Nectarine Brown Rot and Oriental Fruit Moth: Dual Organic Control

3-year-old nectarines: 20% fruit shrivel into mummies (brown rot); larger fruit have scars, gum, and a white worm (oriental fruit moth). Problem 1: Brown Rot Fungus overwinters in mummies and cankers. Sanitation critical

Agastache Wilting in Wet Weather: Root Rot Risk

Anise hyssop (Agastache) wilts suddenly after weeks of rain; brown discoloration at stem bases, stems snap off. Second sunny day. Cause: Wet Feet Agastache demands sharp drainage. Prolonged wet soil causes root/crown rot

Plant Turning Pale: Ixora Iron Deficiency Confirmed

Same as previous—Rick sends photo to Melissa. Identified as Ixora with interveinal chlorosis (green veins, pale margins). Solution Apply Ironite (iron supplement). If insects on pale leaves, spray Spinosad at dusk. Ironi

Garden Plant (Ixora) Turning Pale: Iron Chlorosis

Florida garden plant with red flowers (identified as Ixora) shows pale right side—green veins, white margins. Diagnosis: Iron Chlorosis Ixora is acid-loving. High soil pH locks up iron. Pale leaves with green veins = cla

Black Spots on Japanese Maple Bark: Likely Harmless Lichens

Japanese green maple has black spots on bark. Owner worries about disease. Assessment Without a photo, likely lichens—common, harmless, indicate clean air. If tree is otherwise healthy, no concern. Check For Oozing liqu

African Violet Fungus: Botrytis from Wet Leaves

African violet has gray mold (Botrytis). Owner asks for fix. Cause: Top Watering and Soggy Conditions African violets hate wet leaves and standing water. Treatment Remove all moldy leaves/flowers. Let plant dry out. Wat

Pine Pitch Canker: Fatal Trunk Infection, Remove Tree

Central Indiana: 15-ft pine died rapidly last year; adjacent pine has white substance on trunk. Diagnosis: Pitch Canker Caused by Fusarium circinatum. Major disease of planted pines in the South. Resin-soaked cankers on

Gardenia Bushes Drooping After Pine Removal and Fresh Compost

Gardenia bushes droop (branches, not leaves) after a large pine was removed (now full sun 7–8 hrs) and partially decomposed compost was spread. Soil pH 6.5–7.0. Likely Culprits Fresh compost: Can generate heat, ammonia,

Red Crimson Maple Not Leafing Out: Frost, Decay, or Both?

A 15-year-old red maple budded but then stopped; green moss on bark; groove at base. Owner asks if its dead. Assessment Frost damage: Can kill buds; recovery usually in 2–4 weeks as temps warm. Green moss = lichens: Har

Why Not Plant Mulberry in Urban Landscapes

Question: Why avoid mulberry trees in urban settings? Shallow Root Problems Fast-growing, good shade, but shallow roots damage structures (homes, sidewalks, driveways). Plant 6+ feet from structures. Roots seek water—da

Evergreen Bush Brown Needles: Need Specifics for Diagnosis

General question: how to remedy/prevent brown needles/branches on evergreen bushes. Information Needed Multiple causes—need: plant species, pattern (individual branches vs. large areas), trunk/branch injury check, chemi

Whitefly Infestation: Affordable Two-Stage DIY Control

Yard overwhelmed with three whitefly types. $2500/year pro quote unaffordable. Daily washing keeps plants from blackening, but pond clogged with dead insects. DIY Two-Stage Treatment Stage 1: Spray Orthene (acephate) on

Cherry Tree No Bloom, Black Leaves, Red Sap: Borers, Not Ants

12-year-old cherry in S. Alabama: no bloom, leaves black/dead. Mild winter. Large ant mound at base. Red sap weeping from lower trunk. Ants Minor; Borers Likely Ants exploit decay, dont cause it. Red sap = borer activit

Locust Trees Yellowing: Herbicide Drift or Insects?

Three 8-year-old locusts (25 ft) yellowing from south side inward over 5 days. New stems affected. Herbicide used across road—no other yard damage, no field yellowing. Herbicide Pattern Check Drift shows directional pat

Sago Palm Yellowing Fronds: Nutrients, Scale, or Mites

Sago palm (cycad) fronds turn rusty/yellow partially. Owner asks about fertilizer, soil, pests. Diagnostic Steps Uniform yellow: Nutritional/soil issue—get free soil test from county Extension. Scale: Raised 1-2mm bumps

Weeping Cherry Sprouts: Root Suckers and Water Sprouts, Not Parasite

4-year-old weeping cherries sprouting different-looking plants along roots and from trunk. Owner fears parasitic takeover. Normal Growth: Suckers and Water Sprouts Suckers: From roots/trunk. Water sprouts: From branches

Crape Myrtle Bumpy Trunk, No Flowers: Gall, Planting Depth, or Shade

1.5-year-old crape myrtle (13+ ft) has bumpy trunks, didnt flower last year, not flowering yet, pale leaves, sparse canopy. Planted 6 inches above grade, full sun, watered during drought, dropped leaves early. Nursery sa

Crabapple Scab Disease: Dormant Oil Wrong Treatment

Crabapple (10-12 ft) flowered yearly, then reduced blooms, reddish leaves, black spots, heavy drop. Home Depot recommended dormant oil. Two spring applications—still poor flowering, lower branches leafless, rust spots ap

Curly Willow Central Trunk Dead: Internal Rot, Plan Removal

7-year-old curly willow (BC, Canada) has dead central trunk to top, cracked/peeling bark at base. Arborist care history. Expert suspects internal wood rot from old wound. Progressive Decay Fungi enter wounds, decay wood

New Yoshino Cherry Tree with Brown Leaf Edges: Water or Planting Issue

Month-old Yoshino cherry in Oklahoma has brown leaf edges and some curled leaves. Diagnosis Either too little or too much water, or a planting problem (clay soil creating a bathtub effect that drowns roots). Watering P