Bark Splitting and Sap Flow in Fruit Trees and Maples: Sunscald Management

Jane has lost multiple fruit trees and maples to bark splitting with sap oozing (bleeding). One peach tree in its third summer shows the same issue. She suspects spread from a tree removed last year. Primary Cause: Suns

Agastache 'Blackadder' Sudden Wilting: Phytophthora or Fungal Disease?

Sophie in the UK reports her Agastache Blackadder stems suddenly wilting completely—not just tip droop—with blackened stem bases. Affected stems were removed but wilting spread. Other stems show yellowing with brown patc

Scale Insect Infestation on Star Magnolia: Identification and Control

Bob in Lansing, MI, finds hundreds of small, soft white blobs (pinky-nail sized) on his Star Magnolia branches. Crushing reveals a mushy brown center. The tree appears otherwise healthy. Diagnosis: Scale Insects These a

Diagnosing Mysterious Spider Plant Damage: Beetles, Slugs, or Soil Fungus?

Anns outdoor spider plants show leaves broken off at soil level. Years ago, soil beetles caused similar damage and were controlled with insecticide. Now the same symptoms appear randomly—healthy plants beside affected on

Identifying and Managing Slime Flux (Bacterial Wetwood) in Mature Cottonwoods

Kathy notices a foul, vomit-like odor when mowing near her 28-year-old cottonwoods, with open areas oozing discharge that attracts insects. Shes concerned the trees are dying. Diagnosis: Slime Flux / Bacterial Wetwood T

Troubleshooting Coreopsis 'Sunray' Bud Failure in Hot, Wet Conditions

Farah in Dallas reports her Coreopsis Sunray plants bloomed beautifully in spring but now, during intense summer heat (100°F+), new buds turn brown and dry without opening. Leaves look healthy except a few with whitish p

How to Treat Sunscald on Young Red Maple Trees

Dan wrote in about his Red Sunset Maple suffering from significant bark damage where the bark has completely separated from the sapwood. He peeled back the loose bark months ago to prevent insect infestation, but the exp

Calcium Chloride vs. Chelated Calcium for Apple Fruit Quality and Size

Calcium Chloride vs. Chelated Calcium for Apple Fruit Quality and Size A grower asks the difference between chelated calcium (CaEDTA) and calcium chloride for apple sprays, and whether calcium chloride reduces fruit size

Distinguishing Environmental Leaf Spots from Disease on Wax Begonias

Distinguishing Environmental Leaf Spots from Disease on Wax Begonias Four wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) from Lowes ($1) have white droplets/spots on leaf edges. Some spots have red halos; others are lacey. One pla

Diagnosing Thinning Canopy in Chinese Pistache: Drought Stress vs. Disease

Diagnosing Thinning Canopy in Chinese Pistache: Drought Stress vs. Disease A Chinese pistache in Dallas, TX has thinning canopy (only berries/nuts, few leaves). Neighbors tree across the street is bushy. Owner fears spre

Saving Christmas Cactus from Stem Rot Caused by Overwatering

Saving Christmas Cactus from Stem Rot Caused by Overwatering Christmas cactus has woody, fungus-like growth on leaf segments, killing them. Green tips still appear but get infected. Diagnosis: Stem Rot from Overwatering

Eradicating Spider Mites on Mini Roses and Identifying Tomato Hornworms

Eradicating Spider Mites on Mini Roses and Identifying Tomato Hornworms A mini rose bush was covered in webbing and tan mites in two days. Owner cut it back and sprayed eucalyptus/peppermint oil. Now tomato plant has som

Follow-Up Care for Sun-Stressed Sago Palms and Alternative Species

Follow-Up Care for Sun-Stressed Sago Palms and Alternative Species Follow-up: Sago palm in full sun for several days, leaves browning. Owner asks about moving to shade, watering, and alternatives (agave, yucca) for Washi

Sago Palm Leaf Browning: Sun Acclimation, Watering, and Cold Hardiness

Sago Palm Leaf Browning: Sun Acclimation, Watering, and Cold Hardiness A newly purchased sago palm (Cycas revoluta) was placed in full sun in Washington State. Leaves browned within a week. Daily watering, good drainage.

Recovering Citrus from Fertilizer Burn: Slow-Release and Foliar Alternatives

Recovering Citrus from Fertilizer Burn: Slow-Release and Foliar Alternatives Three potted citrus (calamondin, Meyer lemon) were fertilized with 1/2 cup citrus/avocado fertilizer per pot. Heavy rain followed. Two trees lo

Identifying Unusual Soil Growth Under Container Citrus Trees

Identifying Unusual Soil Growth Under Container Citrus Trees A dwarf Meyer lemon has hard, mushroom-like growths on the soil surface. Tree looks healthy and is fruiting. Owner wonders if overwatering caused it. Growth

Rehabilitating Neglected Potted Palms: Pruning, Fertilizing, and Organic Health Boosters

Rehabilitating Neglected Potted Palms: Pruning, Fertilizing, and Organic Health Boosters Two abandoned potted palms were repotted, roots and trunks trimmed. Pots contained excess fertilizer, debris, even a taped knife. P

Woolly Aphids or Mealybugs on Pentas: Diagnosis and Malathion Treatment

Woolly Aphids or Mealybugs on Pentas: Diagnosis and Malathion Treatment Pentas attacked by white bugs (spider-like and stick-like). Leaves turning black, white stuff on plant. Spider-like bugs Stick-like bugs Ident

Controlling Cottony Aphids and Plant Bugs on Pentas with Systemic Insecticide

Controlling Cottony Aphids and Plant Bugs on Pentas with Systemic Insecticide Pentas plants have small white bugs, blackened leaves, and white spider-like bugs. One plant heavily affected. Bugs Bug #2 Identificatio

Assessing Dieback in a Mature Walnut Tree with Trunk Splits

Assessing Dieback in a Mature Walnut Tree with Trunk Splits A possible walnut tree (trunk splits for years) had no leaves in spring, then sprouted new branches on 1/4 of the tree. 3/4 is bare/dead. Possible walnut T