Winter Protection for Storm-Damaged Arborvitae: Tying and Wrapping

Stabilizing Snow-Damaged Privacy Screen A Buffalo, NY homeowners 20 arborvitae were damaged by early winter storm. Trimmed cracked branches, but some lean/droop from snow load. Asks about wrapping methods. Two-Stage Sup

Hydrangea Bloom Failure After Over-Pruning: Recovery Strategy

Diagnosing Uneven Blooming in Established Hydrangeas An Ohio homeowner has two hydrangeas: a 4.5-foot plant with only two blooms, and a 2.5-foot plant blooming prolifically. Both bloomed well previous year. The larger pl

When Not to Fertilize Healthy Holly Shrubs

Fertilizer Only When Needed A gardener asks about fertilizing healthy, green holly bushes near a gas fireplace flue that are growing well. No Fertilizer Needed Ed Gulliksen advises against fertilizing thriving plants. T

Magnolia Freeze Damage in Pacific Northwest: Assessment and Care

Early Freeze Impact on Southern Magnolia A Pacific Northwest gardeners newly planted (September) magnolia turned dark brown after early freeze, asking if its dead or dormant. Foliage Dead, Plant Likely Alive Ed Gullikse

Severe Holly Pruning: Recovery Timeline and Scale Management

Regrowth After Drastic Pruning A homeowner cut overgrown hollies back to bare wood (6 feet of trunk exposed), asking if theyll regenerate and about white insect infestation. Recovery Is Possible But Slow Ed Gulliksen co

Winter Care for Potted Hydrangeas in Cold Climates

Protecting Container Hydrangeas Through Winter An Illinois gardener has two first-year hydrangeas in large pots, already experiencing freezing nights and looking poor, asking about indoor storage and pruning. Outdoor Pr

Increasing Blooms on Indoor Gardenia: Repotting and Fertilizer Adjustment

Addressing Poor Flowering in Mature Gardenia A gardener has a large indoor gardenia that produced only one flower last year, seeking more blooms. Two Key Adjustments Repot to larger container – Relieve root restriction

Reviving Frost-Damaged Meyer Lemon in Container

Assessing Cold Damage in Citrus A Washington state gardeners potted Meyer lemon lost blossoms, developed moldy fruit, and shows black spots on branches after heavy rain following frost. Frost Damage Primary Cause Ed Gul

Arborvitae Decline After Transplanting: Fertilizer Burn and Shock

Diagnosing Post-Transplant Failure A homeowner transplanted arborvitae in early spring with initial success, then applied Miracle-Gro weekly. Over half turned brown. Friend suspects fertilizer burn. Dual Cause Confirmed

Transplanting Timeline: Fall vs. Spring for Multiple Species

Spring Transplanting Recommended A Philadelphia gardener moving in April can transplant now or wait, asking about hydrangeas, beautyberry, viburnum, white pine, and azaleas. Wait Until Early Spring Ed Gulliksen recommen

Planting Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica): Spacing and Container Removal

Transplanting Young Boxwood from Containers A gardener has 8-inch Japanese boxwoods in planters, asking about planting timing, container removal, and spacing. Immediate Planting Guidelines Plant now – Fall planting acc

Treating Blackened Holly Leaves: Leaf Blight vs. Tar Spot

Identifying the Disease A homeowner has holly bushes with blackening leaves and twigs spreading over months, affecting one plant while a neighbor remains healthy. Diagnosis and Management Ed Gulliksen identifies two pos

Fertilizing Newly Planted Techny Arborvitae: Why Timing Matters

Conflicting Advice on Fall Fertilization A homeowner planted 20 Techny arborvitae in November. The landscaper recommended Miracle-Gro; a nursery worker advised against it, suggesting only root stimulator during dormancy.

Diagnosing Gardenia Problems: Yellowing, Bud Drop, and Blackened Leaves

Multiple Stress Factors in Gardenias A gardener reports three gardenia bushes with yellowing leaves, bud drop, blackening foliage, stunted growth, and one near-dead plant. Expert Referral to Specialized Resource Ed Gull

Growing Rose of Sharon and Roses from Seed: Winter Propagation

Seed Starting for Woody Ornamentals A gardener has seeds from rose of sharon and roses pruned for winter, asking about propagation methods. Indoor Winter Sowing Protocol Start seeds in pots – Use high-organic topsoil o

Raising Established Burning Bush and Hostas: Avoiding Crown Rot

Grade Change Risks for Established Plants A Wisconsin gardener needs to raise garden grade by 3+ inches around a burning bush and hostas planted the previous summer, asking if they can simply add soil or must replant. R

Transplanting Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Timing and Technique

Optimal Transplant Window A gardener asks when and how to transplant a dwarf Alberta spruce. Ed Gulliksen recommends early to mid-fall for all plants, allowing root establishment before winter. Late-season transplanting

Proper Planting Techniques for Large Pyramidal Arborvitae in Clay Soil

Planting 10-12 Foot Arborvitae in Challenging Conditions An Indiana homeowner purchased five large pyramidal arborvitae for a low, occasionally damp site with heavy clay soil, having previously lost evergreens to deep pl

Maximizing Arborvitae Growth for Privacy Screening

Addressing Slow Growth in Established Arborvitae A Pennsylvania homeowner has 95 arborvitae planted for five years with limited growth, seeking faster, fuller development for privacy. Theyve used fertilizer spikes and Ho

Understanding Winter Browning in Evergreens: Fernspray Cypress and Cryptomeria

Seasonal Color Changes in Evergreens A Tennessee gardener notices browning on lower branches of newly planted fernspray false cypress and light brown discoloration on cryptomeria trees in late fall, with reduced watering