About Edward Gulliksen Expertise I can help to diagnose any Tree and Shrub related problem, whether it be a disease or insect infestation.
Experience I am an ISA Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist and a licensed NYS Pesticide Applicator.
Organizations I am Vice President of the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island as well as a member of the New York State Arboricultural Association and the Long Island Arboricultural Association.
Publications I write for Long Island.com as the Horticultural Expert.
Question My yews are turning dark and dropping their needles and there is a white substance sticking to the stems and needles. It's spread to at least 6 older shrubs.
Answer Dyanne,
The white substance is actually an insect called mealy bugs. Mealy bugs feed on the juices of the yews, slowly killing them. I would recommend spraying the inside of the plants with horticultural oil to suffocate the insects and fertilizing them to encourage new growth.
