Reviving Globe Arborvitae After Spring Flood Damage

Diagnosing Flood-Damaged Globe Arborvitae A homeowner reports their mature globe arborvitae showing severe decline after a spring flood: foliage dying at the base, bare twigs, and dying tips. Nearby spruces were diagnose

Renovating Overgrown Foundation Shrubs: Species ID First

Before hacking back overgrown bushes blocking your sidewalk, you must identify the species. Pruning tolerance varies dramatically among common foundation plants in Northwest Ohio. Species-Specific Pruning Tolerance Shr

Bonsai-Suitable Shrubs for Michigan Gardens

Nearly any woody shrub can be trained as bonsai, but species with naturally small leaves, responsive branching, and cold hardiness thrive best in Michigans Zone 4-6 climate. Here are top candidates for outdoor bonsai in

Blue Spruce Top-Down Dieback: Root Issues vs. Canker Disease

When mature blue spruces (Picea pungens) die from the top down, the cause is rarely insects—its usually root dysfunction or cytospora canker. At 35-40 years old, your trees are entering their natural decline phase in man

Wisteria Recovery After Drastic Pruning: What to Expect

Wisteria (Wisteria spp.) is among the most vigorous—and forgiving—woody vines. Even when cut back to a single main lateral, established plants typically rebound with explosive spring growth and often bloom the following

Meyer Lemon Sticky Leaves: Aphid Honeydew and Control

Shiny, sticky leaves dropping from your potted Meyer lemon? That oily residue is honeydew—the sugary excretion of aphids. These tiny, soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth, leaf undersides, and stems, sucking sap and

Planting Privet Shrubs: Site Selection and Root Concerns

Privets (Ligustrum spp.) are versatile, tough shrubs suitable for hedges, screens, or specimen plantings. Their non-invasive root systems make them safe near foundations—unlike aggressive species such as willows or silve

Rejuvenating Overgrown Privet Hedges: The Gradual Approach

Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is remarkably resilient, but cutting a 10-foot hedge back to 18 inches in one session risks long-term decline. The standard rule: never remove more than one-third of total growth per year. Why Dr

Citrus Leaf Damage: Identifying and Treating Sawfly Larvae vs. Slugs

When lemon tree leaves develop slimy patches followed by holes—but no visible pests during daytime—the likely culprits are citrus sawfly larvae or slugs/snails. Both create similar damage but require different treatments

Artillery Fungus: Identification, Prevention, and Removal from Cars and Buildings

Those stubborn brown dots coating your car and vinyl siding? Theyre likely not from your shrubs at all. The culprit is almost certainly artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus spp.), a wood-decay fungus that thrives in landscape

Dogwood Mulch Management: Raking, Disease Prevention, and Material Choices

Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are beautiful but particular about their root environment. In coastal Marylands sandy-clay soils, proper mulch management can mean the difference between a thriving specimen and one th

Pruning Cherry Blossom Trees: Timing and Technique for Walkway Clearance

Cherry blossom trees (Prunus spp.) are vigorous growers that respond well to pruning, making them forgiving for novice gardeners. However, timing and technique matter—especially when branches encroach on walkways. When

Reviving a Struggling Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca Conica) is a popular compact evergreen, but it can be surprisingly finicky. If your spruce cycles between browning and recovery—especially showing decline in winter—several underlying i

Mulching Azaleas: Why Composted Mulch Beats Fresh Wood Chips

When it comes to mulching azaleas, the type of mulch you choose can significantly impact plant health. A common question among gardeners is whether fresh wood chips are suitable for these acid-loving shrubs. The short an

Hibiscus Not Thriving Near Magnolia: Soil Test First

Likely Soil Issue Nothing grows well near young magnolia. Suspect low organic matter or contamination. Action Soil test (nutrients + composition). Amend with compost/topsoil based on results.

Boxwood Hedge Phytophthora: Subdue Maxx Soil Drench

Diagnosis 1/3 of 15-year hedge rusty orange = Phytophthora canker (crown/root rot). Treatment Soil drench with Subdue Maxx (mefenoxam) fungicide. Check local nursery for available fungicides.

Arborvitae Recovery: Fertilize, Mulch, Professional Spraying

Current Status 15-year hedge, top 2 ft green, bottom 8 ft brown. Recovery signs good. Care Plan Fertilize mid-late March and mid-late Sept (balanced organic). Compost mulch late spring. Hire tree sprayer for mite/bagwo

Arborvitae Bark Stripped: Rodent/Rabbit Damage, Wrap Trunks

Cause Bark stripped on mature arborvitae = rodents/rabbits feeding under snow cover. Protection Plastic trunk protectors or burlap wrap. Apply before snow season.

Manhattan Euonymus Hard Pruning: Dormant Season, 6–8 Inches

Timing Mid Feb – mid April (now). Severity Can cut to 6–8 inches (broadleaf evergreen tolerates). Regrowth takes years.

New Cherry Laurels Browning: Shock, Salt, or Herbicide?

Diagnostic Questions Needed Top-only browning 3 days after planting in high wind. Could be: Frost/wind desiccation (if temp dropped). Salt spray (if near water). Transplant shock (burlap not removed). High-nitrogen fert