Arborvitae Interior Browning: Normal vs. Transplant Stress

Distinguishing Natural Shedding from Problems A homeowner planted 50 arborvitae in June; by mid-September, interior browning appears plus some outer discoloration. Two Different Issues Interior browning: NORMAL – Everg

Winter Protection for Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Anti-Desiccants Not Oil

Correct Winter Injury Prevention An Ohio (zone 4) gardener had azalea/rhododendron winter kill last year, asks about dormant oil vs. Volck oil spray for winter protection. Oil Doesnt Prevent Winter Desiccation Ed Gullik

Heritage Rose of Sharon: Climate Adjustment and Root Pruning for Blooms

Century-Old Genetics in New Climate An Illinois gardener has 3-year-old rose of sharon from 100-year-old New Jersey family stock. Plants thrive vegetatively but have incomplete bud opening and heavy late-fall bud set. C

Meyer Lemon Leaf Drop: Watering Issues in Container Culture

Diagnosing Premature Leaf Loss A gardeners Meyer lemon drops healthy green leaves (releasing from stem, not branch) despite pest treatment. Water Management Critical Ed Gulliksen identifies improper watering as primary

Propagating Red Tip Photinia from Cuttings: Timing and Method

Softwood Cutting Protocol A South Carolina gardener wants to root red tip photinia branches, asking when and how. Late Spring to Early Summer Timing – After first flush of new growth, while stems still green Rooting ho

Gradual Renovation Pruning for Overgrown Red Tip Photinia

Staged Reduction Prevents Shock An Oklahoma gardener has red tip photinia touching eaves, asking how short to cut and when. Multi-Year Approach Remove up to 1/3 – Never cut past last green growth Rest one season – Allo

Bees on Holly Berries: Beneficial Pollination Activity

Understanding Insect Activity on Fruiting Holly A gardener has four berry-laden hollies covered with bees, wasps, yellow jackets, asking for control suggestions. No Control Needed Ed Gulliksen explains insects are polli

One-Sided Arborvitae Browning: Mite Infestation Likely

Diagnosing Asymmetric Damage A Cape Cod planting of 35 arborvitae shows gold/brown discoloration on neighbors side only; owners side remains green. Mite Infestation Suspected Ed Gulliksen asks if owners side is treated.

Training Spreading Rose of Sharon: Tying Before Pruning

Alternative to Pruning for Upright Growth An Illinois gardener has a 2-year-old white rose of sharon spreading horizontally instead of growing upright like red varieties. Train First, Prune If Needed Ed Gulliksen recomm

Leaf Spot on New Privet Hedge: Return Diseased Plants

Rejecting Infected Nursery Stock A Long Island gardener received privet hedges with dark brown spots, asking if they should be returned. Yes, Return Them Ed Gulliksen identifies leaf spot disease. While not immediately

Hydrangea Bloom Failure: Three Primary Causes

Diagnosing Non-Flowering Hydrangea in Central Pennsylvania A 7+ year old hydrangea grows 3x5 feet with lush foliage but no flowers for years. Three Bloom-Stopping Factors Wrong pruning time – Pruning after early Septem

Japanese Maple Pruning: Starting Points and Resources

Approaching First Pruning of Mature Japanese Maple A gardener must prune a 15-year-old never-trimmed Japanese maple, seeking starting guidance. Structured Approach Remove dead wood first – Clear starting point Define o

Soil Amendment Choices for Clay Soil and Inkberry Spread

Compost Over Lime/Gypsum for Clay Improvement An Ohio gardener with clay soil (1 added topsoil) and acidic conditions from leaf litter asks about lime, limestone, gypsum vs. compost. Compost Recommended Ed Gulliksen adv

Leyland Cypress Yellowing: Need for Professional Diagnosis

Complex Decline in Slope-Planted Cypress A Southern California gardener has Leyland cypress on a slope: two at base growing slowly, two near top and two at base now yellowing after two years. Arborist Inspection Require

Bud Borer Damage on Rose of Sharon: Identification and Control

Diagnosing Hollow Buds A gardener finds hollow buds with holes while spraying dormant oil in October, asking about the pest. Bud Borer Identified Ed Gulliksen confirms bud borer damage. Only effective treatment: systemi

Camouflaging Over-Pruned Holly Trees: Landscape Solutions

Follow-Up: Aesthetic Recovery After Severe Pruning A homeowner previously cut lower branches off 15-foot hollies near fence, creating 6-foot bare trunks. Asks if they look ridiculous professionally, and about camouflage

Arborvitae Decline in Containers: Root Restriction and Rot

Container Limitations for Large Evergreens A gardener has 5 arborvitae in 2.5-foot-wide pots for 5 years, now browning/yellowing underneath, one lost. Advised pot rot with no solution. Trimmed tops already. Two Fatal Co

Fall Pruning Guide: Rose of Sharon, Endless Summer Hydrangea, and Roses

Species-Specific Pruning Timing A Wisconsin gardener asks about fall pruning for rose of sharon, Endless Summer hydrangea (after freeze), and old rose blossoms. Pruning Rules by Species Endless Summer hydrangea: DO NOT

Hydrangea Pruning Timing and Fertilizer-Induced Bloom Failure

Diagnosing Non-Flowering Hydrangea in Southern California A Mission Viejo gardeners 4-foot hydrangea produced only leaves after weekly Miracle-Gro for acid-loving plants spring through early summer. Asks about October pr

Fall Planting and Winter Protection for Gift Hydrangea

Planting Hydrangea Before Ground Freeze A New York area gardener received a hydrangea and asks when to plant it in ground. Plant Now with Winter Protection Plant anytime before ground freezes Choose sheltered location