Diagnosing and Managing Branch Canker in Leyland Cypress

Evergreen Tree Identifying the Problem A homeowner noticed their 10-year-old evergreen showing significant dieback, with branches turning yellow then brown, predominantly on the west side. Despite regular watering and a

Japanese Maple Decline: Canker Diseases and Water Management

13-year-old Japanese red maple in Maine has dead top/middle branches, trunk deformation, peeling bark, and new branch dieback. Expert lists four fungal diseases: Anthracnose (reddish-purple leaf spots, wet conditions), B

Crepe Myrtle Transplant Shock: Watering Schedule and Root Stimulants

Newly transplanted crepe myrtles in Maryland drooped, curled leaves, lost flowers after daily watering (15 min AM + 10 min sprinkler PM). Expert says crepe myrtles love water but not constant saturation. In Florida, 3x/w

Pittosporum Leaf Spot: Fungal Disease and Organic Treatment

Potted Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ in coastal CA has flat burgundy-brown spots on most leaves; windy side thinning. Expert confirms fungal leaf spot (not scale). Recommends Atomic Grow—organic, food-based, controls fu

Southern Magnolia Sudden Browning: Heat Stress or Mechanical Damage?

Three-year-old southern magnolia in Texas turned brown almost overnight. Expert suspects environmental shock, not disease. Check trunk base for string trimmer/mower damage—irreversible. Check soil moisture 1–2 ft down; s

Wax Myrtle Decline After Frost and Insects: Need On-Site Diagnosis

Wax myrtles planted in Feb 2009 had frost damage, then insect defoliation. Bayer systemic and Spectracide failed; one dead, another declining. Expert recommends a “house call” by a county extension agent or arborist. Col

Oak Tree Dark Blotches: Possible Borer Activity

A majestic Maryland oak has vertical dark blotches on trunk, moist in cracks. Expert suspects insect borers—dark, elliptical stains with liquid oozing downward. No cure exists, but vigor helps: water during drought, fert

Tulip Tree Bark Shedding: Root Stress, Not Disease

Tulip trees in Indiana lose bark on limbs annually, from tip to trunk; limbs eventually fall. No infectious disease known to cause this. Expert attributes it to root stress—hot, dry conditions. Water deeply during drough

Jasmine Bark Splitting After Extreme Cold: Winter Injury

A 12-year-old jasmine in London has splitting bark after prolonged snow cover. Expert confirms bark splitting is classic freeze damage. Prune out dead wood after growth resumes; avoid cutting green tissue. Water well to

Mimosa Webworms and Wilt: Organic Control Options

Mimosa trees have small webs with tiny black bugs/eggs; foliage eaten. Expert lists pests: cottony cushion scale, mites, mimosa webworm. Disease: fatal Fusarium wilt (spreads via root grafts). Webworms likely the leaf-ea

Emerald Arborvitae Death and Fern/Vinca Problems: Soil and Pest Issues

One of three newly planted arborvitae died rapidly; another struggles. Expert suspects root stress—too much or too little water at transplant. Keep soil moist but well-drained. A repotted fern turned yellow—likely soil o

Hedge Powdery Mildew and White Substance: Need Photo or Sample for ID

Hedge has powdery mildew on leaves and a thick white wipeable substance on main branches. Expert requests a photo or a twig sample brought to a local nursery for ID. Could be insects (scale, mealybugs) or fungus. Correct

Plum Tree Brown Rot: Sanitation and Fungicide Timing

Plum tree has creamy circular mold on fruit, spreading to nearby fruit, causing shriveling and blackening. Expert identifies brown rot, a stone fruit disease. Sanitation is critical: remove all mummified fruit from tree

Maple Leaf Scorch from Excess Rain: No Spray Needed This Late

Multiple maples have brown, scorched-looking leaves after heavy rain. Neighbors have same issue. Expert says excess rain is as bad as drought, depending on soil. Late in season, don’t spray fungicide—it won’t help. Rake

Poplar Leaf Blackening: Powdery Mildew Unlikely, Sanitation Key

Poplars in Southern Alberta have leaves turning black then brown and falling. Owner wonders if powdery mildew from a nearby caragana hedge spread. Expert says powdery mildew isn’t typical on caragana. If PM is suspected,

Black Locust Leaf Drop and Beetles: Get Insect ID First

A black locust has rapid yellowing and leaf drop, black spots under leaves, and tiny tan/gray flying beetles. The expert stresses: get the insects identified before treating. Collect leaves with bugs in a plastic bag and

Weeping Cherry Decline After Excessive Rain: Root Rot Risk

A weeping cherry in NY bloomed beautifully in spring but after a month of rain in June, leaves curled. The expert warns that wet, poorly drained soil causes root rot, leading to yellowing and leaf drop. Check trunk base

Transplant Shock in October Glory Maples: Watering Strategy for Summer Planting

Seven 2-inch caliper October Glory maples planted in August in NJ (90°F, full sun 11am–8pm) showed wilting, fall color, and leaf drop within days despite twice-daily watering. The expert advises: flood the planting hole

Ficus Leaf Spot (Cercospora): Fungus Management Indoors

A 4-foot indoor ficus in Florida has small, round, light brown spots with dark centers on nearly all leaves, even new growth. Scrapable with a fingernail. Some leaves yellow and drop. The expert identifies Cercospora lea

Soil Mealybugs on Potted Lime Tree: Organic Solutions for Indoor Citrus

A potted lime tree, moved indoors for winter, has soil mealybugs. The owner wants organic control and asks if changing soil helps. The expert recommends 100% pure neem oil (not neem products with added pesticides) and At