. The leaf area looks somewhat ...
red maple bush11/2/2010
  Q: I planted a Japanese red maple bush and the leaves are turning a white/gray color. what can this be? ...
  A: Can you send me a photo of a few of these leaves for me to get a better idea of their appearance? ...
New Oak/Elm tree stress11/1/2010
  Q: I recently planted 12 Laurel Oak, Live Oak and Drake Elms. The Laurels and Drake seem to be ...
  A: Mike: It can be a struggle for the larger trees to acclimate anytime they are being placed in a new ...
What is this growing underneath jacaranda tree?11/1/2010
  Q: I found this root like plant underneath the topsoil about an inch or two (not very deep) located ...
  A: Sharon: You've got me stumped on your question. I'm not sure what to tell you. Since these plants ...
shrub diease11/1/2010
  Q: my eyuonmus shrub has white specs on the back side of it leaves and on its branches also the leaves ...
  A: Susan: If these specs can be removed with your fingernail and they appear as somewhat elognated and ...
What is this growing underneath jacaranda tree?11/1/2010
  Q: I found this root like plant underneath the topsoil about an inch or two (not very deep) located ...
  A: These look like the small tubers that are normally found on the roots of the asparagus fern. They ...
yellow leaves on holly tree10/31/2010
  Q: I have yellow leaves on my holly tree (Nellie) in SC Hilton Head
  A: Yellow leaves on an established ornamental/tree usually indicates a soil/root issue, especially if ...
Fungus on Hibiscus10/30/2010
  Q: I have a little bit over 50 pots in a 400 sqft sunroom. The pots occupy 1/3 of the room and are a ...
  A: Ashley: I suspect that the fungus is just after the withering flowers. The blooms usually just last ...
House plant spots10/30/2010
  Q: I have a indoor corn plant (not Yucca) that was moved about 5 feet to the left of the direct light ...
  A: Can you send me a photo of a leaf with these spots? This will give me a better idea as to what they ...
Fungus on Hibiscus10/29/2010
  Q: I have a little bit over 50 pots in a 400 sqft sunroom. The pots occupy 1/3 of the room and are a ...
  A: Ashley: Does the fungus develop on blooms after they have been open OR does it develop on blooms ...
jade plant disease?10/28/2010
  Q: I have a 3 foot tall 30 year old jade plant. Recently it has been getting sticky leaves on the sun ...
  A: Susan: Based on your description, the sticky leaves may be an indication of the presence of ...
Crepe Myrtle Caterpillar's10/28/2010
  Q: We have crepe myrtle trees in our back yard in Cocoa, Fl. that are over a year old. Yesterday, we ...
  A: John: Your description may fit a "saddleback" catepillar. Use your computer to "Google" images of ...
spots on leaves of dwarf pear tree10/27/2010
  Q: i have a dwarf pear tree in my yard and for 2 years now the leaves develop spots on them, they look ...
  A: Anthony: Thanks for your question. The truth is that many microorganisms can cause leaf spots. ...
two growths in yard10/27/2010
  Q: i live in Maryland. its been damp an rainy here lately. i live in a trailer. in my front yard around ...
  A: Some mushrooms can seem to appear "almost overnight" in the yard or flower bed. They usually grow ...
parasite10/26/2010
  Q: what is this white cocoon? and how do I kill it?
  A: Aime: This looks like an insect called a scale insect. They make their living by sucking the plant ...
green knobs filled with small larva10/25/2010
  Q: Since the leaves are falling, I've recently discovered these small green knobs on the dead-leaf ...
  A: Livie: You did not say what your plant was, so I will guess, based on your description that these ...
Dieffenbachia Tree10/25/2010
  Q: I left my house one morning and one of my outdoor cats inadvertently got trapped inside the house. ...
  A: When I first saw your message, I thought you were going to say that your kitty ate the ...
fruitless mulberry tree10/23/2010
  Q: I have a 10 year. old tree. I live in Nevada. just this year the leaves came out large and very ...
  A: Paul: I am not sure what type of tree you are describing, but the bark splitting with discolored ...
buddha citrus problem10/21/2010
  Q: question 1: i got a small buddha citrus (about 2 fts) a year ago, it has been doing well but about 3 ...
  A: Min: No rush on the pruning job. Give it a month or two, then you can carefully cut the dead stuff ...
buddha citrus problem10/21/2010
  Q: question 1: i got a small buddha citrus (about 2 fts) a year ago, it has been doing well but about 3 ...
  A: Min: #1 I suspect that the tree went through some period of stress, but it may be on the rebound ...
house plant disease10/20/2010
  Q: I have a house plant that has suddenly developed red spots on some of the newer leaves. They are not ...
  A: This plant is a schefflera. I have one in my home also. From what I can see, these spots do not ...
lemon tree health10/19/2010
  Q: what is the black soot-like substance covering my lemon tree leaves and how do I cure it? thanks1
  A: James: This is probably sooty mold, which is a fungus that develops and grows on the sugary ...
Tomato disease?10/19/2010
  Q: Lately I've been noticing these spots and streaks on my tomato seedlings which sort of appears ...
  A: Daniel: Can you send me a closeup photo of these spots and streaks? This will help me to understand ...
dying rhododendron10/17/2010
  Q: We have an old rhodi, 0ver 25 yrs old, that seems to be dying. We had an extremely hot, dry summer ...
  A: Diana: I'd start out by a deep and refreshing drink. It has been hot here too! If it has a random ...
weeping mulberry tree10/16/2010
  Q: i have two established (3 years old) weeping mulberry trees in my landscape. one looks great and is ...
  A: In my part of the world, this tree is prone to a fungus leafspot called Cercospora Leaf spot. The ...
Avocado Plant10/15/2010
  Q: I began growing an avocado pit in a jar of water two months ago on my living room counter and it has ...
  A: Mollett: I suspect that these "swimmers" are various microorganisms like nematodes or protozoans. ...
sky pencil10/14/2010
  Q: We have repeatedly planted sky pencils in the same spot and all have died. We planted 2 more about ...
  A: Jan: Difficult to say w/o seeing your plant. There may be a soil environment related issue rather ...
Apple10/14/2010
  Q: Does fallen apple fruits work as fertilizer for the orchard when rotten or it spread disease on ...
  A: The nutritional contribution of fallen/rotten apples is negligible, whereas fallen apples can ...
Dead looking leaves on Lilac Bush in NC10/13/2010
  Q: I planted a new medium sized Lilac Bush in Hickory NC in June. Later all the leaves turned a ...
  A: BJ: Some ornamentals can get sunburned, especially if the leaves had previously developed under low ...
Grape vine disease?10/12/2010
  Q: I have just moved into this house that has some very old grape vines growing. The leaves all have ...
  A: Based on your description, these "bumps" may be a type of insect structure. The insect may be a type ...
Fruitless Mulberry Trees10/12/2010
  Q: I have approx. 20 Fruitless Mulberry trees planted in our yard. A couple of the trees, especially ...
  A: Janet: I think there may have been a mistake w/ the photo sent. The image sent appears to be that of ...
schefflera10/12/2010
  Q: I originally rescued my dwarf schefflera from the local grocery store and now, over 10 years later, ...
  A: Your photo looks like leaf buds that are somewhat bleached. Again, doesn't look to me like a pest. I ...
plum tree10/10/2010
  Q: i have a plum tree and ive notice tht from the base to about 2.5 up the tree the outside of the bark ...
  A: David: If the green stuff looks "fuzzy or leafy-like, it may be a growth of lichens. These are ...
schefflera10/9/2010
  Q: I originally rescued my dwarf schefflera from the local grocery store and now, over 10 years later, ...
  A: Whitney: This growth does not sound like a health issue. Can you send a photo of this growth? It may ...
Boston Fern10/8/2010
  Q: My Boston fern was beautiful and very large it has since started to loose fons and it seems like ...
  A: I bet you live in Boston right? Just kidding!! Being root bound is indeed a good possibility that ...
tanglefoot product10/7/2010
  Q: Steve. If you have a preference versus the tanglefoot product. I would be interested. Also, The ...
  A: David: Not sure how well any of these products work for a bird issue. You may check on the internet ...
chinese pistache disease10/6/2010
  Q: I live in the dallas area. The tree as subject is a male, about 5 years in ground. Yesterday I ...
  A: Henry: Thanks for the information. We have that bird in our area also. We have a few folks each year ...
fungus on oak tree10/5/2010
  Q: I live in Florida. We have an old oak tree. I have noticed an orange colored organism or fungus on ...
  A: Good to hear from folks in Florida! I lived in Ft. Myers for about 6 years. Loved the weather and ...
Oak Tree spores10/5/2010
  Q: My neighbor has an Oak Tree. This summer, I am troubled with black spots, about the size of a pin ...
  A: Deborah: If these "spots" are perfectly round and flat and are about the size you describe, then ...
pear tree disease10/4/2010
  Q: I have a pear tree that has black spots over many leaves. Both upper and under sides are affected. ...
  A: Howard: Leaf spots can be caused by many things, some pathogenic and some not. Can you perhaps send ...
Peeling bark on dwarf lemon10/3/2010
  Q: I have a 44 year old dwarf Myer lemon tree that is in a clay pot. It gets full sun (Los Angeles ...
  A: Lisa: The bark splitting may be due to the swelling of the trunk. Sometimes extended wetness may ...
Apple plants10/3/2010
  Q: Is it necessary to pick the rotten apples from the orchard after the harvest.
  A: Vikek: If it is practical and feasible, yes. This is a great way to minimize plant diseases that may ...
My lemon tree10/2/2010
  Q: I have my lemon tree which I've planted about eight month ago. I was growing fine. Since that time ...
  A: Jim: I do not see any evidence of insect nor disease from the three images sent. Examine the folded ...
Peeling bark on dwarf lemon10/2/2010
  Q: I have a 44 year old dwarf Myer lemon tree that is in a clay pot. It gets full sun (Los Angeles ...
  A: Lisa: This area of the trunk where the diameter of the tree changes is probably where the original ...
maple tree10/1/2010
  Q: I have a large maple tree that has a collection of the little, I call them whirly birds or ...
  A: Thomas: The helicopters are the seed with a "wind" attached. This type of seed is called a samara. ...
Pine tree disease9/29/2010
  Q: I have more than 20 mature pine trees in the front and back yard. Recently, one tree got completely ...
  A: Swati: There could be several reasons why this may be happening. Things like dry weather conditions ...
maple tress9/28/2010
  Q: My maples(I don't know what kind) have white spots and some larger black spots on their leaves. The ...
  A: Sounds like your trees have a rainbow of spots on it! Difficult to say for sure w/o seeing how ...
Vanderwof Pine disease?9/25/2010
  Q: I have several Vanderwolf Pine planted 6 months ago average 7-10' tall. All are doing well except ...
  A: David: If this whitish substance looks like a crusty/powdery material that appears to look like a ...
chinese pistache disease9/25/2010
  Q: I live in the dallas area. The tree as subject is a male, about 5 years in ground. Yesterday I ...
  A: Henry: These objects may be a type of scale insect based on your description. Best to get a ...
Rose of Sharon9/22/2010
  Q: I have 4 Rose of Sharon and they have done beautifully until this year. The blossoms wouldn't open ...
  A: Bonnie: Doesn't sound like a disease to me either. A couple of things to consider checking out. Take ...
scale9/19/2010
  Q: we have scale on our euyonomous bushes (we did use dormant spray in the spring). What can we do to ...
  A: Elaiine: This insect may be the worst insect pest on euonymous. I had it on mine too! You may even ...
dying eugineas9/17/2010
  Q: I also have dying eugineas, I tried to trim the dead parts off and the more dried up leaves and dead ...
  A: Becky: There may be some underlying problem here. Possibly a root/soil related stress of sorts. ...
red tips9/17/2010
  Q: several of my red tips had a fungus at the beginning of the spring....I used fungicide on them and ...
  A: Barbara: I was being a bit sarcastic about pruning it to the ground. I did not mean this as a ...
KOREAN DOGWOOD9/17/2010
  Q: SHORTLY AFTER THE TREE BLOOMS MANY OF THE LEAVES TURN BROWN AT THEIR TIPS. THE BROWN PROGRESSES UP ...
  A: Alfred: The dogwood is typically a shallow rooted tree, thus it can be sensitive to dry soil ...
red tips9/17/2010
  Q: several of my red tips had a fungus at the beginning of the spring....I used fungicide on them and ...
  A: Barbara: Oh yes, I know this one well! In our part of the world, this is the most important disease ...
Cypress Trees Turning Yellow-Italian Cypress9/15/2010
  Q: We live in Northern California. There were 10 cypress trees in a row, in the south side of the ...
  A: Mary: Italian cypress do not require much soil moisture as do the bald cypress. The Italian type ...
Cypress Trees Turning Yellow9/14/2010
  Q: We live in Northern California. There were 10 cypress trees in a row, in the south side of the ...
  A: Mary: If these are bald cypress (Taxodium distinctum) trees, they are commonly found along an area ...
chinese pistache9/14/2010
  Q: I have six 19 month old chinese pistache trees in my front yard. Their first summer they bloomed and ...
  A: From your description, it sounds as if these trees have established themselves in your landscape. ...
pecan tree diseases9/14/2010
  Q: We have 2 paper shell pecan trees which are about 6 yrs. old and I've noticed the bark peeling away ...
  A: James: Can you send me a photo of this area? Take a few shots, pick the best, review it on your ...
White bumps on Japanese Maple Bark9/13/2010
  Q: I found white bumps on the bark and some limbs of an otherwise healthy Japanese Maple. When I ...
  A: Leigh: Thanks so much for the image. This is an insect called a wax scale. We see these common on ...
tree spots9/13/2010
  Q: I have an oak that has the brown fuzzy spots all over it...what can I do and is this going to kill ...
  A: Where are these fuzzy spots located- leaves, bark etc? Are they flat or rounded? If you could send ...
Japanese Red Maple disease9/12/2010
  Q: My tree has small white bumps on the branches. What is it and how do I treat this disease so that I ...
  A: Mary Lou: Difficult to say without seeing some of these bumps. Can you take a send a closeup photo? ...
Tree Fungus9/11/2010
  Q: Twice a day for the past five plus years I go past, I think, a Maple tree. In late spring 2009 I ...
  A: Hey Ralph: A photo may help with the ID. There are many of these fungi that are associated with ...
Crepe Myrtle Disease9/10/2010
  Q: My crepe myrtle tree is very old and has always bloomed beautifully. This year though, it has a ...
  A: The mimosa may have had a disease called Fusarium wilt. This tree is quite prone to this fatal ...
Weeping willow bugs9/10/2010
  Q: There are tiny black bugs (when killed turns purple) all over my weeping willow tree. Do you know ...
  A: Ken: Are you able to determine if they are harming your tree or just a nuisance? Can you send a ...
scale9/9/2010
  Q: Four mature holly bushes were planted in a row in front of the house. One died. it had scale. The ...
  A: Dorothy: It depends on what type of scale insect that you have. Some scales prefer plants that are ...
Japanese Maple9/7/2010
  Q: I planted my tree 2 week ago. All the leaves on the end of the branches are dying. I did not ...
  A: Lee: The first few weeks are crucial as the new tree gets use to its new surroundings. Water is ...
bugs in tree leaves9/6/2010
  Q: we live in montana and have just noticed there are small black bugs in the leaves of our willow ...
  A: Edna: I would say that it is probably too late to do much good by spraying now. I would collect a ...
Fruitless Mulberry Tree9/5/2010
  Q: We have 2 Fruitless Mulberry trees that have on their branches what appears to be a large web that ...
  A: Robin: If the web is out near the ends of the branches, it is probably fall webworm. If the web is ...
webworm/caterpillars9/5/2010
  Q: My neighbor has what I believe to be webworm in her trees. Both trees totally covered in web sacks. ...
  A: These critters can have 2-3 generations per year in my part of the world. The caterpillars leave the ...
lilac disease9/5/2010
  Q: I have two lilacs about five-seven years old with leaves that have gradually turned yellow through ...
  A: Sally: Leaf yellowing may be a fertility or other root/soil related issue. Consider a soil test to ...
Bradford pear infestation9/5/2010
  Q: Bark is easily pulled off. Small yellow spots under park. Ants seem to be feeding on them Bark ...
  A: @aol.com: This area may represent some level of internal decay that can be caused by a variety of ...
webworm/caterpillars9/5/2010
  Q: My neighbor has what I believe to be webworm in her trees. Both trees totally covered in web sacks. ...
  A: Billie: Many people confuse the fall webworm with the tent caterpillar. Sounds like you have the ...
Grapefruit tree9/4/2010
  Q: I have a grapefruit tree that is oozing a tannish colored "foam" from some of the branches. The ...
  A: Kathy: If the substance appears "frothy" and smells like it is fermenting and often attracks ...
mimosa tree9/4/2010
  Q: The bark is coming off of my tree near the base in the crotch. I assume this is not normal, and am ...
  A: Peggy: From the looks of the stem, there is some level of rot/decay present inside. This is a ...
fungus growth at base of bottle brush tree9/4/2010
  Q: There is a very hard, whitish growth of fungus type substance at the bottom of my 4 yr. old bottle ...
  A: This hard fungus that you describe may be an indication of a disease that is going on that is ...
lemon tree9/3/2010
  Q: We have a lemon tree that is probably 20 + years old, has produced fruit all year but we just notice ...
  A: Patt: This may be a fungus disease, especially if it has been rainy where you live or a possible ...
Rosemary9/1/2010
  Q: My healthy rosemary shrub has developed little bits of white foam on some of the branches. It can ...
  A: Janet: This may be evidence of an insect called a spittle bug. The immature insect is within this ...
privet hedge dieback9/1/2010
  Q: very mature hedges 7-8 feet tall experiencing dieback. smaller hedges nearby doing the same.
  A: Hey Larry: Several possibilities. One is there may be a disease organism killing those twigs. ...
brown leaves on spider plants9/1/2010
  Q: I have some spider plants that I keep indoors and are hanging from the ceiling in front of windows. ...
  A: Dena: These symptoms may be related to root/soil stress. Soil should be moist, not too wet or dry. ...
splitting and peeling bark8/31/2010
  Q: Vann, I have a dwarf orange tree. The canopy has been dying back for the last few years and in the ...
  A: Based on your description, I suspect that there may be some level of internal decay. This is a ...
golden euonymous scale8/29/2010
  Q: Just the other day I found out why my golden euonymous shrubs have lost their leaves. The scale ...
  A: Rhonda: Scale is a type of insect that can cause significant damage to euonymous. In my part of the ...
plumcot -aprium disease8/27/2010
  Q: What is the treatment for a plumcot tree that has honey colored, gummy oozings coming from the ...
  A: Patricia: This resinous material is a defense mechanism that the tree exhibits to a wound. This is ...
fruitless mulberry tree8/27/2010
  Q: My brother has four trees and three of them the leaves are just shriveling up. Not turning yellow ...
  A: Corliss: Couple of things to check out. Examine a few leaves closely for the presence of any ...
Sunflowers attacked by little black ants8/26/2010
  Q: These critters have systematically killed the leaves one at a time as they made their way up the ...
  A: Jim: I am unable to see enough detail to make a guess. These may be the cause for the ants being ...
Euonymus shrub has sections dying/bark peeling8/26/2010
  Q: I have a mature 6'+ Euonymus shrub that has never had a problem in the past. We had a wet spring, ...
  A: The black stuff is probably a fungus that is secondary to the true cause. It is just enjoying ...
lilac8/25/2010
  Q: I planted four lilac bushes, one white and 3 purple,(about 3 foot tall) last year. They were ...
  A: Violet: Difficult to say w/o seeing the actual trees. Are you quite sure that the moles/voles are ...
asian pear8/25/2010
  Q: The fruit looks like some kind of cancer. It feels hard when bite into it.
  A: Ling: This may be symptoms of a virus plant disease on pears called stony pit. To confirm, the ...
Fungus Gnats On Meyer Lemon8/25/2010
  Q: I have a Meyer Lemon Tree (2' + tall) that I purchased a few weeks ago from my local Lowes hardware ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. I was visiting w/my next door neighbor to my office. He is a "bug" person- I ...
Ornamental Plum disease8/24/2010
  Q: I have an ornamental Plum tree that has developed numerous areas of gelatinous globs that drip onto ...
  A: Wilma: These "globs" are probably plant sap that oozes from the tree. It looks like a clear to amber ...
slime mold8/24/2010
  Q: I am trying to determine if a photo that was taken in Anchorage Alaska is indeed Physarum sp. Slime ...
  A: David: This does not resemble the species of Physarum that I am familiar with. It would need to be ...
potted mulberry tree problem8/24/2010
  Q: Vann I have a potted mulberry tree (probably came from one at the front of our house in Chicago). ...
  A: Rosalie: Useful information to know. Can you send me a closeup photo of the cottony patch on a ...
african sumac trees8/24/2010
  Q: We have eight af. sumacs spread over an acre, various sizes. The new leaf sprouts at the end of all ...
  A: Liz: Are these newly planted trees? It would probably be best if someone could make a "house call" ...
Chinese Pistache Tree Dying/Diseased8/23/2010
  Q: Our 4 year old Chinese Pistache Tree suddenly appears to be dying. The leaves turned brown, and are ...
  A: I doubt if the insects are directly related to your issue. Look the trunk over for evidences of ...
Locust leaf drop8/23/2010
  Q: We've lived here 7 yrs and this is the first time we've had the locust leaf drop. And it started in ...
  A: Anthony: Many things can cause an early leaf drop. Usually it is often related to some unfavorable ...
Euonymus shrub has sections dying/bark peeling8/22/2010
  Q: I have a mature 6'+ Euonymus shrub that has never had a problem in the past. We had a wet spring, ...
  A: Lindsay: If the branch is definitely drying back, just snip out that branch to try to remove as much ...
stephanotis plant8/22/2010
  Q: I recently bought a stephanotis plant and it has been growing quite nicely, lately though I have ...
  A: Anne: This sticky stuff may be "honeydew" (insect poop) that drips on the leaves, sometimes from the ...
Sunflowers attacked by little black ants8/22/2010
  Q: These critters have systematically killed the leaves one at a time as they made their way up the ...
  A: Jim: If these insects are indeed ants, then they are on the plant for some other reason rather than ...
marigold problem&8/22/2010
  Q: i have beautiful bunches of marigold plants in the yard--suddenly the flowers are turning brown ...
  A: Joan: Check the leaves for spider mites. These plants are spider mite magnets. These 8 legged ...
lilac bush8/22/2010
  Q: My lilac didn't seem to grow or flower much this year and the leaves now seem to have a whitish ...
  A: Jon: The powder may be a fungus disease called Powdery Mildew. Lilac is a commonly affected plant. ...
willow tree8/21/2010
  Q: I have a very large willow tree with large knots/bulges all over it from top to bottom (looks like ...
  A: Barbara: Several things can cause these "burls" or "galls". It may be an insect or disease. I ...
Peach Tree8/21/2010
  Q: There is sap coming out of the trunk of my peach tree. What can I do?
  A: This exudate is produced by the tree in response to an injury. Often this injury is caused by a ...
Live Oak Disease8/21/2010
  Q: We live in a very rural area of south central TX and built a pond 7yrs ago around a very mature live ...
  A: Connie: It is difficult to say w/o seeing the tree in person. Maybe more than a coincidence that the ...
potted mulberry tree problem8/20/2010
  Q: Vann I have a potted mulberry tree (probably came from one at the front of our house in Chicago). ...
  A: Rosalie: Mealybugs are a type of scale insect. They look like little raised cottony balls. Often ...
Ming Aralia8/19/2010
  Q: I have an Aralia that has recently developed "bumps" on the underside of the leaves. I have ...
  A: Janne: The soapy water that you mentioned. Best to use the already prepared stuff rather than ...
Oak tree leaf concern8/19/2010
  Q: Waushara Cnty, WU and recently went up to visit my land. Many of the oak trees had what appeared to ...
  A: Judy: email address is: svann@uaex.edu Again, be sure to review your images on your computer ...
Aspen disease8/19/2010
  Q: Our Aspen trunk and leaves are covered with a sticky substance that appears to be killing the trees. ...
  A: Jim: If this substance is clear initially, then develops a black color, it may be a condition called ...
Ming Aralia8/19/2010
  Q: I have an Aralia that has recently developed "bumps" on the underside of the leaves. I have ...
  A: These bumps look like a condition (not a disease) called edema/odema that is caused by fluctuations ...
Chanticleer pear8/19/2010
  Q: My C pears have black leaves and now are yellowing very badly on the ends particularly near the top ...
  A: Diane: This does not look like fire blight. In fact, I don't think this is a bona fide infectious ...
Chanticleer pear8/18/2010
  Q: My C pears have black leaves and now are yellowing very badly on the ends particularly near the top ...
  A: Diane: Ornamental pears are susceptible to a bacterial disease called Fire Blight in which the ...
gall or caterpillar growth on lilac8/18/2010
  Q: My 4 yr lilac has withering leaves and a section of dying? limbs. I found what looks like a brown ...
  A: Becky: From your description of this "cocoon", I suspect that this is indeed an insect, but probably ...
Holly bush dying8/18/2010
  Q: we have 2 holly bushes in our backyard, one of which (the male) appears to be dying or dead. The ...
  A: Nancy: Thanks for your photo. I noticed the soil appears wet and there is a drainage pipe visible. ...
weeping willow8/18/2010
  Q: Was doing great until this year. Very sparse growth and the bark is separating from the tree trunk ...
  A: Mary: The symptoms that you describe are indicative of a potential internal decay that is probably ...
water oak tree8/17/2010
  Q: From our research, our water oak tree has HYPOXYLON CANKERS. The black/brown spot started as a ...
  A: This fungus (Hypoxylon)is considered a secondary invader, that is, it is usually found on trees that ...
yellowing of peach leaves8/17/2010
  Q: My two year old peach tree has all leaves turned yellow and has stooped growing tall. Please do let ...
  A: There may be several issues that come into play here. First, examine the trunk area for evidence of ...
Gall8/16/2010
  Q: Here in Sedona, Arizona, we found what we believe are gall's on a tree (Holly Tree?) and are trying ...
  A: Craig: UPDATE 08/17/2010 After consulting with a couple of my "bug" colleagues from NC and TN ...
Gall8/16/2010
  Q: Here in Sedona, Arizona, we found what we believe are gall's on a tree (Holly Tree?) and are trying ...
  A: Craig: This web site has the option to attach an image. Be sure to review your image on your ...
Oak tree leaf concern8/16/2010
  Q: Waushara Cnty, WU and recently went up to visit my land. Many of the oak trees had what appeared to ...
  A: Judy: Got your photo. This may be powdery mildew, especially if it looks "fuzzy", like little white ...
Oak tree leaf concern8/16/2010
  Q: Waushara Cnty, WU and recently went up to visit my land. Many of the oak trees had what appeared to ...
  A: Not sure w/o seeing some leaves. Can you take and send me a closeup photo of a couple of these ...
Apricot Tree Borers8/16/2010
  Q: My apricot tree is nearly dead and I've seen several borers on it. Though I can't save the tree at ...
  A: Beth: A couple of things to consider. Removing and disposing of the infested tree. After the tree ...
redwood turning yellow8/15/2010
  Q: the 60 yr old redwood in my yard has about 1*/8th of the needles turned yellow, which I have never ...
  A: Roger: This symptom may indicate a potential root/soil related stress. This may be water or nutrient ...
holly8/14/2010
  Q: I have 2 holly bushes, one on each side of my front door steps. One is thriving, the other has ...
  A: Michelle: If the salt concentration is high enough in the root area, yes it can cause injury. First, ...
Lilac leaves turning yellow/light green8/13/2010
  Q: I need some help figuring out what might be wrong with my lilac shrub. I planted 2 shrubs this ...
  A: Barb: The symptoms that you describe are likely related to a soil/root issue. A nutrient or soil ...
Marshmellow looking8/12/2010
  Q: I have a two year old Pittosporum Tenuifoluim, about 8-9 feet tall growing in full sun in Southern ...
  A: Mary-Alice: Thanks for the photo. If this material is soft and "foamy" like a glob of saliva ...
Bradford pear trees8/12/2010
  Q: I have 9 Bradford pear trees lining one side of my corner lot that were planted 20 years ago. ...
  A: Douglas: There may be some genetic differences in the replacement tree compared to the existing ...
Shrub8/11/2010
  Q: I have some Golden Box Honeysuckle that is 3/4 years old. It has always been healthy but is now ...
  A: Andrew: Your question is outside my area of knowledge, but I would be concerned about the type of ...
Marshmellow looking "stuff" coming from branches8/11/2010
  Q: I have a two year old Pittosporum Tenuifoluim, about 8-9 feet tall growing in full sun in Southern ...
  A: Mary-Alice: This exudate may be insect in origin, but not sure w/ seeing. Can you take and send a ...
Gardenia Topiaries8/11/2010
  Q: I have a Gardenia Topiaries that has become infested with ants, regular house ants. They seem to ...
  A: More than likely, the ants are there for some other reason. They may be feeding on other insects or ...
Cleveland Bradford Pear trees8/10/2010
  Q: I have two Cleveland Bradford Pear trees in my front yard. During the spring they bloomed and then ...
  A: Carol: These ornamental pears are susceptible to a bacterial disease called bacterial fire blight. ...
spotty peaches8/10/2010
  Q: My neighbor has a peach tree and the peaches have black spots on the flesh and in some places the ...
  A: Melissa: If these spots look like tiny crystallized "amber colored dew drops" this may be evidence ...
Tomatoes8/9/2010
  Q: As my tomatoes begin to ripen/turn red, the bottoms are getting white and mushy.
  A: Deborah: If the fruit develops a bleached area, this may be a condition called sunscald (a.k.a. ...
pecan trees8/9/2010
  Q: i have 2 five year old pecan trees.both of them have a yellow tent to the leaves.and small brown ...
  A: Best thing to do is get a soil test done to determine if there is a fertilizer deficiency. Your ...
fungus on bonzi (sabago palm)8/9/2010
  Q: I have a bonzied sabago palm and it has a fungus? that looks like little white spots on the palm ...
  A: Keith: Difficult to say w/ seeing your plant. These spots may be an insect such as mealy bug or ...
Dracena Marginata8/9/2010
  Q: I have, what was, a handsome plant. It now looks sickly and I have discovered some white fungas ...
  A: Can you perhaps send me a closeup photo of this white stuff? What specifically does it appear to be ...
Aspen8/9/2010
  Q: There are white "fuzballs" on the trunk of many of my apsen. I have tried just washing them off but ...
  A: Mike: Difficult to determine if this is an insect or a fungus. Remove a small piece (1/8") in this ...
Canker on Evergreen8/8/2010
  Q: I have two evergreen trees approximately 3 yrs old. I've been told they have Canker Disease and that ...
  A: Gina: Depending on the organism that causes the canker. If the organism is a fungus, pruning is the ...
elm tree8/8/2010
  Q: We have white barnacle like spots on the underside of branches on a weeping elm tree. It attracks ...
  A: Carol: These barnacles may be a type of insect or fungus. Can you take a photo and send to me to ...
Pencil Hollies8/8/2010
  Q: My Pencil Hollies leaves are turning brown at the bottom and in side the plant and falling off. The ...
  A: Terry: Water may be an issue. Be sure it is getting a deep irrigation. Be sure that the soil drains ...
My beloved sweet peas8/8/2010
  Q: I live in Victoria BC and my sweet peas and garden peas have turned white and are dying. Is this a ...
  A: There is a fungus disease called powdery mildew that causes white "fuzzy" patches or blotches to ...
Crepe Myrtle8/7/2010
  Q: I have 3 crepe myrtles that I purchased and planted last fall. Most of the leaves are deep burgundy, ...
  A: Patty: I do not think we are dealing with a bona fide infectious disease. The leaf color may be ...
JAPANESE RED MAPLE8/6/2010
  Q: HAVE A LARGE AND OLD JAPANESE RED MAPLE.THAT THIS YEAR HAS STARTED TO HAVE LEAVES TURNING BROWN AND ...
  A: Randy: A water deficit can cause leaf browning and drop. Usually trees can tolerate dry conditions ...
Crape Murtle8/6/2010
  Q: I live North East of Houston, and it has been a wet July. My Crepe Murtles are covered with black! ...
  A: Sounds like from your description that your shrubs may be suffering from a condition called "sooty ...
CAMELLIA BUSH DISEASE8/6/2010
  Q: LARGE CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAVES COVERED WITH BLACK SOOTY SUBSTANCE ON TOP OF LEAVES AND ON BRANCH ...
  A: Sounds like your shrub has a condition called "sooty mold". This black stuff results from an insect ...
Iris/Daylillys8/6/2010
  Q: (too long a thread again!) Steve Glad the photo got through. Early blight is what I presumed I had ...
  A: Dave: Drip irrigation is great. And for tomatoes as well as other vegetables, good idea to keep the ...
Boxwoods8/6/2010
  Q: I have a well irrigated and well drained bed with American Boxwoods. Recently one plant has started ...
  A: Jeff: Can you send me a photo of that affected plant as it sits in the landscape? I would like to ...
fungus at the base of mature maple tree8/5/2010
  Q: I have a mature maple (approximately 40 to 50 years old). It has a very dark red (almost wine ...
  A: Alison: This may be a type of slime mold that you are looking at. Crusty on top and "sooty" below ...
Iris/Daylillys8/5/2010
  Q: (too long a thread again!) Steve Glad the photo got through. Early blight is what I presumed I had ...
  A: Dave: One easy way to recognize EB is that the spots usually have a "target spot" look, that is ...
fungus at the base of mature maple tree8/5/2010
  Q: I have a mature maple (approximately 40 to 50 years old). It has a very dark red (almost wine ...
  A: Alison: This may be some type of root/trunk decay fungus. Can you send a photo of this fungus? There ...
Oak tree leaves8/5/2010
  Q: I ask Jim Hyland a question about an Oak tree I have that has what Jim thinks is fall web worms but ...
  A: William: If this is fall webworm, the actual web offers quite a bit of protection for the "critters" ...
Pumpkin plants8/5/2010
  Q: I have been growing a pumpkin plant in my vegetable garden, and it was growing great until about ...
  A: Julia: For all of your vegetable plants, it is best to do your best to keep the leaves dry. This can ...
Maple tree8/4/2010
  Q: I have a red maple tree that was planted last year. This summer the leaves have become an ...
  A: These are symptoms of a potential nutrient imbalance -possible Iron. Suggest getting a soil test ...
Scale on Magnolia Tree8/4/2010
  Q: We have a beautiful magnolia that is totally infested with scale. I wonder if you could tell me what ...
  A: Gigi: Visit with your local garden center or nursery about a product (insecticide) called BAYER ...
Iris/Daylillies8/4/2010
  Q: Steve (Our thread was too long, so AllX made me start a new one.) Thanks for your continued interest ...
  A: Dave: I saw your image of the three leaves. This symptom of leaf tip browning, especially if it is ...
Discolored Day Lilly Leaves8/2/2010
  Q: Dr. Vann Every year my day lillies come up healthy aand thriving. Then, the tips of the leaves begin ...
  A: Dave: Hey, it happens to the best of us- no problem. Could you send along a closeup photo of a few ...
balcony problems8/2/2010
  Q: do you by any chance know this could be, it's affecting my balcony plants, it started on basil, and ...
  A: Ivana: This may be evidence of an insect called a leaf miner. It feeds in between the upper and ...
Problem with Golden Euonymus8/1/2010
  Q: I've had six of these plants in the ground for 3-4 months. I had amended the soil, used a starter ...
  A: Jerry: The plants that I am familiar with are not fast growers. One thing that helps to get these ...
tomatoe plants8/1/2010
  Q: My tomato plant stems and leaves are turning yellow then brown and drying up. The fruit looks fine ...
  A: Dee: This may be related to heat/drought conditions or even a disease, depending on where you live. ...
Chanticleer Pear8/1/2010
  Q: I just planted a 2.5" caliber chanticleer pear tree 8 days ago. Yesterday (day 7 after planting)I ...
  A: Misty: The symptoms on your leaf is indicative of a root related issue. It could be several things, ...
crepe myrtle8/1/2010
  Q: I have a crepe myrtle tree that is about 5 years old. This year we have had hot dry weather and ...
  A: Diane: This is probably a condition called sooty mold. This is not a disease, but the result of an ...
disease7/31/2010
  Q: What are small round greenish and about 1/4 inch tall that grow on the leaves of my trees. Walnut ...
  A: Donna: I suspect that you are referring to an insect gall- perhaps an insect called phylloxera. ...
Diseased Plants7/31/2010
  Q: I have 3 plants (unidentified plant, phox, and roses) in a row that look to be diseased or have some ...
  A: Kathy: There is a fungus disease called powdery mildew that goes to phlox. It looks like white ...
Discolored Day Lilly Leaves7/31/2010
  Q: Dr. Vann Every year my day lillies come up healthy aand thriving. Then, the tips of the leaves begin ...
  A: Dave: There may be a water or heat issue where you live. This does not sound like a bona fide ...
Diseased Plants7/30/2010
  Q: I have 3 plants (unidentified plant, phox, and roses) in a row that look to be diseased or have some ...
  A: Kathy: From your photo, it looks like the leaves are just firing up. Are all three plants doing the ...
money tree bug problem7/29/2010
  Q: i have an indoor money tree, small a 1 ft. recently i noticed there are small flying bug coming out ...
  A: Min: These may be tiny insects called "fungus gnats". They are black, maybe 1 mm length, and very ...
Pumpkin plants7/29/2010
  Q: I have been growing a pumpkin plant in my vegetable garden and it was growing very well until about ...
  A: Julia: Preventative applications of an appropriate material works by far the best. These plants may ...
blue holly bush7/28/2010
  Q: My holly bush has yellow leaves with dark spots on them. What is it and how do I treat it? When ...
  A: Kim: There are actually several possibilities for the cause of these spots, not all are considered ...
Cherry Tree Yellowing7/27/2010
  Q: I just planted my Akebono cherry (12 gallons) a few months ago in the grass of my park strip (about ...
  A: Lisa: The top of the root ball/root collar of the tree should be level with or 1-2 inches above the ...
Cherry Tree Yellowing7/27/2010
  Q: I just planted my Akebono cherry (12 gallons) a few months ago in the grass of my park strip (about ...
  A: Could you send a photo of the first tree that you planted showing how it is situated in the ...
Lilacs7/27/2010
  Q: The leaves on my lilac bush are turning white or the surface of the leaves look white & anemic, what ...
  A: Beverly: Lilacs are susceptible to a fungus disease called powdery mildew. This may be what you are ...
plant disease7/27/2010
  Q: sir, i have 10 silveroaks almost 7yr old. one fine morning i found one of them dried from the tip to ...
  A: Vrinda: I suspect that if indeed this is an insect infestation by a borer type insect or for that ...
Mulberry Tree7/27/2010
  Q: We have a Mulberry tree or bush and it currently has berries on it which are turning red. The ...
  A: Matt: You are welcome to send a photo of the plant. In the meantime, examine the bottom portion of ...
meyer lemon tree7/26/2010
  Q: I planted a full size meyer lemon tree in the back yard, middle of San Francisco, about 7 years ago. ...
  A: David: It is not uncommon for small animals to chew the bark. Squirrels and rabbits are notorious ...
ginko tree problem7/25/2010
  Q: I live in California's hot Central Valley. Planted two ginkos about 10 years ago and have enjoyed ...
  A: Lin: Sounds like there may be have been a water deficit past the critical point for that one tree. ...
orange spots on apple tree leaves7/25/2010
  Q: I have orange spots on my apple tree leaves. The tree is young and has two small apples. We ...
  A: David: I would be suspicious of a fungus disease called cedar-apple rust. It produces large orange ...
plant disease7/25/2010
  Q: sir, i have 10 silveroaks almost 7yr old. one fine morning i found one of them dried from the tip to ...
  A: Vrinda: This glue like substance is probably plant "sap" formed as a defense mechanism to an injury. ...
Golden Euonymus7/23/2010
  Q: I have several of golden euonymus shrubs and they are about 4 to 5 years old. Always looked great ...
  A: That all depends on how high the insect population is. If it is severe enough in your estimation, ...
meyer lemon tree7/22/2010
  Q: About 1 1/2 years ago I purchased a dwarf Meyer lemon tree. This summer there are small oval shaped ...
  A: Nancy: From your description, these spots may be a type of insect called scale insect. They are ...
Yoshino cherry7/22/2010
  Q: My Yoshino cherry tree looks as if it is dying. It has been a long dry summer, but others in my ...
  A: This gel is a product of the tree. It is produced as a defense mechanism to injury. Most often, this ...
Golden Euonymus7/22/2010
  Q: I have several of golden euonymus shrubs and they are about 4 to 5 years old. Always looked great ...
  A: Debbie: Based upon your description and having not seen your plants, I would guess scale insects. ...
Beech hedge7/21/2010
  Q: When I moved into my home (approx 10 years ago) I planted a green beech hedge as a boarder in the ...
  A: Nigel: There are several possibilities, however it would be best for someone to see and examine an ...
Cotton like area on small evergreen or juniper shrubs7/21/2010
  Q: I have several evergreen or juniper shrubs with a white cotton like web appearing on the branches in ...
  A: Annette: If the webbing appears very fragile and sparse, it may be spider mites. You really need to ...
crepe myrtle fungus7/21/2010
  Q: I live in Ft Worth, TX and I have a crepe myrtle tree that is approximately 24 yrs old. The bark on ...
  A: Ed: No problem with not sending the images. In my mind, the only thing that I know of that makes ...
Magnolia Tree7/20/2010
  Q: I recently moved into a new home with a beautiful ornamental magnolia tree at the entrance to the ...
  A: The black bark may be caused by a fungus called sooty mold. Sooty mold occurs as a result of an ...
white substance on trunks of white pine7/20/2010
  Q: I have noticed a white hazy substance on three pine trees in our yard. The trees are about 40 feet ...
  A: Jeff: Thanks for your photo. I do not recognize this as being a disease or insect issue. Since you ...
white substance on trunks of white pine7/20/2010
  Q: I have noticed a white hazy substance on three pine trees in our yard. The trees are about 40 feet ...
  A: Jeff: A photo would indeed be nice. Try to get close if possible and review your image on your ...
Aloe Barbadensis Diseases7/19/2010
  Q: I've had my Aloe plant for a little over eight months. It was doing fine until recently. The leaves ...
  A: CJ: Overwatering can be a big issue on these plants. Be sure that the soil drains good. These do not ...
apricot s7/19/2010
  Q: We have recently purchased a home with an old apricot tree in the yard. There is sap coming from ...
  A: Joan: This sap is usually amber colored and sometimes thick and even hard. It is a tree defense ...
Mushrooms at base of tree7/19/2010
  Q: We have an elm tree, I think it's a chinese elm which is about 10 years old. Last year, a storm ...
  A: Jennie: Not sure of the size of these, but if they are about 1/4 inch in diameter and look like ...
Magnolia tree7/18/2010
  Q: I just noticed what look like tiny cotton balls up and down almost every tree limb.The tree is ...
  A: Sam: Sounds like you are describing scale insects on the twigs. There are are lot of different ...
wood worm!!!7/18/2010
  Q: my mature lilac appears to have wood worm . Is this likely ? is there anything i can easily do - a ...
  A: Mandy: Are you speaking of an insect that bores into the wood of many trees? I am not familiar with ...
Brown spots on leaves of Water Oaks7/18/2010
  Q: The leaves on my water oak are starting off with brown circular spots, some directly in the middle ...
  A: Vincent: Difficult to say with out seeing the tree in person. I'd start by checking the trunk and ...
droppings around potted ficus tree7/18/2010
  Q: Greetings, I am mystified by droppings I find each morning all around my potted ficus. The tree is ...
  A: Elizabeth: As I mentioned, look for a caterpillar type critter. Check also at night since it may be ...
Pin Oaks7/17/2010
  Q: I have several pin oaks and two of them have problems, one with dying branches that have long deep ...
  A: Debbra: Difficult to say w/o seeing the tree in person. Suggest examining closely, the trunk areas ...
fruitless mulberry leaves yellowing7/17/2010
  Q: At least for now, the yellowing seems to be isolated to one fork of the tree.They are quickly ...
  A: Bob: Some herbicides (weed killers) can cause tree damage, especially if they are applied on windy ...
Cherry Tree Ailing7/17/2010
  Q: In the past two weeks almost two thirds of the leaves on my cherry tree have turned brown and died. ...
  A: Signe: Your symptom description may indicate a potential insect invasion by boring type insects. The ...
Two Questions7/17/2010
  Q: Vann. I have two questions that I would like answers to. I have a magnolia bush. About 30% of the ...
  A: Jeanne: A couple of things to consider on the leaf curling. (1) Have any weed killers (herbicides) ...
mulberry tree curlling leaf disease7/16/2010
  Q: I live in western Colorado and have numerous mulberry trees.Many of the trees have some type of ...
  A: Doug: Difficult to tell w/seeing a sample. Examine the undersides of the leaves for any "critters". ...
crape mrytle bush7/16/2010
  Q: I just purchased this bush and after it was planted I noticed some kind of sack attached to the ...
  A: Connie: I would suspect that this is probably an insect that is just using the stems as a support ...
Carrotwood tree and thrip7/15/2010
  Q: I just purchased a carrotwood tree to replace a 35 yrs old myoporum which has been stricken w/the ...
  A: Carolyn: Difficult to say if this tree is a very important host to this insect. This tree is quite ...
Honeysuckle plant disease7/15/2010
  Q: Our honeysuckle plant gets this problem each summer. Leaf yellowing starts, and quickly the leaf ...
  A: Esther: The yellowing/browning type symptoms often occur as a result of root/soil related stress, ...
A question about my new weeping willow tree7/14/2010
  Q: Late April this year, i planted a baby weeping willow tree. I check it everyday and water it often. ...
  A: Haley: If most or all of the leaves are doing this, then I suspect not a bona fide infectious ...
Japenese Maple Tree7/14/2010
  Q: I planted a lace leaf japenese maple in my flower bed in May. We notice that the tips of the leaves ...
  A: The brown tips/edges is often due to a root issue such as water imbalances- most of the time the ...
leaves turning yellow7/14/2010
  Q: I just planted a prairifire crabapple tree, 2 weeks ago. the leaves are turning yellow, starting at ...
  A: Sharon: Based on the time frame that you indicated, I would not suspect a bona fide infectious ...
Disease on Lilac7/14/2010
  Q: I Live in the Pacific NW. My Lilac that has been here since we moved in, has developed a brown ...
  A: Many different things may be responsible for the leaf spots. Can you send along a closeup photo of a ...
Cast Iron (Aspidistra)7/13/2010
  Q: Several of my plants (on north side of house) have yellow leaves (ends are brown). Too much sun? ...
  A: Ann Marie: These plants prefer shade and moist, but well drained , sometimes poor soil to do their ...
Brown rot on peach tree7/13/2010
  Q: I have a peach tree that has the fruit turning brown and rotting. I looked up and see it is brown ...
  A: Mike: Best to spray early season. Probably too late now. Remove/destroy any rotted fruit from the ...
Rosemary and Thyme disease7/12/2010
  Q: I have a question regarding a disease on a few of my plants. All 3 plants are sharing a large ...
  A: Kele: Your spices may have an insect on them that is attracting the ants. Can you send a closeup ...
Cone flower disease7/12/2010
  Q: a large amount of our cone flowers are "cut off" about two inches beneath the flower. a little ...
  A: Dan: I would suspect an insect, perhaps a caterpillar type critter. It is best to capture and ID a ...
Fruit Tree Diseases7/12/2010
  Q: I have 2 problems. 1 is my new dwarf plum tree which i have only had a couple of months. I thought ...
  A: Paul: These spots may be bacteria in origin. This may be a disease called bacterial spot. Take a ...
Fruit Tree Diseases7/12/2010
  Q: I have 2 problems. 1 is my new dwarf plum tree which i have only had a couple of months. I thought ...
  A: Paul: Browning of the leaf edges throughout the tree may be an indication of root/soil related ...
Elm Tree with Peeling Bark7/11/2010
  Q: I have an elm tree that has begun to peel its bark in large quantities. Attached is a picture. Can ...
  A: Keever: I do not recognize a bona fide infectious disease here from your photo. The tree, if ...
crepe myrtle disease7/11/2010
  Q: What would cause a crepe myrtle leaves to turn yellow and then brown? They are not dropping on the ...
  A: Mary: There may be an issue with the trunk or roots. Do the leaves have any spots or are they just ...
honeysuckle disease7/11/2010
  Q: My honeysuckle has grown very well and has produced multitudes of flower buds, but they are all ...
  A: Keith: These sets of symptoms do not sound like a disease that I am familiar with, especially if the ...
Bramley apple tree7/10/2010
  Q: The bark at the base of my tree has become dark and cracked. What could it be and what shoul I do ...
  A: Nigel: This looks like old mechanical injury (tools/lawnmower/other equipment) that may haved caused ...
Elm Tree with Peeling Bark7/10/2010
  Q: I have an elm tree that has begun to peel its bark in large quantities. Attached is a picture. Can ...
  A: Keever: Depending on the type of tree, this peeling may be normal, especially if the leaves look ...
Fruit Tree Diseases7/9/2010
  Q: I have 2 problems. 1 is my new dwarf plum tree which i have only had a couple of months. I thought ...
  A: I am sorry, but your plum photo is quite a bit "fuzzy" and I cannot see any detail. Can you resend? ...
Regrowth after ponytail palm rot?7/9/2010
  Q: but a couple weeks ago I noticed that the base of the leaves were white and soft, 2 of the 3 bulbs ...
  A: Alisa: If the "bulbs" were soft and mushy w/maybe a foul smell, then this may indicate some level of ...
Norway Maple Trees7/9/2010
  Q: We live in the east on Long island, New York and have four Norway maple tress in our yard that are ...
  A: If you care to, try to describe these wooly things and I'll give it a shot to ID. Please let me know ...
Fruitless Mulberry leaves7/8/2010
  Q: We have a very old fruitless mulberry tree that has been healthy. This summer I have noticed that ...
  A: Ritamarie: This does not sound like a disease that I am familiar with. If the leaves are discolored ...
Honeysuckle flowers7/8/2010
  Q: My elderly neighbour has a honeysuckle. The flowers have not opened properly and have curled and ...
  A: Lin: There are a few things that may cause this. Often, tiny insects called thrips can get inside ...
Norway Maple Trees7/7/2010
  Q: We live in the east on Long island, New York and have four Norway maple tress in our yard that are ...
  A: Carol: Thanks. A photo could be be very helpful. After you take the shot and get a bit of help ...
Holly Tree - disease?7/6/2010
  Q: I live in middle TN and we planted in May, 2009 a 5'-6' Oakleaf Holly tree in our front bed. It has ...
  A: Adelaide: I don't think this "stuff" is caused by a harmful insect, but merely a small nest that may ...
Little Gem Magnolia problem7/6/2010
  Q: We just had a row of Little Gem Magnolia's planted this spring. In the past couple of weeks we have ...
  A: Jeri: These are a type of insects called wax scale. We see them also on holly bushes. If you have ...
crown of thorns7/5/2010
  Q: I have some sort of parasite growing in my crown of thorns. It looks like a mold with some sort of ...
  A: Jasen: If this stuff is at the base of the stem, this may represent a root/stem type rot. Many of ...
Caterpillers eating away a white Birch Trees7/5/2010
  Q: A question from southern Ontario Canada. We have two rows of large white Birch on both sides of our ...
  A: Brian: The pour on product will probably do better if applied in the spring. Check in with your ...
lilacs7/4/2010
  Q: The wood on my lilac looks as if it has snowed in June. A white substance surrounds many of the ...
  A: Ray: These are scale insects. They are sucking type insects. They do not move around on the plant ...
Jade plant7/4/2010
  Q: I have a Jade plant that is about 50 years old. For the last three years it has developed a sticky ...
  A: Karen: This sicky stuff sounds like "honeydew" which is insect "poo". Look close for insects on both ...
crepe myrtle7/4/2010
  Q: my crepe myrtle is untrimmed and very big - gives us shade on our patio - but all the bark is ...
  A: Mary: The thin outer layer of bark normally peels and sloughs off on crapemyrtle. Comes off in small ...
Webs covering tops of Rosemary bushes7/3/2010
  Q: We have three large 4ft diameter rosemary bushes that are about 10 years old. This year in Los ...
  A: David: Use "Google Images" on your computer and take a look at photos of "Fall Webworm", These ...
spider like webs on English garden plants7/3/2010
  Q: I've developed spider-like webs on some of my plants in my English garden... lemon thyme, ajuga, ...
  A: Nancy: I am not aware of products for spiders on plants. There is a plant pest called spider mites ...
sago Palm..no new leaves7/3/2010
  Q: Three years Sago grew a ball in center, never leafed out, and has multiple orange ball like pods ...
  A: Carol: If the plant is in a pot, it may have outgrown its surroundings. Check the amt. of soil in ...
pin oak tree7/3/2010
  Q: Our pin oak is approximately 15 ft tall. the leaves seem to be very yellow and not a deep green. We ...
  A: June: Your tree may be just hungry. You can have your soil tested by the Agricultural Extension ...
Weeping MulberryTree7/3/2010
  Q: I have small white moths on my tree. Are they harmful, if so how do I get rid of them?
  A: Paula: If they are small enough to resemble "dandruff" when you shake the leaves, these may be ...
snowball bush7/2/2010
  Q: My snowball bush has had the ends of each branch ( the twigs) spiral and the leaves curl and are ...
  A: Sheldon: Various things can cause plant "deformities" such as some viruses, phytoplasmas, and even ...
sick magnolia tree7/2/2010
  Q: I have a sick magnolia tree. It Bloomed the best ever this year and its now spitting out a clear ...
  A: Marie: More than likely, this clear,sticky substance is the product of an insect feeding on your ...
wisteria woes7/1/2010
  Q: We had a huge purple lavender wisteria which covered our entire 20 x 20 patio trellis, planted in ...
  A: Christena: Not an easy call. Depends a lot on your existing soil and how well it holds water. ...
ficus tree care7/1/2010
  Q: I'm caring for a ficus tree, which has 1) what appears to be scale on the bark and 2) on the ...
  A: Cheryl: If you are sure that you have scale insect in both cases, you can look at a product called ...
felt scale on crepe myrtle7/1/2010
  Q: I am horrified to see what I do think is azalea felt scale on my beautiful crepe myrtle. I plan to ...
  A: Marcia: It is best to get the "critter" identified first. You can collect some of these and carry ...
felt scale on crepe myrtle7/1/2010
  Q: I am horrified to see what I do think is azalea felt scale on my beautiful crepe myrtle. I plan to ...
  A: Marcia: Another treatment option is to use a product that you mix w/water then apply to the soil. ...
wisteria woes6/30/2010
  Q: We had a huge purple lavender wisteria which covered our entire 20 x 20 patio trellis, planted in ...
  A: I suspect there may be a soil/root related issue. There may be a disease in the roots. There are ...
Magnolia Tree6/30/2010
  Q: I have quite a large flowering Magnolia tree in my backyard that has a very strange looking white ...
  A: What a wonderful photo! This are indeed scale insects. These critters have sucking mouth parts. ...
Magnolia Tree6/30/2010
  Q: I have quite a large flowering Magnolia tree in my backyard that has a very strange looking white ...
  A: A photo can be helpful. Be sure to review it on your computer first-- to be sure it is in focus ...
Sago palm6/30/2010
  Q: I recently had new leaves come out from the center of the plant. I trimed off all the old, when the ...
  A: Gene: This insecticide should not cause any injury if mixed and applied correctly. Be sure to read ...
Magnolia Tree6/30/2010
  Q: I have quite a large flowering Magnolia tree in my backyard that has a very strange looking white ...
  A: Amy: If the white powdery stuff appears as small clumps that look fuzzy, then this may be a type of ...
Lilac tree6/29/2010
  Q: My lilac tree is in full bloom but the leaves are turning black. Is there anything I can do to save ...
  A: Joyce: If the black color wipes off with a wet finger or wet paper towel, you may have a condition ...
lilacs6/29/2010
  Q: The wood on my lilac looks as if it has snowed in June. A white substance surrounds many of the ...
  A: Ray: Can you send along a closeup photo of this white stuff? It may be insect related, but I am not ...
hydrangea6/28/2010
  Q: I HAD 3 hydrangea bushes in a mulched bed, north side of my house. In early June 3 were in full ...
  A: Sandy: The Root and stem rots are typically caused by a group of fungal microorganisms that are ...
White powdery substance on ornamental flowering cheery tree6/28/2010
  Q: I have this white powdery substance that is accumulating on the branches of ornamental cherry trees ...
  A: Marios: Can you attach a closeup photo of a few of this substance on a branch? It may be a type of ...
hydrangea6/27/2010
  Q: I HAD 3 hydrangea bushes in a mulched bed, north side of my house. In early June 3 were in full ...
  A: Next time you see a wiled stem, check the area near the soil line for any darkened area that looks ...
Leaf disease on Live Oak6/26/2010
  Q: Starts on surface of leaves as a small scale-like brown spot with two darker brown holes in the ...
  A: These areas look like insect activity, the holes may represent exit holes for an insect that may ...
My kumquat6/26/2010
  Q: Attached to this question is a picture of my kumquat plant that is a couple years old. I am curious ...
  A: Frank: You might consider a few possibilities. Check the upper and lower leaf surface for any insect ...
Diseased Peach Tree6/26/2010
  Q: I live in the Oklahoma area where we tend to have hot and humid summers. My peach tree fruit has ...
  A: JR: I do not recall any type of disease that resembles this description. If this looks like ...
Snowball Bush6/25/2010
  Q: Our snowball bush is faily large it has been healthy and bloomed every year. This spring it started ...
  A: Ruth: I'm not sure of the reason for the smaller leaves. Things to start with. Look the shrub over ...
Spotting on Pepper Plant Leaves6/25/2010
  Q: I very recently purchased several small cayenne pepper plants (about 6-8 inches tall) and potted ...
  A: Tam: I am unable to see much detail from your small photo. Can you resend a larger image. Review it ...
Lilac bush disease6/24/2010
  Q: I have a lilac bush that was transplanted about 8 years ago. It has done well, but flowered little. ...
  A: The tree really needs to be seen in person to determine the cause of leaf curl and dying branches. ...
scale on crepe myrtles6/24/2010
  Q: I noticed this morning that there is a white-looking scale on both of my crepe myrtles. I can't ...
  A: Terry: There are many types of scale insects. People refer to them as having scale or having scale ...
Rhododendron fungus6/24/2010
  Q: There are a white lumps with brown tips at one end that look like fungus about 1cm long on the back ...
  A: Jenny: These white objects may be a type of scale insect. These critters make their living by ...
Schefflera plant disease6/23/2010
  Q: I have had my schefflera plant for at least 25 years. It has developed some type of fungus or ...
  A: Is your plant in a pot? Has anything been sprayed or allowed to drip on the plants? Can you send me ...
Rhododendron fungus6/23/2010
  Q: There are a white lumps with brown tips at one end that look like fungus about 1cm long on the back ...
  A: Can you send a closeup photo of these lumps on the back of an affected leaf? I do not have a clear ...
read maple leaves brown and falling off6/22/2010
  Q: A red maple 15+ ft tall was green when I left Jacksonville, FL for 10 day holiday this June. When I ...
  A: Kaye: Unfortunately not. The decay is progressive. The only thing to do is be sure it gets watered ...
read maple leaves brown and falling off6/22/2010
  Q: A red maple 15+ ft tall was green when I left Jacksonville, FL for 10 day holiday this June. When I ...
  A: Kaye: The split with exposed dead tissues may represent some level of internal decay to the tree. I ...
lilac tree6/22/2010
  Q: my lilac tree has already bloomed so much but the last 2 or 3 days the green leaves have turned ...
  A: Sheldon: If the leaves are "crunchy" all over, then the tree may be suffering from a root stress. ...
potted evergreen tree6/21/2010
  Q: I have a potted evergreen that I have had on my patio for years. It started turning brown on one ...
  A: Linda: These plants prefer a well drained soil. Be sure not to overwater it. It should be watered ...
lilac tree6/21/2010
  Q: my lilac tree has already bloomed so much but the last 2 or 3 days the green leaves have turned ...
  A: Sheldon: If they are literally black, suggest seeing if the black covering will wipe off with a wet ...
Myers lemon tree6/20/2010
  Q: I just purchaced two lemon plants came in a gallon pot. I dug two holes the same depth as the pot ...
  A: Your plant looks like it is pretty happy so far. Give it plenty of TLC until it gets established. ...
Black leaves on Chanticleer Pear6/19/2010
  Q: Just had a chanticleer pear tree planted. There were several branches with black leaves. Over the ...
  A: Judith: If the leaves appear as groups of brown/black leaves often on the ends of the branches, this ...
pin oak question6/19/2010
  Q: I live in Central Illinois and have a big healthy oak tree in my front yard. Within the past six ...
  A: Ben: These swellings (galls) are caused by an very small insect called a gall wasp. The gall is ...
mulberry tree fungus ?6/19/2010
  Q: I live in east central Pa , have several medium size 25' high mulberry trees (red) . the last few ...
  A: Michael: This white stuff may represent a fungus that is merely present on dying or declining ...
sunburst locust dying6/19/2010
  Q: I originally emailed Kathy Crawley but am told she is unavailable. I have a mature sunburst locust ...
  A: Jim: Sounds like this tree may have some level of decay, perhaps inside- that is not readily visible ...
Fuzzy White Stuff6/18/2010
  Q: I'm taking care of a plant for a co-worker, and it has this weird looking parasite that looks white ...
  A: Talisha: From your description this sounds like an insect, either a type of scale insect (mealy bug) ...
Forsythia6/18/2010
  Q: I have one older bush and 2 new ones. All have green "growths" on their stems that almost look like ...
  A: Margaret: Galls may be insect or disease related. It would need to be examined in a lab to confirm. ...
top of honey ash tree dying6/17/2010
  Q: last year the top of my honey ash started to die and was then covered with a web. this year it came ...
  A: Lillian: If the same area is affected this year, then this may be evidence of some level of internal ...
river birch tree6/17/2010
  Q: My young river birch tree started to get bright pink - red patches on some of the leaves. It feels ...
  A: Jane: These are the evidence of a type of mite damage, probably a type of eriophyid mite. These ...
plum tree leaf blight6/17/2010
  Q: My plum tree leaves have green spikes on them. What is the problem and what do I do about it.
  A: Don: Difficult to say w/o seeing these, but it may be a type of spindle gall that is formed by a ...
privet6/17/2010
  Q: I have privet hedging on my front lawn,side of the driveway,and back garden.i planted it there five ...
  A: Eric: Best to check those leaves and try to find the cause of the holes. If it looks like an insect ...
Weeping Cherry Tree- Leaves turning brown6/16/2010
  Q: The leaves of my weeping cherry tree have begun to turn brown in the last week. I have used Bayer ...
  A: I am unable to tell too much from your photo. Is is feasible to prune out that one section/branch? ...
Burning Bush Disease6/16/2010
  Q: My burning bush's branches are splitting. The oddest thing. The leaves are also droopy. Has gotten ...
  A: Nancy: This is odd for this plant. If the bark is splitting lengthwise on these branches this can be ...
tree diseases6/16/2010
  Q: i have what i thought was a healthy crab apple tree that bloomed profusely this spring then all of a ...
  A: Samanth: These gray bark like patches may be lichens which do not by themselves cause a disease. We ...
river birch tree6/16/2010
  Q: My young river birch tree started to get bright pink - red patches on some of the leaves. It feels ...
  A: These patches may be an insect structure, but I am not sure without seeing them. Can you take and ...
moss parasite?6/15/2010
  Q: For the past six months, or longer, we have seen a moss attacking the live trees in our area. On a ...
  A: Freda: I believe the first step is to get a positive identification for this plant. Consider ...
white balls on pepper plants6/15/2010
  Q: all my pepper plants (all planted in pots) have white slightly elongated balls (1mm x 2 mm) in size ...
  A: Maria: I am not sure about these critters to know if they may be pests or just incidental insects. ...
Carrotwood, San Diego6/15/2010
  Q: Our Carrotwood has developed a white powder on many of it's leaves. Is this going to be harmful to ...
  A: The white powder MAY be a fungus disease called Powdery Mildew. For the most part, it is a ...
tree insect6/14/2010
  Q: I have recently discovered some sort of insect nesting in two large trees in my yard. They "clump" ...
  A: Robert: These may be scale insects or a type of beetle. You can carry these by your local nursery or ...
White & Brown Lumps on Trunk6/14/2010
  Q: I have a Tulip Tree in my garden, about 8 years old. Last week I noticed these blobs on the trunk. ...
  A: Toby: I'd be suspicious of a type of scale insect. Insecticides containing imidacloprid are ...
cleveland pear tree leaves6/13/2010
  Q: We purchased a 10 ft Cleveland pear last year from a nursery. They planted it for us. The tree so ...
  A: Marlene: Difficult to say what the issue is here w/o seeing it. You may ask if the nursery can take ...
Cinch bugs6/13/2010
  Q: I read an answer to Bill, (email 9/13) and the description sounds very much like Cinch bug egg sacs. ...
  A: David: I never have heard of chinch bugs damaging a tree. You may be seeing a type of scale insect. ...
Yellow Hookneck Squash6/12/2010
  Q: For the 2nd year my squash, after it matures & is producing fruit, starts to wither & die.The ...
  A: Howard: Couple of possibilities (1) Stem rot. This is a fungus. The bark of the lower stem gets dark ...
sick Acer6/12/2010
  Q: I have a mature, established Acer which has been experiencing dieback for the last two years. ...
  A: Anna: If you are experiencing dieback with loose bark, this may indicate some level of internal ...
Tree diseases6/11/2010
  Q: My neighbour has a Lime tree that is displaying very strange pink/red stalagmite pillars growing up ...
  A: Sally: Your description sounds much like a type of insect gall. There are many insects and mites ...
Plant disease6/11/2010
  Q: I have my old apple orchard which is dying,i am planning to uproot the old site,what practise should ...
  A: Vivek: Some good disease and insect prevention- if your community permits burning of waste, I ...
Pland disease6/11/2010
  Q: Leaves of my apple trees are turning yellow resulting in premature defoliation and in fruit ...
  A: Vivek: Many things can cause these symptoms. Be sure first that you have plenty of moisture in the ...
clear drippy stuff on juniper bushes6/11/2010
  Q: my very large and very old juniper has developed a clear drippy substance on the tips. What is this ...
  A: If this substance is clear and sticky, then it may be a substance called honeydew. Honeydew gives ...
Crystal like formation around trees & plants6/10/2010
  Q: I have a very strange crystal like formation around my cherry tree, tomato plant, zucchini plant, ...
  A: Houda: I'm afraid that I do not know what this material might be. Consider collecting some of this ...
Magnolia tree dying6/10/2010
  Q: Magnolia tree planted 10 mos. ago. So. Cal. Sandy soil. Other mags have done nicely in this soil. ...
  A: Alan: Examine the lower trunk for any loose/damaged bark. If present, this may indicate physical ...
arborbvitae6/10/2010
  Q: we have many arborvitae lining our property (up to 40 years old in maturity). lately they have ...
  A: Alison: I suspect that this is an insect injury of sorts. This isn't a disease. If feasible, it ...
Japanese Maple6/9/2010
  Q: I have a J. Maple approx 20+ yrs. never a problem. this year, the leaves around the circumference ...
  A: Mark: This does not sound like a pest issue, but perhaps an environmental one- possible early ...
Shademaster Locust Leaf Drop6/8/2010
  Q: I emailed you yesterday about our locust tree that sheds the entire season. You asked me to send a ...
  A: I showed your photo to my next door neighbor and unfortunately he wasn't able to give us a positive ...
vinca6/8/2010
  Q: this is our first time planting vinca, my husband planted them several weeks ago and they are dying. ...
  A: Chantel: These plants need a well-drained soil. Avoid too much water- just moist to the touch. If ...
plants in my green house dying6/8/2010
  Q: I hope you can help I'm having lots of problems this year with plants in my green house dying, all ...
  A: Ken: If your compost is a commercial product, it is unlikely that there is any contaminant that may ...
magnolia tree6/8/2010
  Q: Our 4 year old magnolia tree has been dropping leaves for a few months and has dry scaly growths on ...
  A: Karen: Some leaf drop is normal-mostly interior leaves, but excessive drop may indicate other ...
dying leaves on my southern magnolia tree6/7/2010
  Q: I have a southern magnolia tree %26 virtually the biggest part of the leaves look dead, there are a ...
  A: Paula: You can try a general granular tree fertilizer. Just check in with your local garden ...
holly bushes6/7/2010
  Q: I have at least 18 holly bushes in front of my house I have had them for 15 years they are huge! I ...
  A: You are welcome to send me a photo of this white stuff. Try to get as close as you can to the leaves ...
Messy Locust Tree6/7/2010
  Q: We've had issues with this tree for years, but now that we have a beautiful new deck we'd really ...
  A: If you are concerned about the insects, try to take a closeup photo and send to me. Try to get as ...
oak tree disease6/6/2010
  Q: I recently asked Jim Hyland questions regarding our mature oak trees. (Illinois) He answered that it ...
  A: Lydia: These critters usually "snip" off twig tips and they fall to the ground. In my part of the ...
clematis question6/6/2010
  Q: every year my clematis blooms beautifully, then all flowers immediately fall off and leave the ...
  A: Carolyn: Doesn't sound like an insect nor a disease. Review any chemicals that may have been sprayed ...
cut leaf golden elder6/6/2010
  Q: I have a cut leaf golden elder that has clusters of black eggs in the branch junctions. These eggs ...
  A: Susan: You need to go to work for National Geographic!! Your photo was beautiful. These are aphids. ...
plants in my green house dying6/6/2010
  Q: I hope you can help I'm having lots of problems this year with plants in my green house dying, all ...
  A: Ken: Did you buy your compost through an individual or is it a bagged/commerically manufactured ...
black growths on plum trees6/5/2010
  Q: There are black growths on our plum trees. The growths can be almost described as warts. The trees ...
  A: Rosemary: There is a common fungus disease that you can use your computer to see. Look for pictures ...
Yew Problem6/5/2010
  Q: I probably have more than 40 yews planted throughout my yard and noticed as I was fertilizing them a ...
  A: John: From your description, I suspect an insect- perhaps a type of scale insect. Try to snip off a ...
ash tree problems6/5/2010
  Q: How do you treat the worms that infest the ash trees? We've done almost everything and they still ...
  A: Esther: Sounds like those critters that make a web on the tips of the branches- correct? If so , ...
white spots on back of maple tree leaves6/5/2010
  Q: I live in Suffolk county, long island, new york. I have a gorgeous maple tree (approx 40') in my ...
  A: Carmela: These look like a type of scale insects, possibly cottony cushion scale. Carry a few leaves ...
scale in burford holly tees and nellie stevens6/5/2010
  Q: what is the best way to treat scale in my hollies, they are infested with scale, will they recover, ...
  A: Don: There is an insecticide that you may try called BAYER ADVANCED GARDEN TREE AND SHRUB INSECT ...
Meyer Lemon6/4/2010
  Q: I live in lower Alabama. I have a Meyer lemon in my yard. It is about six yrs. old. This last ...
  A: Bobbi: If this "discoloration" will wipe off with a wet finger or wet paper towel and looks black, ...
plants in my green house dying6/4/2010
  Q: I hope you can help I'm having lots of problems this year with plants in my green house dying, all ...
  A: Ken: There are a lot of possibilities here. Best if someone could visit your GH in person to size up ...
re: Ash Tree6/4/2010
  Q: I have an Ash Tree that is about 8 years old. At the end of last year I found clusters of what ...
  A: Roberta: Can you send me a picture of these clusters for me to look at? Try to take a closeup shot ...
chanticleer pear tree6/4/2010
  Q: The chanticleer pear tree on my property was planted approximately 4-5 years ago. It did well the ...
  A: Diane: Pale leaves can indeed be an indicator of poor fertility or other root related issues. See if ...
Tree disease6/3/2010
  Q: I have a large blossom tree in my garden (possibly cherry blossom) which has had all its leaves ...
  A: Alison: Soils composed of sand do have a higher incidence of drought, so you might pay particular ...
mold6/3/2010
  Q: My apricot tree trunk has a white (looks like mold) all over it-I found the apricot themselves have ...
  A: Dr Edie: This mold on the tree trunk may be superficial or an indication of decline. It would be ...
cut leaf golden elder6/2/2010
  Q: I have a cut leaf golden elder that has clusters of black eggs in the branch junctions. These eggs ...
  A: Great to hear from someone in Canada! In order to give you an accurate answer and some management ...
Autumn Blaze Maples6/1/2010
  Q: I have 4 autumn blaze maples. They were planted in late March by a landscaper. 2 of the trees are ...
  A: Tony: As temperatures rise and rainfall gets less, fewer and fewer spots will form. Newer leaves may ...
david phlox6/1/2010
  Q: when planted leaves were fine. Now lowerleaves yellow and have light speckling.
  A: Claire: Can you send me a closeup photo of the speckling? Review your image on your computer first- ...
Crookneck Squash Question6/1/2010
  Q: The vast majority of my squash fruit has been very tender and pleasant. I have, however, noticed a ...
  A: Ben There are a virus diseases that may cause the "bumpy" texture. Using Google Images on your ...
Flowering Pear Tree5/31/2010
  Q: What would cause the leaves on the tree to turn brown. This is happening all over the tree. The ...
  A: Rose: Here in Arkansas as well as several SE states have noticed over the last few years a condition ...
maple tree white spots underleaf5/31/2010
  Q: My maple tree is apppearing healthy , but has many numerous white spots powdery looking, on all of ...
  A: These spots may be an insect. Can you send me a closeup photo of a leaf? Review your image on your ...
Chitalpa5/30/2010
  Q: I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I planted a Chitalpa in my back yard three years ago. It only ...
  A: Angela: Hope your are referring to a Catalpa. You can remove the bare branches if they are dead. ...
Red Oak Diseases5/30/2010
  Q: We live on a forrested mountain side and have a mature red oak which has recently started showing a ...
  A: Diane: This sounds like a bacterial disease called Bacterial Wetwood/Slime Flux. Take a look at ...
Potato Leaf Problem5/30/2010
  Q: I have a problem with only one of the four types of potato I am growing in large fabric tubs. I have ...
  A: Margaret: It is my understanding that Roundup (when applied correctly) will not do this distortion ...
White Crabapple5/30/2010
  Q: My Crabapple has been dropping leaves, I planted this tree four years ago and have not seen any ...
  A: Bruce: Difficult to say what may be causing leaf drop. Sometimes if there is a rather ...
Ask for the disease5/30/2010
  Q: citrus if given water regularly in summer, what would be the effect of the sunlight when ...
  A: Shahid: Absorption of light in the infared region of the spectrum may caused some heating of plant ...
Potato Leaf Problem5/29/2010
  Q: I have a problem with only one of the four types of potato I am growing in large fabric tubs. I have ...
  A: Margaret: These symptoms of cupping/leaf distortions can most likely be caused by one of two things- ...
Autumn Blaze Maples5/29/2010
  Q: I have 4 autumn blaze maples. They were planted in late March by a landscaper. 2 of the trees are ...
  A: Tony: Too much water can be a problem just like not enough. No need to wet the leaves, just soil ...
Maple Tree Leaves have small spikes5/29/2010
  Q: My Maple tree is distressed for the 2nd year.....it has tiny spikes embedded in the leaves and the ...
  A: Bruce: From your description, these tiny spikes on the leaves are probably a type of plant gall ...
Maple Spindle Gall?5/28/2010
  Q: I live in Southeast NH and have some beautiful Maple trees in my backyard, though I don't exactly ...
  A: Martha: I do not recognize a disease nor characteristic significant insect from your image. Some of ...
Maple Spindle Gall?5/28/2010
  Q: I live in Southeast NH and have some beautiful Maple trees in my backyard, though I don't exactly ...
  A: Martha: Take a look at several of these "eaten" leaves for any black areas or spots that seem to ...
Maple Spindle Gall?5/28/2010
  Q: I live in Southeast NH and have some beautiful Maple trees in my backyard, though I don't exactly ...
  A: Martha: The gall insects, in this case I believe a mite, usually do not have a significant impact in ...
Burford Holly5/28/2010
  Q: Tree is 15ft height, trunk about 20" plus 30 to 35 years old. This year more blooms than ever. Bees ...
  A: Marlene: Even though these plants are quite cold hardy, a fairly sudden drop in temperatures may ...
Krauter Vesuvius5/27/2010
  Q: I recently noticed spot on the leaves of my purple leaf plum. The spots look as if the leaf is ...
  A: Can you send me a photo of a leaf with this spot on it? Try to get as close as you can to take the ...
peach trees5/25/2010
  Q: young tree lots of fruit,leafs are falling off the tree,they are not turning color or curling,this ...
  A: Robert: Any sudden or drastic drops in nightime temperatures that may have preceded the leaf drop? ...
japanese red maple5/25/2010
  Q: I had this tree for 20 yrs and never had a problem this year I notice the leaves are wilting and ...
  A: Marylou: Some things to start with.. Look the tree over the best you can for evidences of loose or ...
while mold on bark of peach tree5/25/2010
  Q: I have a peach tree that has white mold on the bark. It started out just a small spot and now it is ...
  A: If the tree is doing fine otherwise, I suspect this may be a superficial issue-cosmetic. If you are ...
weeping willow5/25/2010
  Q: We planted a weeping willow in very moist clay soil near our pond located in Belmont, Vt. It did ...
  A: These trees prefer a relatively consistent source of water thus they are often seen alongside of a ...
Re: problems with lilac trees5/25/2010
  Q: We have problems with our lilac tree. I live in Quebec, on the south shore of Montreal. On one ...
  A: Juanita: I don't think that the splotches are related to the leaf curl unless they are a residue ...
Black gum on leaf & trunk Key lime5/24/2010
  Q: I am a farmer in the Bahamas, I have a small crop of key limes, the trees have not been doing well ...
  A: Anthony: The gum presence on the trunk may represent an injury to the bark. The injury can sometimes ...
RE: Pachira aquatica5/24/2010
  Q: I inherited a pachira aquatica 5' that sits in the enclosed back room, had it a year. Today I ...
  A: Stephanie: Thanks for the photo. This liquid does not look like anything related to a danger ...
Plum Tree5/24/2010
  Q: I live in West Texas. All fruit trees were planted 3 yrs. ago...2 plum, 2 peach, 2 apple and 1 pear. ...
  A: Jon: The black stuff may be sooty mold, especially if it wipes off the leaf with a wet paper towel ...
Ficus Lyrata5/24/2010
  Q: I have a ficus lyrata which has recently displayed red spotting and red veins. I have also noticed ...
  A: Emily: The leaf symptoms shown in your photo do not resemble an infectious disease but rather a ...
Carrotwood tree5/23/2010
  Q: We have a mature carrotwood tree that has been pruned several times with no problems. However, ...
  A: Paul: The pale color may be due to a fertilizer imbalance (too much or not enough) or other root ...
Diseased lilac tree5/23/2010
  Q: We have a white lilac tree which is over twenty years old. During that time it very rarely has ...
  A: Ann: Take a close look at the main trunk and the area near the base of the tree for any evidence of ...
Jap red maple tree5/23/2010
  Q: Could you please tell me what to do about my Japanese red maple, I have a large section in only the ...
  A: Elizabeth: If you suspect an injury from a spray, not much to do except wait. If you suspect a ...
Apple disease5/23/2010
  Q: Leaves of my apple trees are shrinking,i think due to hot temperature,fruits are weathring what to ...
  A: Vivek: If the tree is well established in the ground, take a look at the base of the tree for any ...
Italian Cypress trees5/22/2010
  Q: I have an Italian Cypress tree which is showing brown inside the canopy but I did not detect ...
  A: Alan: Some browning and thinning of the interior can be normal as a result of shading of the ...
pachira aquatica5/21/2010
  Q: Wondering if I have a problem with my plant. I have been noticing tiny clear sticky droplets ...
  A: Nancy: An insect presence would be my first guess, but since you do not see any insects then I do ...
Sky Pencil Holly rapid leaf drop5/21/2010
  Q: I live in southern Texas. Three months ago I planted numerous Sky Pencil Holly trees and a few ...
  A: Michelle: From your photo, looks like water/drainage may be or has been an issue. Looks as if water ...
camellias5/21/2010
  Q: I have a lovely pink camellia and it usually is full of flowers in the early spring . This year was ...
  A: See if the black stuff rubs off the leaves using a wet paper tissue or wet finger. If it does, then ...
Holly Plant problems5/21/2010
  Q: Some of our Holly plants have leaves which are browning at the tips. Others have leaves that are a ...
  A: Meadowbrook; Several things can cause these symptoms that you are describing. Most of them are ...
RE: Pachira aquatica5/20/2010
  Q: I inherited a pachira aquatica 5' that sits in the enclosed back room, had it a year. Today I ...
  A: Next week will be fine. You may have to remind me about the sticky stuff when you send the photo- my ...
RE: Pachira aquatica5/20/2010
  Q: I inherited a pachira aquatica 5' that sits in the enclosed back room, had it a year. Today I ...
  A: Stephanie: Can you send a photo of this whitish stuff? Try to get as close as you can to a leaf to ...
Sky Pencil Holly rapid leaf drop5/20/2010
  Q: I live in southern Texas. Three months ago I planted numerous Sky Pencil Holly trees and a few ...
  A: The symptoms that you describe may be due to an unfavorable root environment. This can be produced ...
blood good jap maple5/20/2010
  Q: I have had my blood good for 16 years and for the first time i have had it, it has yellow and brown ...
  A: Patrick: Thanks for the photo. This is a leaf spot often referred to as maple anthracnose. It is ...
Red bugs5/20/2010
  Q: I live in San Antonio Tx. I noticed both last and this year in March/April bugs on our Crepe Myrtle ...
  A: Robert: No problem. You can send a photo anytime. You can always check your next door neighbor's ...
Bradford pear bloom then no leaves5/19/2010
  Q: i have a bradford pear in the back yard that bloomed in the early spring as normal, dropped the ...
  A: David: This tree may be exhibiting symptoms of a disorder that has been termed "Pear Decline". This ...
Silver maple - Sparse Leaves5/19/2010
  Q: I have a silver maple that I planted 3 -4 years ago. It's been doing great until this year when the ...
  A: Mike: In the meantime, you are welcome to take and send a photo of this area in question. If you do, ...
Silver maple - Sparse Leaves5/19/2010
  Q: I have a silver maple that I planted 3 -4 years ago. It's been doing great until this year when the ...
  A: Mike: Check a couple of things. Look at the trunk for areas where the bark may have been damaged or ...
Norwegian Sunset Maple leaves not opening5/19/2010
  Q: We have a 3 1/2 yr old Sunset Maple whose leaves didn't open this year. Some of the leaves on the ...
  A: Laura: I would doubt that the plant roots underneath would cause this. If you had a night or two ...
Red bugs5/18/2010
  Q: I live in San Antonio Tx. I noticed both last and this year in March/April bugs on our Crepe Myrtle ...
  A: Robert: A picture of these critters could be of great help. Can you take a closeup of one and send ...
weeping mulberry tree male-no fruit5/18/2010
  Q: The tree is 4 yrs old, I live in Western NY. Late April brings the green leaves. May 17th, I ...
  A: Difficult to say what is going on here w/o seeing the tree in person. Things to look for. Using your ...
Schefflera tree5/18/2010
  Q: I've got an indoor schefflera tree that seems to be getting very sticky gooey leaves (and the floor ...
  A: Stan: You are welcome. Be sure to check on the under surface of the leaves for these insects. They ...
Schefflera tree5/18/2010
  Q: I've got an indoor schefflera tree that seems to be getting very sticky gooey leaves (and the floor ...
  A: Stan: This "sticky" stuff sounds like honeydew. A product of an insect that is feeding on this plant ...
blood good jap maple5/17/2010
  Q: I have had my blood good for 16 years and for the first time i have had it, it has yellow and brown ...
  A: Patrick: There are a variety of agents that can cause leaf spots. Could you send a photo of these ...
white birch tree5/16/2010
  Q: in early spring my white birch developed leaf buds but they never opened and now are falling off can ...
  A: Brian: I suspect the tree may have been subjected to a possible temporary stress. Possible sudden ...
wisteria scale5/16/2010
  Q: I've just come home from one night away and found my wisteria half dead. I've had a close look and ...
  A: Scale insects can be a real "pain". They make their living by sucking the plant juices from the ...
Japanese dwarf red maple tree disease5/15/2010
  Q: Could you please tell me what is happening to my tree, I have a large section in only the front of ...
  A: This does not sound like a bug or disease. Has anything been sprayed on the tree or poured on the ...
mango tree5/15/2010
  Q: my daughter has a mango tree, which recently sent up quite a few flower stems, which were covered ...
  A: Thelma: I am assuming that this tree is not a new tree, but has been established in the soil for ...
pony tail palm5/14/2010
  Q: Leaves are drying up (brown/rust in color) from tips inward. Also some browning on tips of new ...
  A: Leaf tip browning can be caused by many things. Often it is an unfavorable root environment rather ...
Meyer Lemon Tree5/14/2010
  Q: and thank you for your time. I have a Meyer Lemon Tree that is approx. 2 years old. It is just ...
  A: Tracey: The vinegar is an acidic solution that may injure tender portions of the plant. Depending ...
Lawn Problem5/13/2010
  Q: Many thanks for your help! By way of introduction, I'm a physician with a lot of education in the ...
  A: Steven: I do not suspect a disease nor insect that is causing this, but rather some animal, possibly ...
roebellini Plant with off-white/greyish eggs in the soil5/10/2010
  Q: I just bought two new roebellini plants for my patio and noticed within a week that one had small ...
  A: Meaghan: I do not suspect insect or disease related. Could this have been a bird's egg? I suspect ...
honeysuckle5/10/2010
  Q: I live in northwest Montana, I have 2 honeysuckle plants for the first few years after planting they ...
  A: Brad: Difficult to say w/o examining a physical specimen. Consider having a soil sample tested for ...
Holly infestation5/10/2010
  Q: I saw your answer to another question on this. I have two holly bushes and they seem to have black ...
  A: One insecticide choice to consider is Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. It is applied to ...
camellia disease5/9/2010
  Q: We have a 10+ Yrs old camelllia in Savannah, GA that now has some leaf disease. Pictures are at ...
  A: Sandy: Scale insects are the issue from photo #2 and some of the leaves in photo #1. The large brown ...
jasmine plany disease5/9/2010
  Q: Jasmine plant growing in a desert climate (Las Vegas) This spring some leaves show a reddish ...
  A: Joe: Difficult to say w/o seeing some of these leaves since many things can cause spots. Can you ...
Leafless Fruitless Mulberry Tree5/9/2010
  Q: We have a very old fruitless mulberry tree that was very green and lush when we first moved in to ...
  A: The presence of the dead branches and "thinning" foliage, I would suspect some level of internal ...
non blooming yoshino cherry tree5/7/2010
  Q: We have two yoshino cherry trees. One on either side of the drive. One tree has bloomed and is full ...
  A: Ray: This one is a head scratch-er for me. I am assuming that both trees have budded out together in ...
Japanese Maple5/6/2010
  Q: We planted a Japenese Elm approximately three years ago and it has grown well each year. This year ...
  A: Chaz: If it is showing signs of leafing out, you should be OK. Scratch a few smaller twigs with ...
Ficus tree5/6/2010
  Q: My ficus froze this winter so we decided to trim back the limbs. The only problem is that now is ...
  A: Elizabeth: I am assuming the ficus has some green tissue on it after the trimming. There is a black ...
CRINKLEY leaves on meyers lemon5/6/2010
  Q: I have a potted lemon tree that the leaves crinkle and then they fall off. Is it a virus and is ...
  A: Good Morning Charles: There might be several reasons for the distorted leaves, but a virus disease ...
oleander in SC -leaves are yellowing5/5/2010
  Q: my neighbor asked me about her oleander, the leaves are yellowing and dropping. I check for any of ...
  A: Leaf shed can sometimes be caused by numerous things. This time of year, maybe a rather sudden drop ...
Spotted Discoloration on all Plants5/5/2010
  Q: Dr. Vann, Today we noticed light whitish-tan colored spots on the leaves of virtually every plant ...
  A: Brandon: Yes, it is possible, especially if it was mixed inappropriately and resulted in injury. ...
Spotted Discoloration on all Plants5/5/2010
  Q: Dr. Vann, Today we noticed light whitish-tan colored spots on the leaves of virtually every plant ...
  A: Brandon: Since there are lots of apparently unrelated plants with the same symptoms, I would not be ...
saga palm gel5/4/2010
  Q: i have a clear gelatin substances on the end of the cut limbs of my saga palm, it is clusters it is ...
  A: Olivia: I suspect that this material is from the plant in response to the injury from the cut. It is ...
holly bushes5/3/2010
  Q: our holly bushes have a large number of leaves that are turning brown, dry, and brittle while their ...
  A: John: The brown leaves and black stems indicate that the tissue has probably died and becoming ...
lemon & apricot diseases5/3/2010
  Q: 1. My 3 yr old dwarf lemon tree has never had fruit & now some of the leaves are "curling" & ...
  A: Cindy: Some insects that feed on the leaves can cause it to curl. Take a close look along the veins ...
Poplar Tree5/3/2010
  Q: I have a poplar tree my grandfather planted about 50 years ago that appears to be on its way out. It ...
  A: D: This tree may have some level of internal decay, a slow yet progressive decline. This decay can ...
Galls on maple leaves5/2/2010
  Q: My daughter is a tree climber, and her favorite tree is the maple tree. She recently noticed the red ...
  A: Olga: There are many insect galls that can be out there. They are usually insignificant to the ...
Yellow leaves on sago palm5/1/2010
  Q: We have 2 Sago palms which have some yellow leaves. Is this a situation where the soil is not acid ...
  A: Othell: Yellowing of leaves can be caused by a number of things. Usually it is a soil/root related ...
aliens taking over my Oak Tree??5/1/2010
  Q: What are these things please. I thought maybe they were wasp galls, but am not so sure.. I don't ...
  A: Rebecca: This is an insect gall called a horned oak gall. Caused by a small wasp that lays an egg on ...
Growths on Oak Tree5/1/2010
  Q: We have just moved to a home in Northern California with a large, mature oak tree that has nodules ...
  A: Suzanne: These may be one of many types of insect galls which are caused by small wasps. If this ...
lilac problems4/30/2010
  Q: My lilac branches appear to be dying. They have a sort of greenish-grey spotted coating on them. The ...
  A: This coating that you describe may be lichens growing on the bark that we can see on older or ...
lilac bushes4/30/2010
  Q: I live in west central Wisconsin. Spring has arrived early this year and I have noticed on several ...
  A: A drop in temperatures can indeed injury tender parts of a plant that are in the process of "coming ...
persimmon tree disease4/30/2010
  Q: my Fuyu Persimmon tree about 10 year old, has been giving great fruits. we live zone 7 ( ...
  A: Badruz: Your description sounds much like a type of insect pest called a scale insect. These are a ...
Forsythia disease4/28/2010
  Q: We have two forsythia bushes in our landscaping, both of which have curly new growth that doesn't ...
  A: Ashley: From your description, I do not think that this strange growth is caused by an insect or ...
Willow disease4/28/2010
  Q: Good morning Dr. Vann, My mother has a willow in her front yard that is not blooming this year. She ...
  A: The first thing that comes to my mind in your description is a bacterial infection that can affect ...
emerald green arborvitae4/28/2010
  Q: I planted 10 emerald green arborvitae in a row to seperate my property. 8 out of the 10 trees ...
  A: Jeff: I am assuming these were planted recently and that the same side of the 8 trees turned brown. ...
ornamental lemon tree4/27/2010
  Q: about 4 inches above the soil line on the trunk there is some orange goo oozing out of it, then gets ...
  A: Donna: From your description, I would suspect that this substance is plant in origin, probably a ...
rug juniper4/26/2010
  Q: I live in Buffalo NY and just noticed that my blue rog junipers have an orange colored "gel like ...
  A: Mark: Could you send me a photo of this "blob". I have an idea of what this is , but would like to ...
weeping willow tree4/26/2010
  Q: Vann,We have a weeping willow about 15yrs or more old that has 3 areas about 1 foot up from bottom ...
  A: Diane: This sounds like a bacterial infection called Bacterial Wetwood or Slime Flux. Take a look at ...
peach tree/ fruit problem4/26/2010
  Q: I have some young peach trees and this is the first time that they are baring fruit. The peaches are ...
  A: The sticky exudate from the holes is material from the immature fruit. It is a response to injury- ...
is my tree dead?4/26/2010
  Q: I live in central Alabama. I have 4 dwarf magnolias in the backyard. I noticed that one of them ...
  A: Pamela: Try scratching the bark in a few suspect areas with your fingernail. Look for green beneath. ...
ornamental plum tree4/25/2010
  Q: my ornamental plum tree has gone dormant (or dead) for no apparent reason. we are a month past ...
  A: Maureen: I am not aware of an insect or disease that could do this so quick as you describe. This ...
Spiders/webs hedges4/25/2010
  Q: I have hedges along the front of my house. Every spring it gets covered in spider webs and stays ...
  A: Michael: Spiders should not cause a problem, other than cosmetic. They may be there for a regular ...
Weird growth on Oak trees4/25/2010
  Q: There are several oak trees on our property and I've noticed golf ball size fuzzy balls with red ...
  A: Christy: This sounds like an insect gall called a wool sower gall. It is caused by a tiny gall ...
crepe myrtle trees4/25/2010
  Q: I have 5 crape myrtle trees planted on the side of my yard and 6 planted in the front. I planted ...
  A: Trish: If these twigs that fall are green and tender, then this is not an insect or disease , but a ...
Emerald Green Arborvitae (how to repair damaged trunk)4/24/2010
  Q: Just planted several Emerald Green Arborvitae which I boutht from Lowe's in my home state of ...
  A: Renee: Depending on the severity of the cut, this could spell trouble down the road. An open area ...
Holly Tree Disease4/24/2010
  Q: I have a large holly tree. It has red berries and bloomed this spring, however, it now is dropping ...
  A: John: If the black stuff will rub off the leaf with a wet finger or paper towel, this is called ...
burford holly leaf drop4/23/2010
  Q: "I have a small holly, I think burford, which is dropping new leaves (new growth this year, in ...
  A: Ralph: I don't think this may be a disease, but rather some type of temporary "shock". Have you had ...
Aspen Tree Leaf Disease4/21/2010
  Q: We have several Aspens which last year developed a black, dry looking condition on the leaves. It ...
  A: There are a few leaf spot possibilities that are all fungal in nature. The one I am thinking about ...
Maple Tree.Dieback but producing heavy seed4/21/2010
  Q: 04/21/10 Southern Indiana--My neighbor has a sugar maple that has an area towards the crown with ...
  A: Lee Ann: I do not suspect a disease nor insect. This may be a possible environmental stress such as ...
yucca plants4/21/2010
  Q: I live in Buffalo, NY and have many yucca plants surrounding my pool area. I have lived in this ...
  A: Larissa: This is a puzzle. Check the bases of the plants for any unusual appearance such as ...
dying pin oak4/20/2010
  Q: I have a pin oak about ten years that appears to be dying. It has kill all grass in a perfect ...
  A: William: If this tree looked good last year, something rather than a disease or insect may be the ...
tulip tree disease4/20/2010
  Q: We live in the Knoxville, TN area. We have a tulip tree that is approximately 10 years old. The ...
  A: The tulip tree is my all time favorite! Sounds like you have two separate issues. The small holes ...
Dying Maple Tree4/20/2010
  Q: We've had a maple tree for several years and it's grown well. Last year, it started to get spots on ...
  A: Sharon: The browning may be a result of a temporary stress such as a heat/drought situation. Try ...
Yew losing bark4/18/2010
  Q: we have well watered and fed (acidic fertilizer for evergreens) Yew shrubs that are planted near our ...
  A: Chris: If the bark has been removed around a stem, this may be a terminal situation for the ...
Rosemary4/17/2010
  Q: My outdoor Rosemary bushes have little cotton ball-like growths on them. Maybe spider eggs? ...
  A: Karen: A photo can be very useful to identify. Try to get as close as you can, make the shot and ...
christmas palm4/17/2010
  Q: I've had a Christmas palm tree for just over a year. Last winter, it was kept indoors in a brightly ...
  A: Jodi: Some of the palms are quite sensitive to colder temps. Check to be sure the soil has dried out ...
Disease on Miniature Acer Shrub4/17/2010
  Q: I have a Miniature Green Acer shrub in my garden. I've noticed a gray/white scaly growth on the ...
  A: Rita: Thanks for the photo. As you may have heard a picture is worth a 1,000 words. These gray ...
tall phlox4/16/2010
  Q: Could you tell me why the bottom leaves on my tall phlox (David,Laura,and Nikki) are turning yellow ...
  A: Kitty: If the whole leaves are turning pale green then yellow with no spots or lesions, I doubt if ...
Dying Maple Tree4/16/2010
  Q: We've had a maple tree for several years and it's grown well. Last year, it started to get spots on ...
  A: Sharon: If the original spots that you saw were black first then brown later, this may be a disease ...
White spots and Curled leaf stems on Lilac4/15/2010
  Q: This past winter I noticed these white spots on the bark of my lilac. This spring, the leaves came ...
  A: Jackie: I suspect that these white spots may be a superficial fungus/algae like a lichen. These are ...
garden4/15/2010
  Q: What are some diseases that affect crepe myrtle?
  A: Sun: Here in the U.S., Powdery Mildew and Cercospora leaf spot are the most significant infectious ...
White spots and Curled leaf stems on Lilac4/15/2010
  Q: This past winter I noticed these white spots on the bark of my lilac. This spring, the leaves came ...
  A: Sounds like you may have two separate issues. White spots on bark and twisted leaves/blooms. I do ...
Trachycarpus fortunei yellow leaves4/14/2010
  Q: I have one of these that stansd around 10' tall and has been beautifull to look at over the years ...
  A: Yellow leaf tips may indicate a nutritional imbalance or other possible root related stress. Suggest ...
leaf spots4/14/2010
  Q: Are there any household products out there that will help with the treatment/ prevention of leaf ...
  A: Sandra: I am not aware of any documented references from university or company tests- only hearsay ...
azaela rust4/13/2010
  Q: My azealas leaves will turn a reddish color or they turn pale green almost white. The entire plant ...
  A: Elec: Can you send a closeup photo of 1-2 representative leaves showing the color features? Try to ...
Sooty Arborvitae4/13/2010
  Q: Two years ago we planted 20 4 foot emerald green arborvitae. We water once a week for 6 hours with ...
  A: John: You may have a foliar disease. There are several fungal organisms that can attack the leaves. ...
pomgranate bark desease4/12/2010
  Q: w to cure bark rot
  A: Edward: Many things can cause a bark problem- some may not be an bona fide infectious disease. It ...
plum tree bark disease4/12/2010
  Q: I have a Wickson plum tree, about 25 years old and generally seeming to be in good health. About a ...
  A: Kate: Many things may be acting together or separately in your case. A diagnosis is impossible ...
Ficus Hedge disease4/12/2010
  Q: I have a fichus hedge of about 20 trees. About five months ago I noticed some leaves were changing ...
  A: It's difficult to say w/o seeing the plants in person. Consider contacting your local county ...
White scaley looking things on my Meyer Lemon Tree4/11/2010
  Q: I have a Meyer Lemon Tree in a pot......It grows fine outdoors...I have to overwinter it indoors as ...
  A: Sounds like an insect-- maybe scale. Contact our local county Extension office in LR 501-340-6650 ...
judii viburnum trunk problems4/11/2010
  Q: my judii viburnum has been in my yard and flourishing for 5 years and now looks horrible - all major ...
  A: Deb: If this plant looked good last year, there is a possibility of cold damage (i.e. freeze). If ...
Camellia Plants4/10/2010
  Q: The leaves on my camellia plants are turning very yellow, not the dark green shiny leaves they ...
  A: If the bushes has been planted for a year or two, I would be suspicious of a nutrient or other ...
plum tree bark disease4/10/2010
  Q: I have a Wickson plum tree, about 25 years old and generally seeming to be in good health. About a ...
  A: Kate: Good fertilization schedules (based on a recent soil test) plus avoiding damaging the bark ...
american lilac4/7/2010
  Q: Last year my American Lilac was healthy and vigorous. Now, it is completely dark brown and looks ...
  A: Lorraine: Unfortunately,there are many things that can cause a decline as you describe. Doing tree ...
fruitless mulberry tree disease4/7/2010
  Q: I have two fruitless mulberry trees the same age. I planted them 3 years ago at the same time. Last ...
  A: Sheila: Sounds like one of these trees is struggling a bit. Yellow leaves, brown edges and leaf ...
Weeping Willow Trees with disease4/6/2010
  Q: We have a major issue with our weeping willows. We lost 5 of our Hybrid Willows to a disease last ...
  A: Cherri: Someone really needs to see these trees first hand to give an accurate assessment. In many ...
magnolia tree4/6/2010
  Q: I just moved into a new house that has a small Magnolia tree in the center of the yard. It looks to ...
  A: Lisa: From your description, this tree sounds like "toast". If the tree has no mulch and has grass ...
River Birch4/5/2010
  Q: Dr. Vann, I have planted River Birch in my yard for shade. I'm having problems with a Red Hard Shell ...
  A: Rick: I am not a good "bug person", but my next door neighbor is. Here are some homeowner product ...
Holly4/4/2010
  Q: We live in Michigan and planted about 20 hollies last fall. Most of them look dried out and yellow ...
  A: Sharon. Transplant shock is a big factor in survival. Plants are vulnerable to this transition. It ...
brown leaves on sego palm4/4/2010
  Q: We had a late freeze this winter - our Sego has been planted outside for over 20 years - and now the ...
  A: These browning leaves will eventually dwindle away. After you are sure that any frost danger is ...
Oak root removal4/3/2010
  Q: I have 25' oak next to my paver patio and I'm suspecting that a large root is causing my patio to ...
  A: Don: It is difficult to say how much the root cutting/removal might jeopardize the overall health. ...
crababpple and dogwood trees getting brown spots and losing their leaves over a period of time in early summer late spring4/1/2010
  Q: what can I do early in the seasonI have had these trees for at least 10-12 years, for the last two ...
  A: Edith: See this website for Extension Urban Horticulture. There are some telephone numbers at the ...
citrus trees3/31/2010
  Q: The leaves on my citrus tree has almost completely fell off, leaving a brown and partially green ...
  A: Amir: Many things can cause leaf drop. Take a look at the roots. They should be white or cream ...
crababpple and dogwood trees getting brown spots and losing their leaves over a period of time in early summer late spring3/31/2010
  Q: what can I do early in the seasonI have had these trees for at least 10-12 years, for the last two ...
  A: Edith: I am not familiar with the effectiveness of vinegar or dish soap. Not sure of any scientific ...
crababpple and dogwood trees getting brown spots and losing their leaves over a period of time in early summer late spring3/31/2010
  Q: what can I do early in the seasonI have had these trees for at least 10-12 years, for the last two ...
  A: Edith: These trees really need to be examined in person to access the environment. If the past ...
White spots3/30/2010
  Q: I have raised white spots, almost like little circular pods all over the limbs of my ornamental ...
  A: Eve: Thanks for your photo. These are scale insects. Called wax scale. Common on many ornamentals. ...
crabapple disease3/29/2010
  Q: i have attached a photo of the tree. the galls are all along the trunk of the tree so i am worried. ...
  A: Kathy: Thanks for your comments! I enjoy hearing feedback (especially when it is good LOL!!). Hope ...
growing problem3/29/2010
  Q: We have a magnolia tree for about three years that have not grow up.we have put termite medicin ...
  A: Sofia: Termites and carpenter ants do not typically invade living wood, so if they are present, ...
Dying plant, blue wood bouganvilla died3/29/2010
  Q: After Hurrican Dolly came through the Rio Grande Valley I noticed my large bouganvilla suddenly ...
  A: Joan: The cause of the decline needs to be determined first. Someone may need to examine the plant ...
Red-tip Question3/29/2010
  Q: I have a very large Red-tip that has started foaming (white) at the base of the trunk everytime it ...
  A: Mullane: These two problems are not related. This foaming is probably a disease called "slime flux" ...
alovera plant disease3/28/2010
  Q: My healthy aloe vera plant is showing signs of rot. I brought it into the house for the winter. I ...
  A: Jan: This sound like a root and crown rot. Often, wet soils set the plant up for these groups of ...
crabapple disease3/28/2010
  Q: i have attached a photo of the tree. the galls are all along the trunk of the tree so i am worried. ...
  A: Kathy: I got your two photos. This is not black knot as I mentioned earlier. These swellings can ...
Red Sunset Maple3/27/2010
  Q: I have a Red Sunset Maple about 8 years old & I have just noticed three wounds on the trunk. The ...
  A: Ted: This wound can allow microorganisms inside the tree to create a decay situation. This decay ...
Dying plant, blue wood bouganvilla died3/27/2010
  Q: After Hurrican Dolly came through the Rio Grande Valley I noticed my large bouganvilla suddenly ...
  A: This blue color is likely a pigment produced by a fungus within the stem. There are many fungal ...
Ornamental pear treas3/26/2010
  Q: We have six trees planted in a row. Three of the trees next to each other have very few blooms and ...
  A: Joyce: Over the last few years, many people are becoming aware of some real "issues" with these ...
Snowball bush3/25/2010
  Q: My husband hacked down my beautiful bush! Will it come back or is it gone forever?
  A: Jennifer: Difficult to tell. Generally, removing no more than 1/3 of the plant canopy is recommended ...
Oak Tree dying?3/25/2010
  Q: I have a 7 year old beautiful oak tree in my front yard. The leaves have just turned brown and ...
  A: Cindy: New buds over the tree are a good sign. Thanks for letting me know. Be sure to keep the ...
crabapple disease3/24/2010
  Q: our crabapple tree has these big black wart like growths on the tree branches. they appear like big ...
  A: These swellings may be insect type galls. To be sure, can you send along a photo of one of these ...
Oak Tree dying?3/24/2010
  Q: I have a 7 year old beautiful oak tree in my front yard. The leaves have just turned brown and ...
  A: Did it leaf out and look good last spring? Here are a couple of things to check out. Take a close ...
household plants3/20/2010
  Q: ok ive had this problem with my plants forever but recently i just got spider mites, i finally got ...
  A: Sending a closeup photo can help me ID these. I have a "bug person" that has an office next to me. ...
Flowering Plum Pest3/20/2010
  Q: Late last summer I realized that my flowering plum was being devoured by some type of caterpillar (i ...
  A: Eric: There are a lot of caterpillar types that feed on the leaves of our plants. There are a few ...
Holly disease3/19/2010
  Q: I live in NYC. I have two holly bushes which have developed about a 1/4 inch white raised spots ...
  A: Nancy: I suspect, based on your description, that you may have scale insects on the twigs/leaves. ...
White Spots on Red Maple3/19/2010
  Q: My mature maple tree has white spots that just showed up this winter in the Chicago, IL area. They ...
  A: These white spots are a superficial fungus or algae, probably cosmopolitan, that is growing on the ...
Camillia3/15/2010
  Q: Two camellias in front of my house have white powdery looking aphids underneath the leaves; they ...
  A: Jenenah: These may be truly aphids such as "wooly aphids". Use your computer in "Google Images" to ...
Leaves falling off yucca tree3/14/2010
  Q: Good evening I live in england and we have recently suffered a terrible winter as a result of this ...
  A: Brian: Nothing much to do except be patient. Wait until the last chance of frost is passed, then ...
sago palm scale3/14/2010
  Q: Our sago was infested with white scale, despite trying to treat the problem last season. My husband ...
  A: New fronds should form if the plant is happy where it is. The scale insects may need periodic ...
Strange Growth on Tree3/12/2010
  Q: Could you please identify this growth that has been appearing on my tree? Thanks, Jess
  A: Jess: This does appear as a type of fungus (basidiomycete). These are the "gills" that we see and ...
White leaves everywhere!3/10/2010
  Q: I moved into this house last July where my sister and her husband lived. The lawn was in terrible ...
  A: Mandy: I am not a weed killer expert, but did visit with a colleague on the following explanation. ...
Plant leaves Brown3/8/2010
  Q: I have a collection of different plants, and it all started when I bought a poinsettia for ...
  A: Your question is a big one. There are a myriad of possibilities that can cause leaves to turn ...
orchid plant3/4/2010
  Q: i purchased a beautiful small white phaelanopsis (spelling) plant a couple of weeks ago with lots of ...
  A: Thelma: Your description of the yellowing does not sound like an infectious disease. This may ...
Foxtail and Silver Bismark Palms3/3/2010
  Q: I have 2 mature Fox tails that were planted about 6 months ago at my home in Palm Bay Florida. We ...
  A: Tim: This brown,elliptical area on the main stem looks like some type of physical damage/injury ...
Tree with holes in the trunk3/2/2010
  Q: I have just noticed on a relatively small tree (small in contrast to my large maple right next to ...
  A: Martha: Woodpeckers may indeed be a likely cause. Can you send me a photo of this area of the ...
Peach trees3/1/2010
  Q: I have a peach tree that had like a moss looking disease on some of the branches last year. The tree ...
  A: I don't think that the "moss" and spots on the fruit are related. The moss stuff sounds like a ...
Italian Cypress Dying Inside3/1/2010
  Q: I have 12 Italian Cypress Tress lining my house and their insides are all brown and dying with a lot ...
  A: Joel: Many evergreens of this type normally shed their interior leaves as they mature. This is ...
camellia disease ??2/27/2010
  Q: I purchased a "Mine-No-Yuki" Camellia last spring. For 2009, my area (Zone 7B, central Arkansas) had ...
  A: Phyl: Thanks for your question. I do not recognize the spots that you describe as an infectious ...
sap from hole in maple tree2/27/2010
  Q: I have an eighty year old red maple tree in my back yard. I have been taking care of it since I ...
  A: Joanne: Good Morning. I have been reading a lot about your part of the world getting snow. I hope ...
Angel Trumpet leaf rust2/24/2010
  Q: My angel trumpet plant has a rust like substance on the leaves; I have tried washing them but it ...
  A: Rosalie: A couple of things to think about. 1st.-There is a fungus plant disease called literally ...
bark peeling off in long sheets2/22/2010
  Q: I have a yellow Lady Banks climbing rose bush that is about eight years old. It stands about eight ...
  A: Althea: Thanks for the photo. This particular area looks quite deep into the stem. There looks to ...
camellia disease2/18/2010
  Q: I live in Southern Ireland and planted a beautiful camellia plant 7 yrs ago. It is the white flower ...
  A: Good to hear from your part of the globe! The answer to your question- yes, it could be a reason. ...
Tree fungus2/16/2010
  Q: I have a lot of water oaks that I've lost doe to a BLACK fungus, I have looked it up on the web and ...
  A: Pat: I believe it would be best to identify this stuff first. Can you send along a photo of the ...
Citrus disease2/16/2010
  Q: The backs of the leaves of my blood orange tree are covered with many hard black dot-like insects ...
  A: Dorothy: I am not quite sure what these dots may be. Can you send me a closeup photo of a leaf or ...
bark peeling off in long sheets2/15/2010
  Q: I have a yellow Lady Banks climbing rose bush that is about eight years old. It stands about eight ...
  A: Althea: I don't think this is any type of disease, but can you send a closeup photo of a section of ...
tree bark damage2/13/2010
  Q: Can you help me identify what's hurting my tree and what I can do to repair the damage? Today is ...
  A: Katerine: This is bird damage- probably a yellow-bellied sapsucker- a type of woodpecker. These ...
Plum tree disease2/12/2010
  Q: There are 30 fruit trees. two are plum trees. both have the same disease. Sticky amber colored sap ...
  A: Tasneem: Gum production is a defense mechanism that is common in the stone fruits like peaches, ...
evergreen bush disease2/12/2010
  Q: My evergreens around my deck are dying. I trimmed them last summer and thought the rain would keep ...
  A: Lori: Most evergreen shrubs and trees like your various junipers, cypress, and arborvitae that have ...
Kumquat Tree not bearing Fruit!2/11/2010
  Q: I have a Kumquat tree that I bought from Lowes Home Improvement Store about two years ago. I live in ...
  A: I do not think this is a potential disease or insect issue based on your description. It may very ...
black sticky substance on cycad2/11/2010
  Q: I have a very mature cycad, probably 15 to 20 years old. It is a female plant. The leaves ...
  A: Karin: I do not recognize the substance as a disease related material. If the substance is dry or ...
White mold killing my plants2/10/2010
  Q: I have a white mold which is spreading through many of my ferns. It attaches itself to the stems ...
  A: Brad: Can you send me a closeup photo of this stuff on the fern? Review it on your computer first- ...
Diseases on Japanese Maples2/9/2010
  Q: A good friend and I love Japanese Maples and both have many. He has discovered clusters of small ...
  A: Dennis: After seeing the closeup you sent. You may consider carefully scraping a few of these apart ...
Diseases on Japanese Maples2/9/2010
  Q: A good friend and I love Japanese Maples and both have many. He has discovered clusters of small ...
  A: Dennis: I do not recognize these structures as being an infectious disease organism, rather I ...
distorted growth2/9/2010
  Q: I have a problem with distorted stems. The shoots become flattened and thickened at the end, and ...
  A: a: Most states have a plant disease/plant health diagnostic lab that is affiliated with the land ...
distorted growth2/8/2010
  Q: I have a problem with distorted stems. The shoots become flattened and thickened at the end, and ...
  A: a. Flattened stems can be caused by several agents, including mycoplasmas or phytoplasmas. These ...
Nashi Pear Tree2/7/2010
  Q: We have a beautiful Nashi tree which we planted 3 years ago. The pears are in plentiful supply and ...
  A: Dave: Examine the fruit closely. Look for any small entrance holes on the "skin" of the fruit and ...
Diseases on Japanese Maples2/7/2010
  Q: A good friend and I love Japanese Maples and both have many. He has discovered clusters of small ...
  A: Dennis: I don't think these objects are related to a disease- maybe a superficial saprophytic ...
White Scale on sago plam trees2/6/2010
  Q: how do I get rid of the scales ON THE FRAWNS. I've tried Flea & tick spray and malathion with no ...
  A: Robert: These insects are often on the undersurface of the fronds (leaves), but not always! Take a ...
king sago2/3/2010
  Q: We have a two foot king sago house plant here in Maryland in our east facing window.Plant is watered ...
  A: Bruce: These plants like a well drained soil, so be sure you do not overwater. It is easy to do ...
Lobloolly pine2/3/2010
  Q: I have two loblolly pines. water correctly, I sprayed for bugs. I am at a lose...Help my poor pine ...
  A: Marcia: Thanks for the photo. This tree looks like it is hungry for something or the roots are not ...
Lobloolly pine2/3/2010
  Q: I have two loblolly pines. water correctly, I sprayed for bugs. I am at a lose...Help my poor pine ...
  A: Marcia: Can you describe specifically what you are concerned about or what is happening to them? ...
can I use the Safer Insecticide on my once beautiful Rieger begonia which is getting some little white like sand on the leaves?1/28/2010
  Q: I have a 3 year old tree in a pot that I brought from Florida to Mass. it has a dozen nice lemons. ...
  A: Elizabeth: Good to hear from you again. Hope your are not mad at me for teasing you about moving. I ...
sticky leaves on my meyer lemon...1/27/2010
  Q: I have a 3 year old tree in a pot that I brought from Florida to Mass. it has a dozen nice lemons. ...
  A: Why on earth did you move to Mass. from Florida? It is so much warmer there than where you are now. ...
Pamelo Tree Disease1/27/2010
  Q: I gave a large pamelo tree about 10 years old and bears very large pamelo averaging 5 lbs.(pink ...
  A: Howard: Thanks for your question. From your description of the bare branches, there could be an ...
Boston fern tips dying1/26/2010
  Q: My Boston fern is not doing well. The tips die and the process continues up the frond. This is ...
  A: Hazel: The symptoms you describe may be related to the stress of being transplanted, too much or not ...
lemon tree1/25/2010
  Q: I live in Pennsylvania and have a 2 ft. tall lemon tree. It was doing well, but now the leaves are ...
  A: Bonnie: No special soil, just a good potting soil that doesn't have a lot of peat or spaghnum moss ...
Claw-like leaf curl on crab apple1/24/2010
  Q: Upper leaves on an ornamental crab apple are curling in a claw-like manner from the top if the tree ...
  A: Noela: Can you send a closeup of a small twig with these leaves attached to it? Try to get as ...
Bumps on trunk-Red Oak1/22/2010
  Q: I have this 4 yr old Red Oak that i planted last year. I just noticed that part of its trunk is ...
  A: When you get an opportunity, make a few deeper cuts into one of these bumps to see if it is solid or ...
Bumps on trunk-Red Oak1/22/2010
  Q: I have this 4 yr old Red Oak that i planted last year. I just noticed that part of its trunk is ...
  A: Jim: I do not recall seeing this type of thing before. Using a razor blade, shave off the surface ...
Weeping Willow1/21/2010
  Q: We live in southern Missouri. I planted a Weeping Willow tree about four years ago. It has thrived ...
  A: Hedi: There are a number of leaf and twig diseases that can affect the willows. Raking up and ...
lemon tree1/21/2010
  Q: I live in Pennsylvania and have a 2 ft. tall lemon tree. It was doing well, but now the leaves are ...
  A: Bonnie: The leaf yellowing, browning and drop are good indicators of a root/soil related problem. ...
Oak tree weeping black tar from bark1/20/2010
  Q: can you help me. I live in Melbourne Australia and my mature oak has just in the last 2 months ...
  A: Maree: I suspect that this seepage may be due to an injury or opening in the bark. The opening may ...
Waxleaf ligustrum1/19/2010
  Q: I planted 10 waxleaf ligustrums about 5 years ago when we bought our house. They are out by the road ...
  A: Michelle: Be careful what you wish for- ha ha. My mother used the branches from a European privet ...
Waxleaf ligustrum1/19/2010
  Q: I planted 10 waxleaf ligustrums about 5 years ago when we bought our house. They are out by the road ...
  A: Michelle: They should releaf if the bark isn't damaged too extensively, especially if the damaged ...
Waxleaf ligustrum1/19/2010
  Q: I planted 10 waxleaf ligustrums about 5 years ago when we bought our house. They are out by the road ...
  A: Michelle: In my part of the world, these plants are very durable and can take a lot of abuse. ...
Meyer lemon1/19/2010
  Q: I have a Meyer lemon about seven years old and recently ripe fruit has been dropping off. These ...
  A: Max: Thanks for your inquiry and greetings from almost the other side of the world! The "stab" ...
my bonsai1/18/2010
  Q: My bonsai tree(coral bark maple) has lost all of its leaves and the tips of branches went black. ...
  A: John: Leaf drop and twig dieback are both symptoms of root and/or soil related stress. This may be ...
Fungus (?) on Patio Clay Pots1/17/2010
  Q: I have rose bushes planted in terra cotta pots on my patio. All of the pots have the normal white ...
  A: Elizabeth: I doubt if this fungus is causing a problem to the rose. 9.0 times out of 9.5 times, it ...
Ornamental Plum not losing leaves1/17/2010
  Q: I live in Southern California and I have an 2 ornamental plum trees that I planted last spring. ...
  A: Jessica: This phenomena may be related to the environment or a function of variety. If the tree ...
my lemon tree1/15/2010
  Q: I have a lemon tree in my garden it is about 7 years old, it was transplanted into my garden from ...
  A: Alila: Thanks for your photo. From your photo, I would be suspicious of an insect much like an aphid ...
tropical birch tree1/15/2010
  Q: I have a birch tree and while i was watering it, I noticed that there were four bright yellow rings ...
  A: India: This is a new one to me. I have never heard of this before. Can you send me a photo of that ...
Miniature Orange Tree1/14/2010
  Q: I have a miniature orange tree that I have had for two years. Recently, some of the leaves began to ...
  A: Cale: If your tree is in a pot, check to see if the roots are getting cramped in the pot. This may ...
apple tree leaf diseases1/13/2010
  Q: My 2 yo columner apple tree has leaf wilt on at least 3 branches at the ends of the limbs about 8-10 ...
  A: Patricia: If the branch tips (woody portion) themselves are also dying and turning brown, this may ...
Bumps on trunk-Red Oak1/13/2010
  Q: I have this 4 yr old Red Oak that i planted last year. I just noticed that part of its trunk is ...
  A: Jim: Would you care to send a closeup photo of this area containing the bumps? Be sure to review ...
Naval Oranges1/11/2010
  Q: Every year my naval oranges are not juicy on the inside, the are very hard. It that from a disease, ...
  A: Norma: I am not sure why your oranges are hard, but I do not think it is from a bona fide ...
Gargenia1/10/2010
  Q: I have a Gardenia that is not doing well. I have had it about two years. In the summer it is kept on ...
  A: Andrew: The webbing may be from spider mites, very small 8 legged critters that are hard to see. ...
Lichens on trees1/10/2010
  Q: There are filamentous lichens on the trees on our property in western North Carolina. Will they ...
  A: NC is one of my favorite states! Hope to move there one day. To your question. Lichens are not ...
boston fern oily brown fronds1/6/2010
  Q: I have had an outdoor/indoor Boston fern for two years. It usually loses a lot of the bottom fronds ...
  A: Marge: Thanks for your question. If the fronds nearest the window lok wet and have a sour odor then ...
Worm Larvae in Weeping Willow Tree1/6/2010
  Q: I live in the Central Valley of California, 4 years ago we planted a Weeping Willow tree in our ...
  A: Rita: Sending a photo may help to ID your "critter". I have a colleague here that works with bugs ...
Disease on sago palm (Cycas)1/5/2010
  Q: Fronds start to yellow and curl about 2-4 weeks after new growth. I live in SA 50kg outside Cape ...
  A: Dave: These plants are usually quite adapted to high temperatures and prefer lower water levels in ...
Pony tail Palm1/4/2010
  Q: I have a pony tail palm that is 8-10' tall. The buds of the palm have become seemingly rotten and ...
  A: Doug: I can't tell if this plant has scale (insect). These insects usually are located on the stems ...
Grubs12/30/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you knew of any shrubs that are grub resistant. I have planted shrubs and ...
  A: Debbie: The white grubs that you find in the soil usually feed on turfgrass roots primarily. They ...
Meyer lemon and Dwarf Naval Orange12/28/2009
  Q: We noticed spidery webs on both and sprayed with "Neem" an organic natural insecticide. It seemed ...
  A: Guy: These little pest may come from a variety of sources. They can merely fly to your tree from ...
Silver oak bark disease12/28/2009
  Q: Respected Sir I have a 3 year old silver oak tree in my lawn. due to termite attack on some of its ...
  A: Simar: From your description, there may be some level of internal decay. Unfortunately, there is ...
pecan problems12/28/2009
  Q: Our pecan trees have produced a good many nuts this year, but the kernel did not develop. The ...
  A: Margaret: Pecan can "cycle" through good and bad producing seasons- this is not uncommon. It may be ...
Anthurium12/22/2009
  Q: I think I need answer from real expert.. What is wrong with my mother's Anthurium? I live in ...
  A: Andrej: After visiting with a horticulture specialist colleague of mine and searching a few ...
Anthurium12/22/2009
  Q: I think I need answer from real expert.. What is wrong with my mother's Anthurium? I live in ...
  A: Andrej: Thank you for your question. I do not recognize these flower symptoms associated with a true ...
Mimosa Tree12/21/2009
  Q: Our mimosa tree has bumps of raised bark. There was a worm in one place that looks like pictures of ...
  A: Sally: Boring insects usually have an obvious entrance or exit hole that is visible. The prenence ...
Tree oozing sap12/20/2009
  Q: Since Gill (shrubs) and Jim (trees) are on vacation and I need some advice now, I wondered whether ...
  A: Patty: If this plant is well established in your landscape, there shouldn't be a problem. Best to ...
Anthurium leaves turning brown12/20/2009
  Q: Vann, I own 2 Anthurium plants which I purchased in Oct 09 from Home Depot. I replanted them in new ...
  A: Eva: The "blotches" resemble a potential injury rather than a bona fide disease. These areas may be ...
Trying to Cure my Miniture weeping Cherry12/13/2009
  Q: I have been having troubles with my miniature weeping cherry that i planted approximately 8 months ...
  A: Scale insects can be a pest to many plants. There are a lot of different scale insects. Use your ...
Flowering Plum Tree12/11/2009
  Q: Our flowering plum tree is 5 yr old. The trunk recently large split of the entire length of the ...
  A: Debbie: Often times this can lead to the ultimate demise, depending on the severity. Can you send ...
Coral bark japanesse maple...12/10/2009
  Q: I am here to describe my dire problem, ok, here goes: Some 30 days ago, I re-potted my maple and I ...
  A: Jovan: I suspect that the worms may be incidental. If the darkened tips are throughout most of the ...
jasmine plant12/8/2009
  Q: I am in Florida from Dec. to May and have a jasmine plant on my lanai. The person responsible for ...
  A: Renee: The leaf curl and blackening may be a result from the previous drought conditions. They may ...
Holly Bush Berries12/6/2009
  Q: This is the 2nd year we've had this plant. The first year it got loads of berries. This year the ...
  A: Tom: If the plant looks good otherwise, I suspect there may have been a weather or some other ...
Olive Tree Disease12/5/2009
  Q: The tops of some branches of my fruitless olive tree have leaves that are dying. I also have two ...
  A: Toni: Could you send along a photo of a branch with the affected leaves attached to it? Be sure to ...
saga palm problem12/4/2009
  Q: I have had a sago palm in my front yard for about 10 years. Never had a problem until now. The ...
  A: Sounds like you are from warmer climates than Arkansas right now- it is about 35 here now. From ...
Tomatoes12/3/2009
  Q: I know you are not supposed to repeatably grow tomatoes in the same spot for disease reasons. In my ...
  A: Brian: The yellowing may be caused by things other than infectious diseases. It would be best to ...
growth on tree12/1/2009
  Q: I noticed this tree while hiking through a woods of hickory, maple, oak and beech. The tree had a ...
  A: Sheri: Phomopsis (fungus disease)can be a cause, among others that can cause these "galls" on the ...
greenpeppers12/1/2009
  Q: it's the beginning of the harvest season, i only harvest once but now my greenpepper plant are ...
  A: Liezl: Wilting of the plant can be caused by root/stem problems, especially if the soil has been ...
green giant arborvitae diseases11/30/2009
  Q: Also worth mentioning - we live in central NJ and so far have had a couple days of 34 degree ...
  A: Aret: Root related problems usually cause the tips to brown, especially if this is distributed over ...
Oak Tree Disease in Central NJ11/30/2009
  Q: I have recently noticed that my 3 year old PIN Oak tree has a Some type of disease on its trunk. The ...
  A: Frank: Thanks for photo. This young tree looks like it was damaged by some physical means, like an ...
green giant arborvitae diseases11/29/2009
  Q: we recently - 10-05-09 planted 30 Green Giants. we were advised to water it about 2-3 inches of ...
  A: Aret: I would hold off on the water to once per week for one month, then cut back on an as needed ...
pine tree disease11/26/2009
  Q: I have a pine tree that is 14 ft. tall. It is around 7years old. The new growth as well as the ...
  A: Deanna: In many areas of the U.S. pine trees are shedding many of their inner needles. Examine your ...
pecan11/26/2009
  Q: The pecans that are falling off my tree this year have mold inside or they are just shriveled. Is ...
  A: Vivian: I suspect that these pecans are being shed for some other reason rather than the mold.. If ...
Hollow Core In Giant South Florida Pecan Tree11/26/2009
  Q: In our courtyard, a 100+ years old pecan tree and about 100’ high was recently trimmed. At about ...
  A: Robert: The tree may have a slow, yet progressive disease that causes a wood rot. A tree, if ...
Yucca Disease11/25/2009
  Q: We have a Yucca tree that is about 5 years old and has spotted brown patches on some of the ...
  A: Cj: I do not suspect that the spiders are involved. It is best to get an accurate diagnosis from ...
pomegranate11/24/2009
  Q: why they open in the tree and what can i do to resolve it? Thank you! ANSWER: Karina: Good Morning! ...
  A: I wish that I had one of these trees where I live- you are very lucky indeed. All I have here are ...
Yucca Disease11/24/2009
  Q: We have a Yucca tree that is about 5 years old and has spotted brown patches on some of the ...
  A: Cj: This spot MAY be caused by a fungus called Cercospora. Use your computer to "Google" Yucca leaf ...
lemons11/23/2009
  Q: I have a beautiful lemon tree (don't know if it's the valley or meyers, but it has a thicker skin, ...
  A: Melissa: There could be several diseases that may cause the spots on the lemons. If you live in ...
indoor pine tree11/23/2009
  Q: A few years back I had a problem with a indoor potted pine tree that I ask about. It has a white ...
  A: I suspect that the stick stuff may be "honeydew", which is an insect excretement. Not sure about ...
little bugs11/22/2009
  Q: I moved to Wy last Feb. and my houseplants have these little tiny bugs that fly too living in my ...
  A: If the flying insects are very small and resemble "gnats" these may fungus gnat adults. The ...
Whitish coating on Holly Bush leaves11/21/2009
  Q: I live in NC and my Holly bushes have a powdery white looking coating on the leaves. What shoul I ...
  A: Rachel: This may be powdery mildew, a very common and mostly cosmetic disease on many ornamental ...
Arborviate11/20/2009
  Q: There seem to be small white fuzzy eggs on an arborvitae in my yard. This tree also seems ...
  A: Jean: I suspect that the interior browning is normal and is related to the time of the year. Just ...
peas11/15/2009
  Q: I have a small hydroponic garden using auto-pot technology.My snow peas were producing really well ...
  A: Wayne: The leaves look a bit hungry, however this symptom can be caused by several things- usually ...
sick Yucca plant11/14/2009
  Q: This is a follow up to my previous questions about my Yucca. I'm in the middle of looking at the ...
  A: Alissa: Good Morning! It's Sunday morning here. House calls? WOW. I wish, however I am in Arkansas. ...
sick Yucca plant11/13/2009
  Q: I've had a Yucca plant for years, but about 3 years ago it started to get sick. It had a bad case of ...
  A: Alissa: Thanks for your patience. I do not think that the "film" is a disease, but probably young ...
sick Yucca plant11/13/2009
  Q: I've had a Yucca plant for years, but about 3 years ago it started to get sick. It had a bad case of ...
  A: Alissa: Is the "film" cover the entire leaf or is it in splotches or patches? I cannot see the ...
sick Yucca plant11/13/2009
  Q: I've had a Yucca plant for years, but about 3 years ago it started to get sick. It had a bad case of ...
  A: Alissa: Can you send a closeup photo of the film? If so, review photo on your computer first to be ...
Japanese Maple infested by borer11/12/2009
  Q: I have discovered my maple tree arrox 30 yrs old has a disease on the bark which has killed one limb ...
  A: Ruth: Once in the tree, borers are difficult if not impossible to kill inside the tree. If you ...
lemon infestation11/12/2009
  Q: Dr Vann, my lemon tree has an infestation of black, semi circular growths all along the branches. ...
  A: Madeleine: I do not recognize any sort of plant disease from your photo, however these structures ...
Apple tree11/12/2009
  Q: I moved in this new place and there's an apple tree in the yard. The apples are quite small and ...
  A: Filip: I do not recognize a disease from your image, however there appears to be some possible ...
white spots on maple leaves & holes on trunk of tulip tree11/11/2009
  Q: What are the white spots on maple leaves? Can this be spread to other trees? There are small round ...
  A: Jane: The holes in the tree are from a sapsucker (type of woodpecker)-maybe a yellow bellied ...
Palm Tree11/10/2009
  Q: Do you know what is causing this on this filifera. Can anything be done for it? Thank you very much ...
  A: John: Thanks for the followup information. I am not familiar with the effects of cold temperatures ...
Weeping Willow11/8/2009
  Q: I have a weeping willow in my back yard. It was here when I bought my home in 1998. It has always ...
  A: Patti: Look for any evidences of bark damage or loosening, especially near the base and up on the ...
Palm Tree11/8/2009
  Q: Do you know what is causing this on this filifera. Can anything be done for it? Thank you very much ...
  A: John: I was unable to locate the images that you mentioned. Can you send the specific link and I ...
white rice looking things on all leaves of gardenia plant11/4/2009
  Q: I brought the plant for the winter and it has developed in a short period of time this white rice ...
  A: It's getting about that time of the year to bring the plants in off the deck or porch. We have ...
junipers & boxwoods11/3/2009
  Q: I will try to explain as best as possible; firstly we recently moved into a new home that already ...
  A: Eileen: Good Morning! A bit too cold for me where you are. Tonight here- 40's w/clear skies. Highs ...
emerald arbovitaes disease?11/2/2009
  Q: Dr. Van We have 19 emeralds I am very concerned about.Much like Trish we have a golden/orange ...
  A: Jim: Just keep an eye on them. Browning/bronzing foliage on the inside is a normal event this time ...
boxwood problems11/1/2009
  Q: I planted three boxwoods about 2 months ago. Purchased from a very reputable nursery. The leaves on ...
  A: Ellen: From your description, this doesn't sound like a normal thing. This discoloration may be ...
junipers & boxwoods10/31/2009
  Q: I will try to explain as best as possible; firstly we recently moved into a new home that already ...
  A: Eileen: I'd suggest not replacing the junipers until you can determine their health status- maybe ...
junipers & boxwoods10/30/2009
  Q: I will try to explain as best as possible; firstly we recently moved into a new home that already ...
  A: Eileen: Junipers prefer well drained soils. Excessive soil moisture can lead to comlicated root ...
emerald arbovitaes disease?10/29/2009
  Q: Dr. Van We have 19 emeralds I am very concerned about.Much like Trish we have a golden/orange ...
  A: Jim: I suspect that the change in color, especially if it is occuring on many of these plants is ...
Winterberry10/28/2009
  Q: Steve here are some pictures of that winterberry with those black spots. thanks again Mike
  A: Mike: Thanks for the photo. This photo may suggest some type of fungus disease. There are a few ...
Fox Tail Palm Diease?10/28/2009
  Q: We have some foxtail palms that we planted 3 years ago. This year, we noticed that several of the ...
  A: Lois: I don't think this is an infectious/contagious situation. It may be related to a potential ...
New Bradford Pear tree dying?10/26/2009
  Q: I recently purchased 2 Bradford Pear Tree's. They are still in their plastic 20 gal. containers. ...
  A: Mary: Leaf browning may be due to root related stress. This can be, among other things lack of or ...
Ivy10/26/2009
  Q: Over the past few months the ivy outside my walk way has lost it's leaves and the vines are exposed. ...
  A: Judy: In most cases, the "root rots" are associated with the soil remaining wet or saturated for ...
Oak tree damage10/26/2009
  Q: I live in the panhandle of FL and have a young pin oak whose leaves are looking awful. They have ...
  A: Annette: Congratulations! It came through in flying colors. This is a very common fungus disease ...
Fruitless Mullberry10/26/2009
  Q: We have a fruitless mullberry tree that is 65 to 70 years old. It is beginning decay. Do you have ...
  A: Kathy: Unfortunately, there is not a magic bullet. The decay is often a slow, yet progressive ...
pin oak tree10/25/2009
  Q: We have a mature pin oak tree in our front year. This year, the bark has started to fall off, the ...
  A: Jeff: From your description, I would suspect that your tree may have some level of decay inside. If ...
Honey Locust Tree10/25/2009
  Q: For the first time ever, 20+ years, our two side-by-side honey locust trees have no seed pods. ...
  A: Michelle: If the tree seems and looks healthy otherwise, I'd sit tight and relax. Weather conditions ...
Blue Plum Tree10/25/2009
  Q: This Blue Plum tree is approx 15-20 years old. Blossoms and sets fruit then fruit seems to shrivel ...
  A: Phyllis: If the fruit seems to rot on the tree before it shrivels, this may be a disease called ...
yellowwood tree10/25/2009
  Q: We have a yellow wood tree we planted about 5 years ago, I believe it was about 10-15 years at that ...
  A: Angela: This may be some sort of insect. Can you take and send a closeup photo of this white stuff? ...
Magnolia Tree Leaves Wilting10/24/2009
  Q: We transplanted a 10 foot magnolia tree in March of this year. The leaves yellowed and spotted at ...
  A: Cath: Some occasional leaf drop isn't of too much concern, especially inner leaves. If you have ...
Oak tree damage10/24/2009
  Q: I live in the panhandle of FL and have a young pin oak whose leaves are looking awful. They have ...
  A: Annette: Can you send along a closeup photo of one or two leaves with the raised areas/spots? I have ...
Jacaranda tree weeping10/24/2009
  Q: I have two young jacaranda trees which were taken indoors before the frosts started. I forgot to ...
  A: Bob: The tree may have been stressed by (1) heated air currents and (2) light changes. Leaf drop can ...
Ivy10/22/2009
  Q: Over the past few months the ivy outside my walk way has lost it's leaves and the vines are exposed. ...
  A: Judy: What type of ivy do you have? Did the leaves have any spots before dropping? Was anything ...
Algae Growth10/20/2009
  Q: I am doing a science project for school and was wondering if you could help me. If you can, please ...
  A: Charlie: Very good questions, unfortunately my background is primarily plant diseases and I don't ...
Lilac Tree10/20/2009
  Q: My tree is losing it's leaves at a fast pace. The leaves have spots and look dead on the tree. ...
  A: Leaf drop can be a common response to stress, especially when it originates in the roots. Your tree ...
Lilac Tree10/20/2009
  Q: My tree is losing it's leaves at a fast pace. The leaves have spots and look dead on the tree. ...
  A: Judy: Can you take and send a closeup photo of a leaf or two with the spots? Review photo on your ...
lemon tree from seed10/19/2009
  Q: I have grown a lemon tree from a seed. It is now about 5 years old and over 2 feet. Over the last ...
  A: I don't recognize anything in particular that is associated with the spots. If they begin to spread, ...
lemon tree from seed10/19/2009
  Q: I have grown a lemon tree from a seed. It is now about 5 years old and over 2 feet. Over the last ...
  A: Charlotte: Glad to hear you've been successful at getting a lemon tree from seed- wow , you must be ...
Black Jack Fig10/18/2009
  Q: Vann, We planted a 5 Gallon Black Jack Fig in Palos Verdes, Ca on June 15, 2008. I put 2 0-10 ...
  A: Bob: I believe this tree is a deciduous tree and will drop its leaves for the season. They usually ...
Hibiscus10/18/2009
  Q: I live on Long Island, and just tried replanting my Hibiscus to bring in for the winter, one was ...
  A: Chrissy: If the gnats are very small and black, they may be fungus gnats. If so, these things are a ...
miniature rose10/18/2009
  Q: The leaves are wilting and there is a white pasty substance coating many leaves and even stems. What ...
  A: Joan: This waxy stuff doesn't sound like a disease, but possible insect. Can you send a closeup ...
tiny orange worms10/17/2009
  Q: I was looking at acorns one day and I found two little orange worms eating the acorn.I would like to ...
  A: Tiara: These insects are probably considered parasites, but I suspect they will have minimal overall ...
emerald arbs10/17/2009
  Q: we planted 20 4' emerald arborvitae trees in August. They seemed to have done fine. Until about 1 ...
  A: Trish: I do not suspect an infectious disease, rather an environmental stress- perhaps the period of ...
key lime tree10/17/2009
  Q: my key lime has white film on the leaves,thank you Cheryl
  A: Cheryl: Check to see if this film will wipe off by using a wet paper towel and rubbing the leaf. If ...
emerald arbs10/16/2009
  Q: we planted 20 4' emerald arborvitae trees in August. They seemed to have done fine. Until about 1 ...
  A: Trish: Thanks for your inquiry. Are all of these plants becoming discolored? What state do you ...
Worms on lemon tree10/14/2009
  Q: I have noticed some very ugly ugly looking worms on my leaves on my lemon trees that I have planted ...
  A: Sandra: These are the orangedog caterpillar. It is the immature form of a swallowtail butterfly. On ...
moss on trees10/13/2009
  Q: there is a lot of moss on the tree stump and branches.kindly let me know what i should apply to kill ...
  A: Vcsrajan: Moss occurs frequently in environments that are consistently moist or wet. Consider ...
Eugenia problems10/13/2009
  Q: I have a row of 10 Syzygium paniculatum (Eugenia) hedges that I planted about 6 months ago. They ...
  A: Mark; Based on your description, I'd probably be leaning toward an environmental issue. There may ...
White powdery substance on branches10/13/2009
  Q: Have a tree in the yard but not sure what it is (not a typical oak, maple...poss. a fruitless, ...
  A: Michael: One option for you to think about is snipping off one of these twigs with the white stuff ...
bugs in my tree10/12/2009
  Q: I have this white web on some of my trees. There are black pepper like things inside the web. The ...
  A: Victoria: This looks like an insect pest called fall webworm. Check out fall webworm under "Google ...
redbud tree10/12/2009
  Q: The bark of my ten year old redbud seems to be shedding right at the base of the tree. I don't like ...
  A: Paul: This may indicate possible insect or disease activity. You might consider scratching around ...
Dark colored bugs on our white birch tree10/12/2009
  Q: Over the last few years we have had bugs on the limbs of our tree. They are clustered together on ...
  A: Rick: Can you send a photo of these critters? Take a closeup photo of a few of these. Be sure to ...
risk of tree falling10/11/2009
  Q: In July a 100 foot linden tree fell on my house. Now I look at my other trees differently. I have a ...
  A: Howard: I would suggest getting an assessment by a certified arborist. These folks are trained to ...
Pear tree leaf problems10/11/2009
  Q: I have inherited two wall splayed pear trees each of a different variety but both of whom suffer ...
  A: Beverly: You are very welcome- glad I could help!! I am in Arkansas. Many of the these rust ...
Arbovitae10/11/2009
  Q: I did not notice it earlier because they look nice and green on the surface. I also have another in ...
  A: Julia: Some browning is expected from the inside, especially if it is of mature size. If you can, ...
Spotty Sage Cutting10/11/2009
  Q: I've recently obtained a sage cutting that was a bit wilty when I got it, but I attributed to stress ...
  A: Kasey: The browning and wilt can be due indeed to a root related stress. Just give it some TLC and ...
fruitless mulberry tree10/9/2009
  Q: What is the average life span of a fruitless mulberry tree that has been pollarded yearly?
  A: Susann: Difficult to say. Depends on overall health and cultural care and if any decay is within ...
Peach Tree10/9/2009
  Q: There are strange balls that look like sap at the base of my peach tree. Why?
  A: Sarah: This exudate is "sap" from the tree that is expressed through an opening in the bark. It ...
dying bogenvillas10/8/2009
  Q: We live in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where bogenvillas are abundant. Four years ago we planted four ...
  A: Lin: Check a couple of things first. Take a close look at the main stem near the soil line and ...
Mini rose bush disease and it's effect on people..10/8/2009
  Q: I wanted to ask about the powdery mildew fungus that I found on my mini red rose bush. I brought it ...
  A: Sharon: I am not aware of any documented allergies or other ill effects that PM has on people. ...
fat albert spruces10/8/2009
  Q: We had an incredibly damp summer for Kansas and my beautiful spruces' needles are turning yellow ...
  A: Lori: I am assuming the tree has been planted for some time. I did not recognize any infectious ...
Pine Tree Fungus10/8/2009
  Q: I have an alpine fir that is about 5 years old. This fall it has developed a bizarre white speckled ...
  A: Nicole: This may be an insect rather than a fungus. Using your computer, go to "Google Images" and ...
Flowers on Magnolia Trees10/7/2009
  Q: I planted a small magnolia tree. It is growing fine and has begun to have flowers. The flowers when ...
  A: W.R. Thanks for your question. From your description, it sounds as if the outer parts of the ...
Weeping Mulberry10/7/2009
  Q: I am a novice gardener (your average new home owner). We built a new house last July and I planted ...
  A: Ash: Your question may be better suited for an insect person. You may wish to consider collecting ...
sick fruitless mulberry10/7/2009
  Q: We have several fruitless mulberries in our yard in East Contra Costa County, CA. We lost one a few ...
  A: Denise: Thanks for the information. From your description, there may be some low level of internal ...
Palm tree pest spreads!10/6/2009
  Q: I have a somewhat bizarre situation. I live in Toronto (Canada) and got an indoor palm tree a few ...
  A: Emma: I am not aware of these things causing an allergy- just a nusiance when they are unsightly. ...
Palm tree pest spreads!10/6/2009
  Q: I have a somewhat bizarre situation. I live in Toronto (Canada) and got an indoor palm tree a few ...
  A: Emma: Did these objects move AFTER they were seen stuck to the wall? If not, these things may be ...
oak trees10/6/2009
  Q: I have these brown fuzzy things all over my oaks. And also some kind of worm eating all the leaves. ...
  A: Rhonda: It would be necessary to know the insect identity first. Can you send a photo of the insect ...
magnolia diseases10/5/2009
  Q: my magnolia's are 45 yrs. old. one tree is in good condition but the other one has dead limbs all ...
  A: Dudley: This papery growth may be Lichens. Have a look at this article I wrote and let me know if ...
Oleander Health and Transplanting10/5/2009
  Q: Vann: I live in Southern California where, for many years, as other residents do, I've lined the ...
  A: David: Your theory does indeed has some merit. It is difficult to say how much, because these ...
Asparagus10/4/2009
  Q: My plants have a white sticky substance on some of the ferns. This is the first year we got any ...
  A: Elsie: Can you send a closeup photo of this stuff on the leaves? It may help me to see it. It may ...
sick fruitless mulberry10/4/2009
  Q: We have several fruitless mulberries in our yard in East Contra Costa County, CA. We lost one a few ...
  A: Denise: You might give the trunk a look. Check for areas where the bark may have been damaged or ...
orange tree problems10/4/2009
  Q: My new orange tree (2 years) has black specks covering the under side of most of the leave. What is ...
  A: Gene: Can you take a closeup photo of a leaf or two and send for me to see? Review your image on ...
Grapefruit tree10/3/2009
  Q: I have a 5 year old grapefruit and it is now shooting out new growth. The leaves get a white almost ...
  A: Mark: This white covering may be a fungus disease called powdery mildew. Using Google Images on ...
Red Tips in Trouble10/2/2009
  Q: Please see the attached photo. Several of our red tip shrubs have this at the base of the plant and ...
  A: Tommy: This white stuff is a fungus that is fruiting on the base of the shrub. There is a good ...
Brown arborvitaes10/2/2009
  Q: this is my follow up question on the arborvitaes (the old converse 'Dying Garden" doesn't except ...
  A: Olga: If the browning in your photo is quite representative of the overall condition of the trees, I ...
pine trees10/2/2009
  Q: I planted several pine trees last year. This summer in the Alabama gulf shores area we had a very ...
  A: Mike: Take a look at this brief article that may help answer "sooty mold" questions. You will need ...
pine trees10/2/2009
  Q: I planted several pine trees last year. This summer in the Alabama gulf shores area we had a very ...
  A: Mike: Check to see if the black coloring on the needles will rub off with a wet finger or a wet ...
deseases in orange plants10/1/2009
  Q: sir, we have orange garden. these days some oranges in orange crop r turning orange in colour ...
  A: Vishal: You may have an insect infestation based on your description. Correct ID is necessary to ...
oak trees10/1/2009
  Q: I have these brown fuzzy things all over my oaks. And also some kind of worm eating all the leaves. ...
  A: Rhonda: If these fuzzy brown things look like fuzzy balls often stuck to the leaves, then these are ...
house plants10/1/2009
  Q: Ive been finding little balls on the floor under a few house plants, which i picked them up and ...
  A: Joe: Thanks for your question. What houseplants are you finding these objects under? And can you ...
Pine tree disease10/1/2009
  Q: Good day. I am in the Northeastern US and noted that several of my pine trees have round spotty ...
  A: Good Morning. Based on your description, suggest taking a look at "Lichens" using Google Images on ...
Ligustrum disease10/1/2009
  Q: Dr. Vann, I have a Ligustrum tree that appears to have some type of disorder. It looks like spider ...
  A: Bill: Have a look at "Tent Caterpillars" and also "Fall Webworm" using Google Images on your ...
Willow weavils9/30/2009
  Q: I saw your answer about the black bugs that eat willow tree leaves as the situation you described is ...
  A: Laura: It is best to the insect ID'd correctly. This will be useful to select the most appropriate ...
arborvitae`s9/30/2009
  Q: Pictures are attached pleas e help @@@@@IMAGE:35432:Plant-Diseases-715/2009/09/tree_3.jpg##### ...
  A: Paul: I contacted the Extension service in your state just a few minutes ago and was told that there ...
A Disease is Killing My Trees in Southern California9/30/2009
  Q: Vann: I live in Southern California in the "Inland Empire" about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, and ...
  A: David: I expect the black substance can be any number of fungal organisms that have become ...
Crape Myrtle9/30/2009
  Q: I have about 20 crape myrtle and 2 of them planted two years ago have white scales on their trunks ...
  A: Mark: This black stuff may be sooty mold, the result of an insect infestation. It can discolor the ...
arborvitae`s9/29/2009
  Q: Pictures are attached pleas e help @@@@@IMAGE:35432:Plant-Diseases-715/2009/09/tree_3.jpg##### ...
  A: Paul: I would probably hold off on any fertilizer right now since fall and winter are just around ...
Aspen trees with aphid problem in the Fall9/29/2009
  Q: We have had an aphid problem with our aspen trees. Do you think we should get 3 treatments ...
  A: Nicole: At this time of year, I think you would be wasting your time and money. Here in my part of ...
Black Spots on Trees9/29/2009
  Q: I live in an area that has a spring running through the whole development. My side yard gets very ...
  A: Good Morning! I took a look at your photo, but unfortunately, it is not in focus. Can you resend? ...
arborvitae`s9/29/2009
  Q: Pictures are attached pleas e help
  A: Paul: Thanks for the photo. I would suspect that the yellowing is probably related to a root or soil ...
Crape Myrtle - leaves turned black9/28/2009
  Q: Recently our otherwise healty crepe myrtle seems to have turned black with some type of ...
  A: Don: See this publication about Sooty ...
white gummy stuff under basil leaves9/27/2009
  Q: We noticed a white gummy, almost looks like spit, on the underside of a basil plant. Couldn't see ...
  A: Sam: If this stuff looks like spit, it may be an insect called Spittle Bug. Check out Google Images ...
white measels on Sago palm9/27/2009
  Q: One of my Sago palms has developed what I can best describe as white measles on the fronds. The ...
  A: Can you take and send a closeup photo of these white things? These may be a type of insect (possible ...
emerald green arborvitae9/25/2009
  Q: I live in central Illinois and in spring 2008 planted 20 emerald green arborvitae. They budded like ...
  A: Rick: Thanks for the photos. These structures are normal -- the Male and female reproductive ...
pecan trees9/24/2009
  Q: my husband dies 8 months ago and he was the tree and landscaping person, i have no idea what to do ...
  A: Becki: I suspect that the black spots on the leaves may be a disease called Pecan Scab- a very ...
pomegranate tree9/24/2009
  Q: old and it beared a few fruit that was not edible.Now with fruit still on the tree. half of the tree ...
  A: Joyce: First, I'd look around at the tree for any evidence of injury/damage to the trunk, especially ...
Eugenia shrubs9/23/2009
  Q: I have about 20 Eugenia shrubs that were planted back in mid-June of this year. None showed any ...
  A: Laura: I do not suspect a bona fide infectious disease here because of the pattern. I would lean ...
king palm trunk is dying9/22/2009
  Q: Two years ago I planted a large 36 inch boxed triple trunk King palm in my yard in coastal southern ...
  A: Chris: This might be a root rot that has slowly developed or possibly insects that may have moved ...
Stinkhorn Fungi(carrot like fungis around my maple tree)9/22/2009
  Q: I have discovered this fungus in a few places around my yard, especially around my maple tree and in ...
  A: Ashley: This stinkhorn fungi (several types)are not harmful to plants. It may seem to "pop" up ...
emerald green arborvitae9/21/2009
  Q: I live in central Illinois and in spring 2008 planted 20 emerald green arborvitae. They budded like ...
  A: Rick: Please send a closeup of these structures as they appear attached on the twigs. Review your ...
Privet dying9/21/2009
  Q: Our privet hedges have a whitish-greem mold of fungus growing on the stems. Some leaves have a ...
  A: Joanne: Beyond appropriate fertilization (based on a recent soil test) and watering -especially ...
Euonymous Scale9/20/2009
  Q: I got nervous when I read that Scale should be treated in May and June, its now October and I've had ...
  A: Sherrie: In my part of the world, this euonymous scale insect is the worst insect pest on this ...
japanese beetles9/19/2009
  Q: Northern Indiana I plan to use milky spore in order to control the Japanese beetles in my lawn. ...
  A: Sam: Based on your information, probably best in Mid to late July. Since the climate will affect ...
Privet dying9/19/2009
  Q: Our privet hedges have a whitish-greem mold of fungus growing on the stems. Some leaves have a ...
  A: Joanne: The gray-green leafy circular patches on the stems are lichens. Google images of the things ...
Privet dying9/19/2009
  Q: Our privet hedges have a whitish-greem mold of fungus growing on the stems. Some leaves have a ...
  A: Joanne: The mold that you mentioned may be a couple of things. Can you submit a closeup photo? The ...
What is causing very fine saw dust and sticky drops under Mimosa tree9/17/2009
  Q: I have a Mimosa tree over my driveway. Every day there is a fine sawdust like substance on my car ...
  A: Joseph: I would be very suspicious of an insect associated with the sawdust material and sticky ...
Live oak tree9/17/2009
  Q: I have noticed a spider web like cocoon engulfing my tree. I live in the southern part of Texas. I ...
  A: Alice: Can you describe the size and location of the web on the tree? If possible, can you send a ...
meyer lemon losing leaves9/16/2009
  Q: My lemon tree is 3 years old, and it summers outdoors and I bring it in mid September. This year ...
  A: Laina: Mites can debilitate a plant if the numbers are large enough- causing the leaves to yellow. ...
dying roses9/16/2009
  Q: We have a Bit of a dilemma, my girlfriend is in a bit of a quandary as to why her precious Rose ...
  A: Jenny: Thanks for your inquiry. I agree that the shears/pruning are probably not the cause, unless ...
tomato blight9/16/2009
  Q: Is there any way to get blight out of the soil after it has been introduced? Our garden is organic, ...
  A: Lynda: Many plant problems can lead to a wilt- it is one of the most common symptoms of bonafde ...
meyer lemon losing leaves9/15/2009
  Q: My lemon tree is 3 years old, and it summers outdoors and I bring it in mid September. This year ...
  A: Laina: The yellowing leaves w/greer veins sounds very suspicious of a soil related problem. This ...
fungus??9/15/2009
  Q: I live in southeast NC. I & my neighbors have some kind of reddish/purple powder like substance on ...
  A: James: See this bulletin I have prepared on Sooty Mold. You will need to have a free program on ...
pine tree dying9/15/2009
  Q: I have 3 pine trees in my back yard that are dying. The needles are turning brown and falling off ...
  A: Mike: Check the trunks and root zone area for evidence of physical damage (e.g. bark damage or ...
tomato blight9/15/2009
  Q: Is there any way to get blight out of the soil after it has been introduced? Our garden is organic, ...
  A: Lynda: The most common blights that we might see here in Arkansas are Early Blight or Late Blight. ...
fungus??9/14/2009
  Q: I live in southeast NC. I & my neighbors have some kind of reddish/purple powder like substance on ...
  A: James: Since this is occurring on several unrelated plants, I would be inclined to think it was not ...
Lilac Disease9/14/2009
  Q: I was having curling brown leaves on half my lilac bush but was able to get flowers on the other ...
  A: Joy: Sounds like the lilac may be in a terminal condition from your description and removal may be ...
indoor ficus9/13/2009
  Q: My ficus has a white ball on the under part of the leaf where the leaf comes out from the branch. ...
  A: Shelia: This may be an insect such as a wooly aphid or mealybugs. Google "images" of these two ...
Lilac Disease9/13/2009
  Q: I was having curling brown leaves on half my lilac bush but was able to get flowers on the other ...
  A: Joy: If this fungus is growing directly on the bark, then it may represent some level of decay that ...
jade houseplant9/13/2009
  Q: I've cut off many branches but can't seem to control it. Should I give it all new soil?
  A: Julie: Can you take a closeup (get as close as you can)photo of this gray stuff on the stem/leaf and ...
sago palm white scales treatment9/11/2009
  Q: i was told to use Volck oil spray and malathion to kill the white scales disease on my sago palm is ...
  A: Theresa: Both of these products can be used for the scale insects. Test them on a small portion ...
Emeral Arborvitae9/11/2009
  Q: I bought three arborvitae that are approximately 4 ft. high. One has been transplanted into another ...
  A: Betty: On the fern, again I suspect a soil issue. The Miracle Gro products are usually quite good ...
mulberry tree disease9/10/2009
  Q: My large mulberry tree has a whitish mold growing on several branches. This year I noticed that ...
  A: Nick: If the tree is "mature", and the mold seems associated with the bare branches, I suspect it is ...
dieffenbachia leaf fall9/10/2009
  Q: i had this dieffenbacia since april and it was all bushy and brilleint with color, and now i dont ...
  A: Mohammad: These symptoms often result from a root related stress. For example, if the soil is too ...
Pomegranate with twisted leaves9/10/2009
  Q: You guys always have the answers, so here's my problem: I recently purchased a dwarf pomegranate ...
  A: Maegan: That is one "weird" looking plant- but it sounds cool though. Since you volunteered (be ...
Maple Tree9/9/2009
  Q: We are sorry, but kathy crowley wasn't able to answer yourWe have an older maple tree. I don't know ...
  A: Leslie: This can indeed happen, especially if the roots are extensive enough to have entered the ...
Blue Girl Holly9/9/2009
  Q: Any idea what would make my previously healthy (planted this summer, 24 inches high) suddenly drop ...
  A: Pam: Leaf drop can be a result of a root and/or soil related stress. Things to consider: Be sure it ...
italian cypress9/8/2009
  Q: I have 32 yr old Ital cypress and 2 seem to have large dead patches in the upper 1/3 of tree. I ...
  A: Madeline: The dead patches could be several possibilities such as a twig blight plant disease or ...
tree care9/8/2009
  Q: I have a combination of dwarf alberta spruce, cypress-(eastern red cedar and aborvitae) in the yard. ...
  A: Mike: It would be to your advantage to have a soil sample evaluated first. By having an analysis ...
Schefflera arboricola9/8/2009
  Q: Vann My schefflera arboricola has many problems: 1. Some of the leaves are turning into brownish ...
  A: Yara: My first thought would be a root/soil problem. Check the soil and be sure it is moist and has ...
Maple Tree9/8/2009
  Q: We are sorry, but kathy crowley wasn't able to answer yourWe have an older maple tree. I don't know ...
  A: Leslie: I suspect that the leaf drop may be a result of an environmental stress rather than a bona ...
yellow leaves on crepe myrtle tree9/8/2009
  Q: My crepe myrtle tree which is about 12 years old has shedding a lot of yellow leaves this summer and ...
  A: Judi: A nutrient imbalance is possible, however the soil moisture issue may still be a possibility. ...
house plant infestation9/7/2009
  Q: I have a hibiscus (inside variety) which looks like it has been peppered with a pepper shaker. I ...
  A: Pat: See if these black specks wipe off with a wet paper towel or wet finger. If so, it may be ...
pin oak "pellets"9/7/2009
  Q: We have a mature pin oak hanging over our deck (North Carolina). We have lived here 10 years and ...
  A: Jan: I suspect these structures may be insect related- perhaps "poop". If you want to, you are ...
Rose of Sharon9/7/2009
  Q: My Rose of Sharon never really took off this spring, it grew some but the leaves were very sparse, ...
  A: Karen: Several things may have caused this. Sometime insects can tunnel into the stems and lead to a ...
Cedar Tree with brown nodules9/6/2009
  Q: My windbreak is all cedar trees that are over 50 feet tall, I was out checking my one apple tree ...
  A: Terrilyn: Crabapple can develop cedar apple rust also. I do not know how sensitive your variety is ...
Japanese Maple problem9/5/2009
  Q: I have grown Japanese Maples for years and on an occasion I have found that the stems turn black and ...
  A: Brad: The black stems may be a result of "sooty mold" a condition caused by an insect infestation. ...
poplar trees9/5/2009
  Q: We have a farm yard with a lot of poplar trees. This year, for the first time in the 41 years we ...
  A: Claire: This sticky spray may actually be "honeydew", a clear deposit produced from insects that are ...
apple plants Diseases9/5/2009
  Q: sir my plot situated in 5000 to 6000mt. height.there are some problem in apple tree: 1.Root warm ...
  A: Prashant: The insect borers sounds as if they are causing significant problems. These insects can ...
Cedar Tree with brown nodules9/5/2009
  Q: My windbreak is all cedar trees that are over 50 feet tall, I was out checking my one apple tree ...
  A: Terilyn: These nodules are probably the older structures of a fungus disease called Cedar Apple ...
golden jade9/5/2009
  Q: i bought a jade about two and a half months ago, that had a red bordered leaf, and i potted and ...
  A: Thelma: I suspect that the plant may have got too hot or dry leading to the leaf loss. Check into ...
Sago Palms9/4/2009
  Q: I live in southern Ca. next to the ocean. I have several Sago Palms in my yard that are 15 years ...
  A: Don: I'd be inclined to focus my attention to the soil conditions. I suggest a soil test. You can ...
Quaking Aspen9/4/2009
  Q: somehow i ended up growing a quaking aspen in a pot on my deck.Anyhow now i've noticed it has little ...
  A: Carmella: Can you take and send me a closeup photograph of these bumps? It will help me to see some ...
Quaking Aspen Problem9/4/2009
  Q: I have a bad case of black leak fungi on my Quaking Aspen tree and am currently treating it with a ...
  A: Mike: As mentioned, rake up and burn (if your community allows it) fallen leaves and twigs sometime ...
Autumn Blaze Maple Aphid Infestation9/3/2009
  Q: I have a autumn blaze maple that is about 4 years old and 30 ft tall by 20 ft wide. I’ve been ...
  A: Pat: It is usually not feasible nor practical for homeowners to spray this size of a tree for ...
beetle looking insect feeding on spider plant9/2/2009
  Q: I see a beetle type insect crawling on my indoor spider plant. It seems to leave small spots which ...
  A: Linda: In order to pick the best insecticide for these critters, it is best to get them identified ...
waxleaf ligustrum9/2/2009
  Q: My plant is 8' tall, over six years old. This year it has been plagued with leafrollers, but the ...
  A: Richard: These plants are quite durable. If the leafrollers have become one of the issues that you ...
plum tree disease9/2/2009
  Q: I planted a plum tree last year and it was growing nicely. However for the last 3/4 months the ...
  A: Serap: The sticky appearance is usually a good indicator of an insect presence, either on that plant ...
Powdery mildew.9/2/2009
  Q: I have what appears to be powdery mildew on a rosemary plant. The plant is in afternoon/evening ...
  A: Thomas: Powdery mildew on a plant resembles a dusting of baby powder. Some organic controls include ...
viburnum problem9/2/2009
  Q: We have a Pink Dawn Viburnum that we planted about 4 years ago. It is around 7 feet high and gets at ...
  A: Michelle: I don't think there is a insect/disease issue with your flowering question. There is a ...
Flowering Cherry Tree problem9/1/2009
  Q: We live on the NE side of Houston, TX. We have sandy soil that drains well. Planted a flowering ...
  A: Richard: If this tree was recently planted as it sounds, it may be experiencing transplant shock. I ...
Chinese/Lacebark Elm9/1/2009
  Q: 2 years ago I purchased a Chinese elm. It had grown and really was quite healthy until about 2 days ...
  A: Plant Guy: These trees (Ulmus parvifolia) are very durable trees with a hardiness from zones 4 to 9. ...
viburnum problem9/1/2009
  Q: We have a Pink Dawn Viburnum that we planted about 4 years ago. It is around 7 feet high and gets at ...
  A: Michelle: Since many leaf spots can look alike, it would be advisable to have someone look at an ...
Conifers8/31/2009
  Q: Steve, thanks for all your help with my questions about the conifers and the browning of the inner ...
  A: Paul: I've had a chance to visit with a horticulture person whom is far more knowledgeable than I on ...
Conifers8/30/2009
  Q: I have about 25 conifer trees planted around the outer perimeter of my garden, and we have just ...
  A: Paul: Thnx for the pics. You have a variety of evergreens in this row, including a few that appear ...
Conifers8/30/2009
  Q: I have about 25 conifer trees planted around the outer perimeter of my garden, and we have just ...
  A: Paul: Again, I don't see anything that stands out to me as a true biotic disease. But, be on the ...
willow tree losing leaves8/30/2009
  Q: We have a large willow that has started losing leaves at a daily rate. they turn yellow and on a hot ...
  A: Kevin: Check for any damage to the bark near the base of the tree. Check also for any apparent root ...
Snow blossom Weeping Cherry Tree8/29/2009
  Q: I noticed some ants crawling on the leaves of my tree. The tree is young and I do not know if it is ...
  A: Ellen: Ants, by themselves should not cause any damage. I expect they are there for some other ...
Trembling Aspen8/29/2009
  Q: Vann, I have a mature trembling aspen on my front lawn. I am estimating it's age at 25 - 30 years, ...
  A: Carol3: These swellings may be an insect borer inside the branch or perhaps a canker caused from a ...
aspen tree disease8/29/2009
  Q: my aspen tree has leaves that have pea shaped things that are on the back of the leaf along the main ...
  A: Judy: These structures may be an insect gall called Phylloxera. Google this word for pictures to ...
boxwoods8/29/2009
  Q: I have two boxwoods that have been in planters for about 3 months. Patches of leaves have begun to ...
  A: Frank: Boxwood is prone to a couple of root problems. Too much water can lead to big problems. Be ...
Conifers8/28/2009
  Q: I have about 25 conifer trees planted around the outer perimeter of my garden, and we have just ...
  A: Paul: An image or two may be in order for me to have a better idea of your problem. Please note: ...
monkey puzzle tree8/28/2009
  Q: I have just moved into my new house and have inherited a stunning 30 feet monkey puzzle tree. I have ...
  A: Tahera: The "ooze" maybe an indication of a resin or sap flow from an opening in the bark. This ...
euonymus8/28/2009
  Q: the leaves are falling off,limbs and foliage have a small white tiny looking thing on them, all I ...
  A: Len: In my part of the world, scale insects are the big issue. Small white "specks" usually on the ...
Vinca8/27/2009
  Q: Our vinca has dead leaves throughout the growth. Started two years ago along the edges. We thought ...
  A: Andrea: Are you referring to annual vinca (Catharanthus)? If so, there is a disease called branch ...
honeysuckle plant disease8/27/2009
  Q: plant has vined vigorously but never bloomed due to infestation of what looks like house flies. ...
  A: Peter: I am not a good "bug person", and am unable to make a determination of identification of the ...
Red Top Ligustrum8/27/2009
  Q: We have just noticed a thick white growth starting on the exposed roots of our Red Top Legustrum and ...
  A: Dorothy: This growth may be a type of mushroom or other fungus on the roots. It may or may not be ...
Kwanson Cherry Tree is dying!8/27/2009
  Q: I need help. I have a Kwanson Cherry tree in my front yard. I have lived there for 14 yrs and it ...
  A: Becky: I suspect something other than this insect. Look at the trunk and larger branches for ...
Conifers8/27/2009
  Q: I have about 25 conifer trees planted around the outer perimeter of my garden, and we have just ...
  A: Paul: Some pines drop their inner needles during the year, so this alone is not an indication of a ...
Ficus Tree - shriveled leaves8/26/2009
  Q: I have a ficus tree that is about 6 feet tall and has been very healthy. Recently I noticed some ...
  A: Leslie: It would be helpful to get an ID on the insect that you found. Some critters can cause ...
Red Emperor Japanese Maple Dying?8/26/2009
  Q: I planted an 8 foot tall Red Emperor JP this spring. It has now lost all of the red color to the ...
  A: Carrie: I don't think your tree is dying. Some JMs have different colored foliage during the spring ...
Jade Tree8/25/2009
  Q: I have a 12 yr old jade tree - that I thought was doing great - it had lots of branches, some ...
  A: Mary Ann: Good Morning. If the stem fell over as a result of the mushy area, then there may be a ...
Cleveland and Bradford Pear tree8/25/2009
  Q: I have both trees the Bradford Tree had a web on end of branch which I was able to cut off and ...
  A: Elaine: These are probably fall web worms. They are very common on sweetgum, pecans, and sometimes ...
pine tree8/25/2009
  Q: "I have a Pine Tree that has a few branches that look like they are covered in black oil. Even the ...
  A: Mary: The black coating stuff may be sooty mold. We see this on crapemyrtle alot! Leaves/stems get ...
crepe myrtles8/25/2009
  Q: We have had 4 crepe myrtles for 3 years and only 1 bloomed during the first. They all look green and ...
  A: Joyce: Your growing season may be shorter compared to other areas. In your area, these plants may ...
tree planting8/24/2009
  Q: we live in NJ and we planted 7 2" caliber october glory maples august 19th. the weather happened to ...
  A: Jeff: At this time of year, watering frequency is important. I usually "flood the hole" as soon as ...
weeping cherry bloosom8/24/2009
  Q: My weeping cherry bloosom is sick! My husband and I purchased this tree last summer it bloomed ...
  A: Lynette: Wet/poorly drained soil can create a serious stress condition than can lead to root rots ...
Rose of Sharon disease8/24/2009
  Q: I have 2 Rose of Sharon trees with cluster of small greenish-brown nodules growing on them. They ...
  A: Laura: These nodules appear as adventitious root initials from your photo, this can occur especially ...
small tan beetles on black locust8/24/2009
  Q: I have a black locust that has started to get leaves that are yellowing and dropping at a rapid ...
  A: Amanda: Best to get these "critters" identified so as to (1) find out if they are harming your tree ...
poplars8/24/2009
  Q: I live in Southern Alberta , Canada and my question is.... The leaves on my poplars are turning ...
  A: Ilona: The reference I have here doesn't indicate powdery mildew occurring on Caragana, despite the ...
Plum Tree Mould8/23/2009
  Q: our plum tree is covered in fruit but some of the plums have a creamy circular type mould growing on ...
  A: Shaz: Take a look at "Brown Rot" on Google Images and see if this looks similar to your situation. ...
hedges disease ?8/22/2009
  Q: WHILE PRUNING i notice powdery mildew on leaves also a thick white substance on main branches that ...
  A: John: Can you send a photo of this stuff? It may be an insect infestation, but would need to see ...
Emeral Arborvitae8/22/2009
  Q: I bought three arborvitae that are approximately 4 ft. high. One has been transplanted into another ...
  A: Betty: That's a tough one. Not being able to see and examine the plant makes it a head scratcher. ...
Jasmine problem8/21/2009
  Q: I have a jasmine in my London garden which has been happily in situ for 12 years. It flowers ...
  A: Rachel: Hello and good morning from Arkansas. I am glad to hear from a visitor from afar! Bark ...
crepe myrtle8/21/2009
  Q: I have two crepe myrtles that are 9 years old. They are in a flower bed about 10 feet apart. They ...
  A: Steve: The black stuff (sooty mold)is a result of the aphids. There are a few insecticides out ...
Tulip Tree shedding limb bark8/21/2009
  Q: I have several tulip trees (North Central Indiana) and every summer several large and small limbs ...
  A: Brian: I am not aware of an infectious disease that may causes these symptoms. This may occur as a ...
holly bushes8/21/2009
  Q: I have a male and female holly bush that I have planted in our landscape. Over the summer, both ...
  A: Janice: If you have clay in the soil, this may create a stress condition for the shrubs. If the ...
majestic oak tree with a problem?8/21/2009
  Q: I have a majestic oak tree in my yard in Maryland. Recently I have noticed a series of dark ...
  A: Bob: Difficult to say the origin of these "blotches", but these areas may be a direct result of ...
Wax Myrtle8/20/2009
  Q: We planted wax myrtles in February 09. Shortly after, we had a frost and some of the tender new ...
  A: Rachel: May be best to see if there is someone who can make a "house call". It is difficult for me ...
southern magnolia tree8/20/2009
  Q: I have a three year old southern magnolia tree.I live in Devine Tx I have never had any problems ...
  A: Dawn: Magnolia is a hardy tree. If the leaves changed overnight, I would probably be suspicious of ...
Honey Locust tree8/20/2009
  Q: We have a locust tree in our yard about 12 years old. This year there are very few pods on it, and ...
  A: Lisa: These mushrooms may represent the presence of an internal disease problem if they are growing ...
Evergreen is dying8/19/2009
  Q: I have an evergreen that has been doing just fine for about 10 years. I recently noticed that a lot ...
  A: Erica: Those things that you mentioned are all good. I have not heard of dogs doing this type of ...
Evergreen is dying8/19/2009
  Q: I have an evergreen that has been doing just fine for about 10 years. I recently noticed that a lot ...
  A: Erica: Good Morning- Hello Again. This Branch Canker disease mentioned in my earlier reply affects ...
Evergreen is dying8/19/2009
  Q: I have an evergreen that has been doing just fine for about 10 years. I recently noticed that a lot ...
  A: Erica: This tree looks like a Leyland Cypress. This tree is quite susceptible to a branch disease ...
New Wisteria plant dying8/19/2009
  Q: I just planted a new Wisteria plant this summer. I love the blooms and I had heard they are a very ...
  A: Lori: Good Morning! If the bark has been chewed away on the lower stem, and leaves and twigs are ...
boxwood die back8/19/2009
  Q: I live in Iowa on boarder of area 4,5. 2 years ago I planted boxwood from Chicago land. 5 did not ...
  A: Richard: Replacement following removal of the diseased plant is the best. Try to get out the entire ...
sticky leaves8/18/2009
  Q: Vann, I have a zebra plant for 3 years and recently it started losing leaves and I find a sticky ...
  A: Carolyn: Very nice plant you have! One of my favorites. The sticky stuff is probably "honeydew", ...
Japanese Red Maple8/18/2009
  Q: We have a 30+ years Japanese red maple that is absolutely beautiful. Yesterday, we found the bottom ...
  A: June: I'm not very sure on this one. If possible, can you send a photo in a separate email? Take a ...
Locust tree problem?8/17/2009
  Q: We have 3 honey locust trees in our backyard in New Haven County CT. I estimate them to be slightly ...
  A: Fran: The jelly stuff is probably a fungus that is strictly saphrophytic (growing on dead ...
White Birch8/17/2009
  Q: We live in MN and we have a White Birch that is loosing it's leaves and the limbs look dead on 1 ...
  A: Deb: This situation ("weeping") does sound like a normal reaction for birch when pruning is done. ...
Our flowering cherry tree has growths on the bottom of its leaves8/17/2009
  Q: My dad showed me his flowering cherry tree in our backyard. He said it has been there for 30 or more ...
  A: Joseph: These are leaf galls caused by a very small Eriophyid mite (not a true insect- it has 8 ...
boxwood die back8/16/2009
  Q: I live in Iowa on boarder of area 4,5. 2 years ago I planted boxwood from Chicago land. 5 did not ...
  A: Richard: Boxwood can develop a few root diseases, including a Phytophthora root rot that is assoc./ ...
Forsythia Disease?8/15/2009
  Q: I have 3 dwarf forsythia bushes. The leaves on the ends of the twigs have begun to curl up, turn ...
  A: J. These plants are pretty hardy. Unless the leaves are spotted, I would lean toward a potential ...
Japanese Maple dwarf size when bought.8/15/2009
  Q: We have had our Japanese Maple for 18 years and never had a problem. I have noticed in the last ...
  A: Pamela: Examine the trunk for any evidence of bark damage (chewing, string trimmer, holes in the ...
JonaGold Apple Disease8/15/2009
  Q: I have a Jonagold apple I planted a year ago. It seems to be growing very well - new growth this ...
  A: Rich; If leaves are curling w/o any discoloration- may indicate an insect or environmental stress. ...
split bark on magnolia tree8/15/2009
  Q: We have a 6' magnolia tree with a trunk diameter of about 2". The tree was moved about a year and a ...
  A: Marietta: Bark splitting and loss may indicate internal decay/disease activity that is usually a ...
willow tree dying8/15/2009
  Q: What would cause a willow tree that is about 15 ft to suddenly have leaves through the middle of the ...
  A: Silver: Be sure that the tree is getting adequate water- these trees usually like plenty of water, ...
Cherry Tree disease8/14/2009
  Q: Vann, I am a fellow expert (Water Quality, Home Improvement, North Carolina). I have 3 cherry trees ...
  A: Steve: This does indeed sounds like "shot hole" sometimes called Coryneum Blight, a disease of ...
Cleveland Pear leaves8/13/2009
  Q: We planted 3 6-8' Cleveland Select trees in the spring. We have had a very odd summer...cooler and ...
  A: Brandi: I agree, doesn't look like FB. That is the worse infectious disease we have here in this ...
Japanese Red Maple8/13/2009
  Q: Our 35 year old Red Japanese Maple doesn't have as many leaves as it once had and looks sparse. The ...
  A: Walter: I appeciate your comments. It is indeed very difficult and sometimes down right dangerous ...
Crepe Myrtle yellow leaves8/12/2009
  Q: I have a two year old Crepe Myrtle and the plant was healthy until about two weeks ago when I ...
  A: Irene: If those red/yellow leaves have some small black spots or blotches on them, then it may be a ...
Flowering Plum Tree Problems8/12/2009
  Q: I planted a flowering plum tree in a flower bed approx. 4 years ago. It has grown to be quite large ...
  A: Donna: Too much water can create an ideal environment for root rot. A well drained soil is ...
Sunset Red Maple problem8/11/2009
  Q: Our sunset maple is approximately 15 years old and we live in Central Ohio. The bark has vertical ...
  A: Julie: Sounds like your maple has a few issues. Can you send me a photo of a group of leaves that ...
krauter vesuvius flowering plum and diseases8/11/2009
  Q: We have a krauter vesuvius flowering plum and it appears to be dying. Leaves have an orange tint ...
  A: Gary: If the whole tree looks in trouble, check out the trunk area, especially in the area near the ...
trees dying from light green gray substance8/11/2009
  Q: I have two apple trees and one has not blossomed at the top of the tree, on the dead branches is a ...
  A: Jodi: Is this substance leafy or crusty-like and grows on the bark? If it is, it may be LICHENS. ...
my wondering jew houseplant8/11/2009
  Q: my wondering jew has brown spots all over the leaves what should i do?
  A: Debra: Wandering jew can have several things that can cause spots on the leaves. Things to think ...
Bradford pears8/11/2009
  Q: I have about 15 pears lining my driveway (about 6 feet from the ashpalt) - they were installed 2 ...
  A: Brett: Could be fire blight as you mentioned. This is a significant bacterial disease problem in ...
Ficus8/10/2009
  Q: All of the ficus hedges in my yard (3 separate groupings at least 15 or more feet apart) seem to ...
  A: Kerry: Can you take a closeup photo of these drops on a leaf? Be sure that you review the photo on ...
White Oak Disease8/9/2009
  Q: Many of the leaves on our white oak tree have yellow, yellow/pink fuzzy round balls on them. Are ...
  A: Debbie: These fuzzy balls are probably some type of a gall insect. Google "oak galls" and take a ...
Debra Maple8/9/2009
  Q: I have a Debra Maple that is about 10 years old. It has always been slow growing but a beautiful ...
  A: Kathy: Lichens do not cause disease, they merely grow on the surface of older trees and shrubs, ...
pecan tree unusual pealing8/9/2009
  Q: I have several Pecan trees in my back yard in Dallas Texas. One of the trees has bark pealing from ...
  A: Tim: That is a head scratcher for me also. What about a lightning strike? It usually runs down the ...
Lacebark Elm8/9/2009
  Q: We planted our lacebark elm tree 5 years ago. Something is wrong with it, and we don't know what!! ...
  A: Kym: Take a close look at the base of the trunk in the area of bark peeling and see if there has ...
problems with jasmin8/8/2009
  Q: Ilive in Spain and have a beautiful jasmin which I have had for years.Itis about six foot tall and ...
  A: Marilyn: Greetings from a far! So far you are my furtherest customer--CONGRATULATIONS!!! Browning ...
Magnolia Bush8/8/2009
  Q: Our Magnolia bush is about 10 years old and was doing well until this summer. There are white fuzzy ...
  A: Mary Ann: The black stuff is called "sooty mold" and is a result of insect presence and feeding. ...
Tree Fungus8/8/2009
  Q: I live in Staten Island, NY and have what I beleive is a Maple, that turns red in the fall. It is ...
  A: Greg: These gray and green crusty things are lichens--not disease causing organisms. We tend to see ...
yellow something growing in house plant pot8/8/2009
  Q: I have a hmm, philadanderem (mispelled badly) and I just noticed there is a bright yellow something ...
  A: Cheryl: There are a myriad of fungi that can grow in soils that are rich in organic matter and do ...
foxtail palm dying8/7/2009
  Q: I have a foxtail palm we planted 1 year ago. It is currently about 15' tall. About 4 weeks ago, ...
  A: Dawn: This shrinking area may be an indication of a serious problem- possible a terminal condition. ...
OLD cherry tree rotting?8/7/2009
  Q: We have a GORGEOUS old tree by the house..beautiful pink blossoms in the spring....told it was some ...
  A: Susan: This tree may have some level of decay inside. It may be in the main stem or in some of the ...
Pin Oak Disease8/7/2009
  Q: I have a large mature pin oak that is draining a sticky sometimes frothy white secretion around ...
  A: Lynn: This situation does sound like the bacterial disease called Slime Flux or Bacterial Wetwood. ...
Ivy disease8/7/2009
  Q: Not sure if this is a question that comes under your category of expertise. But if your have any ...
  A: Christine: Greeting from Arkansas! Very nice ivy! Sometimes called variegated Persian Ivy. Leaf ...
Cleveland Pear Trees8/7/2009
  Q: Our community planted Cleveland Pear trees along our streets about 5 years ago. On my property I ...
  A: Vic: In Arkansas, we are currently seeing many ornamental pears (Callery) defoliate after the leaves ...
disfigured Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fuschia leaves8/6/2009
  Q: I've grown Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fuschias for years, both overwintered and purchased from a ...
  A: Maura: I strongly suspect that something is happening to the leaf as it begins to open and ...
tree fungus8/6/2009
  Q: The tree in question is a sugar maple there are light free flower shaped fungus on the trunk of the ...
  A: Dan: If this "mushroom" is clearly growing from the trunk or roots, this may indicate some level of ...
disfigured Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fuschia leaves8/6/2009
  Q: I've grown Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fuschias for years, both overwintered and purchased from a ...
  A: Maura: Holes in the leaf are good indicators of insect feeding. Do you think that both problems ...
dwarf lime tree8/6/2009
  Q: i have a dwarf lime tree,and at the ends of the branch the end leaves have squigally lines on them. ...
  A: Valerie: Check out images on "Google for "Leafminer". The immature insect burrows between the ...
carrotwood tree8/5/2009
  Q: I have 3 carrotwoods in my back yard around a pool in southern CA. They all seem to be losing ...
  A: Kief: Trees can lose their leaves for several reasons- sometimes related to root stress e.g. ...
Aspen Tree Burrowing Insect Identification8/4/2009
  Q: I need to identify this insect that keeps burrowing into my aspen trees leaving behind holes in the ...
  A: Waleska: Best to collect a few of these "critters" in a jar or bottle and drop in to your local ...
Blue Rug Wiltoni Juniper?8/4/2009
  Q: i have these and ones that are taller junipers, and i have a BAD odor around the front porch where ...
  A: Kim: An ammonia-like smell may help w/clues. Sometimes urine (not mine-ha-ha)can actually "burn" the ...
Tulip Poplar8/4/2009
  Q: 15 year old tree leaves are turning yellow and some brown with veins turning black. Tree is ...
  A: Vicky: Unfortunately, no band-aid available. Those pruning paints that are sold to brush or spray on ...
Crab apple tree8/4/2009
  Q: I have 3 crabapple trees and all have lost the majority of their leaves to something that has eaten ...
  A: Anne: Bugs aren't my best suit, but it would be best to try to find some of these critters, get them ...
Tulip Poplar8/4/2009
  Q: 15 year old tree leaves are turning yellow and some brown with veins turning black. Tree is ...
  A: Vicky: One of my favorite trees too! They are quite plentiful here in Arkansas. I know, at least ...
irregular, curly, distorted growth8/3/2009
  Q: I am a professional gardener in central California and I'd like to try to describe a phenomenon that ...
  A: Lesley: Several things can cause these distortions including the microorganisms such as viruses, ...
japanese Maple disease8/3/2009
  Q: I have Bonfire Japanese Maple that is about 3 years old. Suddenly entire branches are dead or ...
  A: Kerry: The black color may be the result rather than the cause created by the apparant decay ...
Live Oak disease?8/3/2009
  Q: My parents have an oak tree that developed a small split in the base of the trunk and has ...
  A: Matthew: I lived in Fort Myers for about 6 yrs and I can tell you all about the lightning! It can do ...
Willow Tree=follow-up info8/3/2009
  Q: I have what seems to be a cocoon in every tree branch of my willow with the other leaves nibbled ...
  A: Dona: I am not sure how big your willow tree is. I doubt if these insect will have a major impact ...
japanese Maple disease8/3/2009
  Q: I have Bonfire Japanese Maple that is about 3 years old. Suddenly entire branches are dead or ...
  A: Kerry: Is this whitish stuff appear as a "fuzzy" covering? and is it near the soil line? If ...
Japanese Bloodgood Mapletree8/2/2009
  Q: I have a damaged Bloodgood Japanese Maple. This tree was hit by a commercial truck. The tree has no ...
  A: Ron: Someone really needs an "in-person" view of the tree plus an evaluation of the site and ...
plants dying8/2/2009
  Q: In a section of my flower bed there is something killing my azalea bush and adjacent to it my Texas ...
  A: Julie: It would be impossible to determine the "cause of death" without more information and ...
japanese Maple disease8/2/2009
  Q: I have Bonfire Japanese Maple that is about 3 years old. Suddenly entire branches are dead or ...
  A: Kerry: Symptoms of drought stress are usually not "sudden", usually a gradual process- beginning ...
peach trees8/1/2009
  Q: My first peach tree was given to me two years ago. I planted it with the help from a master gardener ...
  A: Mrs t: If it leafed out good and leaves looked good and you don't see any evidence of damage to the ...
oak tree disease8/1/2009
  Q: My oak tree has been shedding leaves throughout the spring and summer. Almost all the leaves have ...
  A: Bill: The spots may be a disease called anthracnose, but someone would need to see them to be sure. ...
corkscrew willow disease8/1/2009
  Q: I have a corkscrew willow which has black spots on the leaves. What's the remedy?
  A: Fletcher: If it is a big tree, best to maintain good fertility (based on recent soil test) and ...
Potted Plant Problem8/1/2009
  Q: I noticed that one of my potted house plants had white spheres that were growing on the roots and ...
  A: Luke: Not sure about this one either. Suggest clipping off a small root w/ these spheres on it and ...
tiny green bug possibly eating mango houseplant leaf7/31/2009
  Q: i have a couple of 2 month old mango houseplants that look like somethings's eating some leaf... i ...
  A: Stefano: I would feel better if you used a soap designed for plant use such as SAFER BRAND ...
tiny green bug possibly eating mango houseplant leaf7/31/2009
  Q: i have a couple of 2 month old mango houseplants that look like somethings's eating some leaf... i ...
  A: Stephano: This critter photo favors a leafhopper, however, these insects make thier living by ...
loquat diseases7/30/2009
  Q: We have a 4 year old loquat tree whos leaves have suddenly started turning yellow and then brown and ...
  A: Karen: This is a hard one! Several possibilities. It would be best to contact your local ...
Sago Palm7/30/2009
  Q: Good day Dr. We were the king and queen of the Sago Palm to our neighbors until just days ago. ...
  A: Chuck: If the plant went south as quick as you say, I might think more toward a soil related stress- ...
pear tree dying7/30/2009
  Q: 1 have a cleveland pear tree, that the leaves are dead, don't know what to do with it, last year it ...
  A: Norma: In my area many of the ornamental pears look like they are getting into the fall-- purple/red ...
Victoria plum tree disease7/29/2009
  Q: When the fruit is well formed , a scale appears on some fruit, also a drop, or two, of gelatinous ...
  A: Richard: The liquid may indicate a boring type of insect such as the Plum Curculio. Google this ...
crepe myrtle7/29/2009
  Q: My crepe myrtles were recently (about 5 weeks) planted have yellow leaves on the lower portions of ...
  A: Sheryl: Possible transplant shock (e.g. haven't fully acclimated to new surroundings). Best time ...
Japanese Red Maple7/29/2009
  Q: Our 35 year old Red Japanese Maple doesn't have as many leaves as it once had and looks sparse. The ...
  A: Walter: Sounds like you have gotten a lot of enjoyment from the tree. They are indeed one of my ...
sick leucothoe7/28/2009
  Q: I saw your email on a website as I was looking for solutions to our coast leucothoe problem. We ...
  A: Carol: Possible Powdery Mildew, a fungus disease that affects many plants. Resembles baby powder ...
Aristocrat pear trees7/28/2009
  Q: I planted 4 Aristocrat trees in my front yard, and 1 of them has leaves that look like its fall and ...
  A: Steve: If I am picturing your trees as you describe, this phenomena has been occuring on the ...
Mission Fig Tree7/28/2009
  Q: Vann: I live in southern San Diego County and have 3 fig trees, 2 of them are some sort of greenish ...
  A: Marcia: Best to start with a soil test. Contact you local county Extension office for instructions. ...
golden raintree7/28/2009
  Q: quick browning of lantern shaped pods, sporatitic yellowing of leaves and defoliation of tree. ...
  A: Richard: Pythium is often associated with saturated soils/lots of water in the soil profile. You ...
kwanzan cherry and weeping cherry7/28/2009
  Q: I have attached pictures of my kwanzan cherry and weeping cherry. I don't know what's wrong with ...
  A: Tom: Scale insects make their living by sucking out plant juices. They can be important on many ...
Ginko Tree7/27/2009
  Q: My Ginko Tree has the leaves brown I don't know if is too much water, is usually watered every 3 ...
  A: Guillermo: I'd probably hold off on the water for a bit. There is no magic formula for what is ...
mugo pine, branches turned black7/27/2009
  Q: I have 2 dwarf mugo pines, both are exposed to the same elements and light. One of them all the ...
  A: Janet: The black material may be sooty mold, which is a fungus growing on honeydew (insect poop). ...
crepe myrtle disease7/26/2009
  Q: We have a six year old crepe myrtle which is showing black spots on the leaves. A few leaves have ...
  A: Karla: This black spot may be a leaf disease called Cercospora Leaf spot. Google this to see if it ...
magnolia tree disease / insect7/26/2009
  Q: I saw a similar question about white blotches on the stems of a magnolia tree in PA. You mentioned ...
  A: Karen: The white "bumps" on the wood looks like a type of scale insect. On the leaf- possible ...
Weeping Cherry Tree7/26/2009
  Q: I live on Long Island, NY and I have a weeping cherry tree that was planted last summer. It was ...
  A: Jennifer: The "sap" exudation results from wounding- often from insect invasion into the wood ...
kwanzan cherry and weeping cherry7/26/2009
  Q: I have attached pictures of my kwanzan cherry and weeping cherry. I don't know what's wrong with ...
  A: Tom: The resin flow that I see in the photo results from a wound in the wood-often from an insect ...
Wisteria Mature robust flowering 20097/25/2009
  Q: Our 15 year old Wisteria Vine had a hearty bloom in 2009. On July 21st it seemed fine. On the 22nd ...
  A: Peter: I suppose the content(s) , especially if beach or a soapy solution might result in this. I ...
Hibiscus plants7/25/2009
  Q: The flowers do not develop. What is this disease and how do I treat it with a natural product? ...
  A: Eleanor. More than likely this is possibly an insect such as a wooly aphid or scale insect. If ...
Weeping willow fungus attack7/25/2009
  Q: I have a weeping willow that has been infected with black canker disease. The tree company that ...
  A: Nats: It sounds like a disease that we see here. In my area,it causes the ends of the small ...
Wisteria Mature robust flowering 20097/24/2009
  Q: Our 15 year old Wisteria Vine had a hearty bloom in 2009. On July 21st it seemed fine. On the 22nd ...
  A: Peter: If it was literally fine one day and dying the next, I would not expect an infectious disease ...
maple tree7/24/2009
  Q: I have a crimson maple tree that has developed a "crack" in the bark of the tree at the trunk. Is ...
  A: Roger: Cracks can be caused by several things including insect entrance,wounds and freeze/sunburn ...
rosemary web disease7/23/2009
  Q: I have had 4 rosemary plants both planted and potted in various locations in the yard become ...
  A: Natalie: Thanks for your plant question. I love rosemary by the way! I suspect the webbing may be ...
cherry blossom tree Kanzan7/23/2009
  Q: My tree was damaged in a recent storm and a branch split off, but inside was some white spleckly goo ...
  A: Victoria: There indeed might be some level of decay within. The wood usually gets soft/mushy. ...
Yucca problem7/23/2009
  Q: I have 2 yuccas that I inherited when I moved into my new home 5 years ago. They were both doing ...
  A: Jackie; I was unable to see an image attached to you message- sorry. You had mentioned weather- ...
Have found small (less than a 1/4") gray in color7/22/2009
  Q: We have a 10 year old Bradford Pear tree, and noticed holes in the trees trunk, these holes are less ...
  A: James: These small holes may indicated the presence of an insect borer that can tunnel into the ...
Yucca problem7/22/2009
  Q: I have 2 yuccas that I inherited when I moved into my new home 5 years ago. They were both doing ...
  A: Jackie: Thanks for your inquiry. Would it be possible to email me a photo? Just a photo of most of ...
Maple trees7/21/2009
  Q: I have two maple trees in my yard. The leaves are falling off like it is fall. I noticed the ...
  A: Cindy: I didn't realize that you can attach only one photo to your message- The holes definitely ...
Chanticleer Pear Fungus7/21/2009
  Q: I have 7 Chantilcleer Pear trees that each year blossom beautifully in the spring with lots of new ...
  A: Candice: I don't think the neighbors tree is a factor. Can you send me a photo as an email ...
Raised Red Spots on Maple Leaves7/20/2009
  Q: I have a young autumn blaze maple with thousands of raised red spots covering the leaves. They are ...
  A: This may be a gall insect rather than a disease. I am not aware of it having a significant impact ...
Maple trees7/20/2009
  Q: I have two maple trees in my yard. The leaves are falling off like it is fall. I noticed the ...
  A: If this is an established tree (not a newly planted), I do not think the holes in the leaves are ...
Pittosporum verigated (sp)7/20/2009
  Q: I live in Sydney, Australia and my two pittosporum trees have borer. I have painted rogor around the ...
  A: Shirley: Suggest sending your question to an entomologist, a person who has a great deal more ...
Yaupon Bush7/20/2009
  Q: I have a yaupon bush that has two branches and I have cut these to look like balls. One branch is ...
  A: Gene: These plants are quite hardy in your area. I suspect that there is something wrong with just ...
maple tree leaf7/20/2009
  Q: One of my mother -in -law's maple tree (in mn)has slightly raised red bumps on the back side of all ...
  A: Larry: Not sure, but these bumps may be an insect. If the tree is well established and looks good, I ...
Wisconsin Oak Tree (White)7/19/2009
  Q: For the past few years my oak grows leaves which appear normal. Then later in the spring and ...
  A: Mary: These leaf symptoms indicate a potential root dysfunction -possible contact or uptake of an ...
magnolia tree7/19/2009
  Q: My magnolia tree has white, raised, ovals all over its branches and stems. The ovals appear fuzzy, ...
  A: Jennifer: Possible insect since a goo comes out. Best to get someone with some bug knowledge to see ...
boxwood leafminer problem7/19/2009
  Q: Vann, I hope you can help save my boxwoods from leafminers :-) Some of the leaves on my boxwoods ...
  A: Deb: Initially, the immature(larvae) tunnel in between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf ...
Meyers lemon tree7/18/2009
  Q: I have a Meyers lemon tree in a pot that I have had for four years. It produced its first lemon ...
  A: Renee: The stick stuff is called "honeydew" and is the result of an insect infestation. Aphids are ...
Weeping Holly7/18/2009
  Q: I have a weeping holly that is 8 to 10 years old. Last year many of the leaves curled tightly ...
  A: Mary Lou: Sorry, but bugs are not best best asset! I suggest carrying a few of the affected leaves ...
Crape Myrtle Disease7/18/2009
  Q: I have a very old crape myrtle which has a sticky residue over the entire plant with a few what ...
  A: Greta: This sticky/shiny stuff is called honeydew and is insect "poop". Aphids and a few other ...
aphids7/18/2009
  Q: Vann, I think I have a serious case of aphid infestation. I haven't noticed any plants dying(yet) ...
  A: Deb: The sticky/shiny stuff is honeydew or insect "poop". Aphids are notorious for producing this ...
boxwood leafminer problem7/18/2009
  Q: Vann, I hope you can help save my boxwoods from leafminers :-) Some of the leaves on my boxwoods ...
  A: Deb: Usually leafminers don't have much of an impact on the overall health of the plant. You may ...
stewartia pseudocamellia7/17/2009
  Q: I have a ten foot stewartia I planted this passed spring. It receives all morning sun and couple ...
  A: Steve: Check buds for thrips (tiny insects-1-2mm and they are fast moving too). These insect can ...
Elm tree bark peeling7/17/2009
  Q: I have a young Elm tree that was planted approximately 3 months ago. The bark has begun peeling on ...
  A: Laura: Not sure about this one. The sap leaking may indicate an insect that has gotten into the ...
Cucumber Problems7/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Vann, We have been having white/brown spots on our cucumber plant leaves for the last two years. ...
  A: David: I would be very suspicious of a plant disease- probably a disease called Target spot or a ...
Crype Myrtle disease7/17/2009
  Q: I have a black powder all over my crype myrtle. It also has things that look like aphids all over ...
  A: Ginger: This black stuff is probably sooty mold. See if it wipes off the leaf with a wet finger or ...
Green Layer on my Maple Trees7/16/2009
  Q: I have two Maples in my front yard. One is a Red and the other Green. They recently were trimmed ...
  A: Summer: The extra light probably stimulated the growth of these organisms--may be lichens ...
pine tree7/16/2009
  Q: Can you tell by the photo what could be going on with this tree? We have many others on our property ...
  A: Karen: Thanks for attaching a photo- helps more than you think. From your image, I do not recognize ...
Wisteria collapse7/16/2009
  Q: Some three years ago we planted two plants of wisteria sinensis, in the very south of Sweden. They ...
  A: Martin: From your description, this plant went from healthy to "graveyard dead" literally overnight. ...
Maple tree7/15/2009
  Q: I planted a seed of maple tree, it germinated but now the leafs are withering, what can I do?
  A: Conchita: Unfortunately, this condition may be terminal especially since the plant may be in a ...
birch tree deease7/14/2009
  Q: My birch tree has a white powdering on some of the leaves. How can I identify what it is and what ...
  A: Joseph: Thanks for your inquiry. If the white powdery substance looks like a light dusting of baby ...
dogwood7/14/2009
  Q: i have a 3 foot dogwood that the leaves are turning black and falling off and bark coming loose at ...
  A: shonda: Loose bark near the base of the tree may indicate insect borers that are notorious on DW ...
crepe Myrtle insects7/14/2009
  Q: We have bugs that are drilling little holes right where the blooms should sprout from the base- and ...
  A: Lyn: Thanks for your inquiry. Holes may indicate a potential beetle infestation. Stop by your local ...
maple tree7/13/2009
  Q: i have two maple trees in my back yard, both are about 20ft tall. i live in NC. i noticed this ...
  A: Bob: From your description, there may a couple of things causing this- difficult to say w/o seeing ...
maple tree bark and leaf white spots7/13/2009
  Q: a young maple tree has bark peeling off from the base and leaves have white spot . Worried it may be ...
  A: DEB; Presence of the ants in the tree is probably after the fact- most likely not the cause, they ...
maple tree bark and leaf white spots7/13/2009
  Q: a young maple tree has bark peeling off from the base and leaves have white spot . Worried it may be ...
  A: DEB: Bark peeling may indicate an underlying problem such as decay within the tree. Check to see if ...
Wisconsin Oak Tree (White)7/11/2009
  Q: For the past few years my oak grows leaves which appear normal. Then later in the spring and ...
  A: Mary: Could you send one or two digital photos of the leaves and the overall tree? I may have a ...
chanticleer pear tree7/11/2009
  Q: I noticed that my pear tree didn't seem as full of leaves this year as it usually does. I am now ...
  A: Nancy: If this "callery" or ornamental pear is like our "Bradford" pear here in Arkansas, the cause ...
Gingo Tree with black developing on leaves7/11/2009
  Q: I have a young gingo tree and some type black fungus is developing on the leaves. It's possibly ...
  A: Dewey: If this black covering rubs off with a wet paper towel or wet finger, then it is sooty mold. ...
indoor ficus tree7/11/2009
  Q: My ficus tree has been loosing leaves lately. On inspection of the plant, I noticed small, white ...
  A: Julie: These dots may be a type of insect such as scale. These "critters" make their living by ...
apricot tree7/10/2009
  Q: I live in wi. this is my first apricot tree about 4-5 years old, can you take a look at the pictures ...
  A: Tracy: This resin flow can be an indication of insect feeding. A suitable insecticide may be ...
Brown patches in rosemary7/10/2009
  Q: I've read your website about the brown, dead patches in rosemary. Our plants are only two years ...
  A: Michaela: Thanks for your question about Rosemary. Assuming this is an infectious plant disease ...

All Questions in This Category

Plant Diseases

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dr Stephen Vann

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

Plant Diseases and Disorders of Lawn Grasses, Trees, Vegetables,and Ornamentals

Experience

Plant Diseases Identification and Management

Education/Credentials
B.S. Botany --- Miss. State Univ. M.S. Plant Pathology --- Miss. State Univ. Ph.D. Plant Pathology --- Texas A & M Univ.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.