Mowing Meyer Zoysia: Optimal Height & Blade Sharpness

Q: I mow Meyer zoysia at 1 inch; my wife says 2‑3 inches. Who’s right? A: 1 inch is too low unless using a reel mower. Mow at 2 inches in spring/fall, raise to 2½ inches in summer heat. Always us

Hummingbirds & Spiderwebs: Nest Material & Safety

Q: A hummingbird was examining spiderwebs near my feeder. Why? A: Female hummingbirds use spider silk to bind nest materials. Collecting it is risky—birds can become trapped and eaten. Remove webs near feeders for safety

Planting Peonies: Fall Timing & Soil Prep

Q: When is the best time to plant peonies? What should I add to the planting hole? A: Plant in fall when daytime temps are reliably below 80°F. If you already have a plant, plant immediately. Loosen a 3‑ft‑wide area, mix

Growing & Cooking Kudzu: Practical Advice

Q: I’m using kudzu powder for cravings. How hard is it to grow kudzu in a vacant field? A: Kudzu isn’t hard to grow, but controlling its aggressive spread is the real challenge. Roots take several years to reach harvesta

Best Time to Water Established Bermuda Lawn

Q: What is the best time of day to water an established bermuda lawn? A: Morning, unequivocally. Grass blades dry quickly, preventing fungal growth, and less water is lost to afternoon evaporation. Use catch cups to meas

Red Maple Better Than Empress Tree for Shade

Q: Would an Empress tree be good for shade for grandchildren? Another recommendation? A: Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is too coarse and weak-wooded, drops twigs/branches, and produces invasive seedlings. Red maple

Using River Birch Wood Chips as Mulch: Termite Concerns

Q: Huge pile of wood chips from river birch stump grinding. Can we use in yard? Will it attract termites? A: Yes, use chips for mulch anywhere as long as layer is less than 1 inch thick. Termites arent attracted to chips

Using Lawn Fertilizer (15‑0‑15) in a Vegetable Garden

Q: Soil test recommended 15‑0‑15 fertilizer for my veggie garden, but I only find it labeled for lawns. Is it safe? A: Your soil is likely high in phosphorus, so a zero‑phosphorus product makes sense. Look for fertilizer

Killing Maple Tree Roots Ruining a Walkway

Q: Product to kill a big maple tree and its roots? Roots are ruining my walkway. A: Once you cut down the tree, roots wont grow larger or elongate. But they may send up leafy sprouts nearby. Be vigilant clipping sprouts

Lilac Bush with Brown Spots: Variety Selection for Warm Winters

Q: Best way to care for a lilac bush? Leaves have brown spots now. A: Lilacs can get leaf spot diseases but arent fatal if plant is kept healthy. Less common here than North/Midwest, but can thrive in north Georgia. Key:

Restoring Soil Health: Mycorrhizal Fungi vs. Local Organic Matter

Q: On new property, want to restore soil health before planting. Is applying mycorrhizal fungi beneficial for native microbiome? A: Mycorrhizae are helpful fungi bringing water and nutrients to roots, but research is mix

Tree Limb Holding Water: Don't Drill Drainage Holes

Q: Neighbors tree holds water in a limb crotch. Should she drill a hole to drain it? A: Tree experts agree drilling a drainage hole is a bad idea. The tree can wall off the wet area itself. Drilling gives rot fungi a rou

Why a Healthy-Looking Oak Tree Can Uproot and Fall

Q: Neighbors large oak fell in a rainstorm while they were away. How common for a healthy tree to fall? A: Well-anchored trees rarely fall. Trees sense where to produce anchor roots that bind to soil, allowing them to wi

Pruning Azaleas and Hydrangeas: Timing Matters for Flowers

Q: Latest I can severely trim azaleas and hydrangeas without killing them in winter? A: Pruning now is problematic. Azaleas have finished making next springs flower buds at branch tips—pruning now means no April flowers.

Bermuda Lawn Aeration: Timing for New Sod

Q: I have a new bermuda lawn planted in April. My maintenance company wants to aerate. Is it too late? A: The ideal time to aerate bermudagrass is May, when it’s growing rapidly. Aeration promotes oxygen exchange, water

Bugs Crawling from Christmas Tree: Aphids or Mantids

Q: Bugs coming from our Christmas tree crawl onto floor and die. How to stop them? A: Theyre probably aphids. Growers control insects in summer but dont spray near harvest; they shake trees before shipping. Cut-your-own

Establishing Centipede or Zoysia Lawn from Seed in Fall: Low Success

Q: Website says May/June best for centipede or zoysia from seed. What are odds for fall planting success? A: Both need a couple weeks to germinate and at least eight weeks to cover ground after germination. Fall planting

When to Plant Tulip Bulbs Brought from Nebraska

Q: I brought tulip bulbs from Nebraska. When should I plant them? A: Plant bulbs when soil temperatures are 60°F and dropping, usually October. Planting now in warm soil will cause leaves to appear in weeks. Keep bulbs i

Replanted Iris Roots: They Won't Bloom Until Spring

Q: I dug up and replanted iris roots in late July. Green leaves are emerging. What to do so they bloom in spring, not now? A: They wont bloom now. Despite emerging foliage, iris plants know to bloom in spring. Dont remov

Identifying the Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope)

Q: A large black-and-yellow spider with a zipper-like web center is outside our front door. What is it? A: Its an argiope, also called writing spider or zipper spider. Harmless except to small insects. If its in the way,