Thrips Risk on Carrotwood Tree Replacement for Myoporum

Carrotwood tree purchased to replace 35-year-old myoporum killed by thrips in San Luis Obispo County, CA; concerned about thrips susceptibility. Assessment Thrips feed on many host plants. Carrotwoods susceptibility is

Beneficial Insect Cocoons on Newly Planted Crepe Myrtle

Newly planted crepe myrtle has sack-like structures on stems appearing to contain worms. Identification Likely beneficial insect cocoons using stems for support—not pests. Without a photo, definitive ID is difficult. Mo

Mulberry Leaf Curl Disease in Western Colorado

Numerous mulberry trees in western Colorado show leaf curling and stunted growth. Diagnosis Approach Examine leaf undersides for insects/mites. If none visible, take a sample twig with leaves to local extension service

Magnolia Leaf Curl and Non-Blooming White Magnolia Vine

Magnolia bush has 30% leaf curl; white magnolia vine in Chicago (3rd season) grows beautifully on brick but hasnt bloomed. Leaf Curl Causes Check for herbicide drift on or near the bush. Examine leaf undersides along ce

Bacterial Canker in Cherry Trees: Sap Oozing and Rapid Leaf Death

Northern Virginia cherry tree lost ⅔ leaves in 2 weeks with multiple trunk sites oozing sap during extreme heat/humidity despite regular watering. Diagnosis Sap oozing from trunk wounds indicates boring insect invasion

Herbicide Drift Suspected in Fruitless Mulberry Yellowing

One fork of a fruitless mulberry shows rapid leaf yellowing and drop after cool, damp spring turned to 95-105°F. Yard was sprayed with crabgrass killer. Diagnosis Herbicide drift from crabgrass killer application (espec

Pin Oak Decline in Heavy Clay with Record Rainfall

Two 2-year-old pin oaks in North Alabama show problems: one with dying branches with deep splits, the other with dying limb tips and soft hanging ends. Record rainfall for 1.5 years on heavy clay soil. Assessment Waterl

Caterpillar Frass Under Potted Ficus: Identifying the Droppings

A 5-foot potted ficus on a covered second-floor patio produces 20-50 oblong, ⅓-inch droppings daily. Tree appears healthy with no leaf or trunk damage. Diagnosis The droppings are caterpillar frass (excrement). Look for

Rapid Decline in Water Oak: Brown Spots to Total Defoliation in Days

Water oak in Slidell, LA shows brown circular spots on leaves, progressing to full-tree browning from top down in 3 days. Outer branches snap brown; trunk scrapes green. Assessment Rapid total defoliation suggests acute

Wood-Boring Insects in Lilac: Understanding "Wood Worm" Concerns

A mature lilac shows signs of wood worm as a fence replaces a hedge that previously covered the area. Clarification Wood worm likely refers to wood-boring insects that tunnel into trees. Many trees tolerate borers for y

Overwatering Causes Black Tip Rot in Pachypodium (Madagascar Palm)

A 2-foot Pachypodium lamerei in 6-inch clay pot developed blackish-purple growth tip, leaves, and midrib discoloration with leaf drop. Black trunk skin peels off, revealing green sap. Roots appear healthy. Diagnosis Bla

Bird's Nest Fungus at Elm Tree Base: Harmless Mulch Dweller

A 10-year-old Chinese elm with prior storm damage shows funnel-shaped mushrooms at the base after limb removal. Identification If ~¼ inch diameter with 3-5 black eggs inside cups, this is birds nest fungus—a harmless de

Sap Oozing from Apricot Tree: Borer Insect Activity

A 40-year-old apricot tree shows amber sap on branches and brown spots/blemishes on fruit at stalk attachment. Diagnosis The sap is a defense response to injury, typically from boring insects like plum curculio moth. Th

Saving Aloe Vera from Overwatering: Brown Tips to Black Rot

An 8-month-old aloe developed brown tips progressing to black, charred-looking lower leaves breaking off, now affecting newer leaves. Diagnosis Overwatering is the primary issue. Aloes need excellent drainage and minima

Natural Cone Production on Thuja (Arborvitae) Trees

~30 Thuja trees developed pulpy growths; owner previously dealt with bagworms but these lack insects. Identification These are natural seed cones—signs of a healthy, reproductively mature tree. They appear annually, fal

Harmless Slime Mold in Vegetable Gardens

Yellowish fluffy substance appears around green beans, tomatoes, and radishes; gardener concerned about edibility. Identification This is slime mold—a harmless, gelatinous organism ranging from mousse-like to gummy cons

Verticillium Wilt in Kwanzan Cherry: Sudden Wilting Despite Watering

A 3-year-old Kwanzan cherry in Pennsylvania suddenly drooped with holed, browning leaves after 29 days over 90°F and two weeks without rain. Slow drip watering and subsequent heavy rain brought no improvement. Diagnosis

Aphid Honeydew on Quaking Aspen: Sticky Leaves and Crystallization

Three 3-year-old quaking aspens in Reno, NV exude shiny liquid onto ground with leaf crystallization and unprecedented leaf drop. Ortho Garden Disease Control (chlorothalonil) failed. Diagnosis The shiny liquid is honey

Mystery White Haze on White Pine: Likely Benign

Three 40-foot white pines show consistent white haze from 15 feet up, skipping branch areas. New homeowner unsure of duration. Assessment The photo doesnt match known disease or insect issues. The pattern (consistent he

Troubleshooting Dwarf Lime Decline: Leaf Curl, Browning, and Fruit Drop

A 3-year-old in-ground dwarf lime in San Rafael, CA showed sudden leaf curling, browning to blackening, leaf drop, and fruit death. Adjacent privet has similar issues. Drip irrigation provides 0.5-1 gal/hour, 3x weekly.