Weeping Mulberry Leaf Skeletonizers: Minor Pest, Check for Drought Stress

Six-year-old weeping mulberry leafed late, bare branch bottoms. Arborist said fine. Owner found leaves with transparent “skin” encasing tiny white worms, plus a flesh-colored spider. Brown spots on other leaves. Nearby f

Rubber Plant Yellow Spots: Environmental, Not Fungal

Rubber plant developed yellow spots (no brown tissue) after being placed outside in shade last year. Fungicide failed. Now 50% leaves affected. Owner fears total loss. Diagnosis: Environmental Stress Yellow spots without

Patio Citrus with Sticky Residue: Scale Insects and Sooty Mold

Young citrus has black sticky residue with white powder on a few leaves. Owner asks for ID and treatment. Diagnosis: Scale Insects + Sooty Mold White powder: Protective covering of scale insects (cottony cushion scale o

Crape Myrtle Sooty Mold: Neem Oil and Seasonal Relief

Four-year-old crape myrtles covered in black powder with white fuzz; spreading to shrubs. Expert: classic sooty mold on crape myrtles. Spray pure neem oil (insecticidal/fungal, doesn’t wash off). Good news: fall leaf dro

Lilac Dying Branch by Branch: Lilac Borer Infestation

Lilac in eastern Iowa dies one branch at a time: leaves turn crispy brown, no visible chewing. Owner asks cause. Diagnosis: Lilac Borer (Podosesia syringae) Symptoms match: Sudden wilting of canes/stems. Swollen base, b

Oleander Yellowing Lower Leaves: Normal Growth Habit, Prune to Renew

Oleander in 14 pot on deck blooming but lower leaves yellowing and dying from bottom up. Top has new branches and buds. Owner wants to nurse it before bringing indoors. Cause: Natural Growth Pattern Oleanders grow as sti

Plum Tree with Sticky Fruit: Scale or Borer Infestation

10-year-old plum tree loaded with tiny plums covered in clear sticky substance (dried like candy syrup). Fruit falls if touched. Owner in St. Martins, NB, Canada. Two Likely Insect Causes Scale insects: Small, oval, imm

Mass Cane (Corn Plant) Brown Leaf Tips: Humidity and Watering Fixes

Indoor mass cane (Dracaena) has brown leaf tips. Owner asks cause and prevention. Common Causes Low humidity (most frequent for tropicals indoors) Overwatering or inconsistent moisture Fluoride/chlorine in tap water Fer

Honeylocust Oozing Sap: Canker Disease or Stress?

Newly planted honeylocust oozes sap from base of most branches. Owner asks if its disease, insects, or natural. Possible Causes Canker disease (fungal): Elongated, sunken lesions; orangish-brown bark; gummy sap. Linked

Scale on Lilac Spread to Grass? Likely Rust Fungus, Not Scale

After removing scale-infested lilac, owner finds orange-brown dying grass under a crabapple, suspects scale spread. Asks for treatment. Key Insight: Scale Dont Infest Grass Scale insects feed on woody tissue, not grass b

Redbud Transplant Shock: Patience and Proper Watering

Container-grown clump redbud planted 3 weeks ago looks awful: leaves losing color, red tint, dropping. Owner suspects transplant shock and asks if its salvageable. Diagnosis: Classic Transplant Shock Leaf loss and discol

Holmstrup Arborvitae Declining: Environmental Stress Likely

Four Holmstrup arborvitae (planted June 2007) formed seeds, now have yellowing, dying leaves, scraggly droopy tops. Nursery couldnt diagnose. Possible Causes Water extremes: Too much or too little. Nursery-origin stress

Sticky Dripping from Crape Myrtle: Aphid Honeydew, Not Sap

A 20-year-old crape myrtle drips a sticky mist, especially after bees visited. Its messy on cars. Owner asks if its sap and how to stop it. Real Cause: Aphid Honeydew The sap is honeydew—excrement of aphids (plant lice)

Cedar-Apple Rust on Apples: Fungicide Rotation Needed

Apples have yellow leaf spots (cedar-apple rust) despite spraying Complete Fruit Tree Spray (Bonide: captan, malathion, carbaryl). Owner asks what fungicide to add. Problem: Inadequate Fungicide Coverage Bonides captan t

Honeysuckle Powdery Mildew: Milk Spray Remedy and Winter Care

Potted honeysuckle may have powdery mildew from overwatering. Owner asks about winter care: watering frequency, pruning, and covering. Milk Spray for Powdery Mildew Research shows weekly spray of 10% milk (1 part milk :

Lotus Not Thriving in Pond: Check Planting Depth and Timing

A lotus planted last fall sprouted in spring but leaves stay small, brown at edges, and die. Fertilizer tablets spurred new growth but it still fails. Owner asks if its a disease. Not a Disease—Likely Planting/Care Issue

Leaf Spot on Lemon-Lime Plant: Cultural Fixes First

A Lemon-Lime houseplant has leaf spots. Owner sent a photo and asks for diagnosis. Multiple Potential Causes Leaf spots can stem from: Poor air circulation Overwatering or high humidity Fungal, bacterial, or insect issu

Century-Old Privet Hedge Declining: Fungal Disease Likely

A century-old privet hedge in Cape May, NJ, is losing leaves and dying back in sections, spreading toward a prized arch. Owner fears total loss. Diagnosis Symptoms suggest a fungal disease, possibly exacerbated by enviro

Hibiscus Stem Issue: Powdery Mildew vs. Scale Insects

Hibiscus stems have a white, cottony/snowy growth. Owner asks for identification and treatment. Two Likely Culprits SymptomPowdery Mildew (Fungus)Scale Insects AppearanceThin, dry, wipes off easily; regrows in daysThick

Pecan Scab Management: Fungicide Schedule for Homeowners

After identifying black splotches on pecan shucks as scab disease, the owner asks for treatment to prevent recurrence. Effective Fungicides Three fungicides control pecan scab: Daconil (chlorothalonil) – cheapest, liqui