Tupidanthus Root Encroachment: Root Barrier Solution

Managing Neighbor Root Disputes A 15-year-old tupidanthus roots invade neighbors yard; homeowner asks about removal vs. safety risks to pipes/foundations. Root Barrier Alternative to Removal Root pruning – Cut invading

Arborvitae Species Comparison: Growth Rates and Dimensions

Three Main Thuja Species for Landscaping A gardener requests comparison of arborvitae types for growth rate, width, height. Species Profiles Thuja occidentalis (Eastern/White Cedar) – 40-60 H x 10-15 W, slow-medium, br

Sooty Mold on Shrubs: Fall Cleanup and Winter Strengthening

Managing Honeydew-Derived Fungal Growth A gardener has sooty mold on front-bed shrubs with black flies summer-long, asks if waiting until spring for horticultural oil is safe. Immediate Action Needed Horticultural soap

Meyer Lemon Fruit Scab and Leaf Issues: Blight and Aphids

Two Problems on Productive Texas Tree An 8-year-old Meyer lemon has scabby fruit spots (cosmetic only) and curling leaves with transparent film. Dual Diagnosis Fruit scab – Citrus blight; treat with broad-spectrum fung

Staked Rose of Sharon: Fertilizer Change for Root Development

Root Deficiency in Established Plant A gardeners 4-year-old rose of sharon requires staking; root ball insufficient for support despite good blooms and foliage. Switch to Root-Promoting Fertilizer Ed Gulliksen recommend

Fall Transplanting Snowball Bush: Timing and Aftercare

Transplant Window Open Until Ground Freeze A gardener asks when to transplant snowball bush (Viburnum opulus or hydrangea)—now or spring. Fall Transplanting Acceptable Move now until ground freezes Water well after tra

Boxwood Bark Issue: Canker vs. Scale Insects

Diagnosing 25-Year-Old Hedge Decline A New Jersey gardener has fungus-like growth on boxwood bark killing sections of mature hedge. Likely Insects, Not Disease Ed Gulliksen suspects mealybug or scale (white, fluffy) mis

Royal Empress Tree Transplant Shock: Care for Rapid Growers

Normal Stress in Fast-Growing Paulownia A North Texas gardeners 2-month-old Royal Empress trees (7ft and 5ft) show yellowing lower leaves with brown spots, plus insect feeding. Transient Transplant Shock Ed Gulliksen co

Hydrangea Color Control: Soil pH and Aluminum Management

Achieving Blue or Pink Blooms A Southern California gardeners hydrangeas have greenish-pink flowers, wants true blue or pink. Soil Chemistry Determines Color Blue flowers – pH 5.0-5.5 + available aluminum Pink flowers

Stunted Oleander Growth: Climate Limits and Fertilization

Zone Hardiness Affects Performance A gardener planted 10 one-gallon oleanders 1.5 years ago; only one grew, others remain 8 inches. Climate and Nutrition Factors Zone 8+ ideal – Upper zone 8 or colder needs winter prot

Arborvitae Leafminer vs. Bagworm: Corrected Diagnosis and Treatment

Initial Misidentification Corrected A Maryland gardener found eggs/caterpillars on arborvitae, initially diagnosed as bagworm, but later identified as arborvitae leafminer. Leafminer Life Cycle and Control Eggs laid on

Controlling Trumpet Vine Spread: Pruning and Deadheading

Managing Aggressive Campsis radicans A gardeners trumpet vine reseeds aggressively, asking how to stop spread and whether to remove seed pods. Ongoing Management Required Cut unwanted tendrils continuously – Vine is ex

Overwintering Green Mountain Boxwood in Container: Zone 4/5 Strategy

One-Year Container Culture Feasible An Ontario (zone 4/5) gardener wants to keep boxwood in container for one year before moving. Container Management Protocol Light fertilization only – Heavy feeding stimulates root g

Container Juniper Browning: Diagnosing Location and Cause

Pattern Determines Problem A Washington D.C. gardeners 2-month-old potted juniper is browning, asking when it will regreen. Three Scenarios Interior browning: NORMAL – Stress-induced inner needle drop Outer/top brownin

Drought-Stressed Snowball Bush: Recovery and Pruning Timing

Assessing Summer Decline in Viburnum An Oklahoma gardeners 5-6 foot snowball bush (planted near propane tank) browned/curled in August heat, now appears dead but has root suckers. 50/50 Recovery Chance Fertilize fall a

Normal Interior Browning in Newly Planted Arborvitae

Natural Needle Shed, Not Spider Damage A gardener planted 4-foot arborvitae in July with daily watering; interior browning appears, with cobwebs noted. Beneficial Spiders, Normal Shedding Ed Gulliksen confirms: inner br

Hibiscus Pest vs. Disease: Distinguishing Aphids from Leaf Spot

Diagnosing Black Spots on New Hibiscus A Southern California gardener cant control black spots/bugs on hibiscus tips with insecticidal soap and rose sprays every other day. Two Possibilities Aphids – Should respond to

Repeated Arborvitae Failure in Maine: Soil Drainage and Fertilizer Errors

Pattern of Failure Points to Site Issues A Maine gardener has lost arborvitae annually since 1993—brown from inside out by fall or spring. Uses Miracle-Gro, waters, covers for winter. Two Critical Errors Soil drainage

New Arborvitae Dying: Pot-Bound Roots or Transplant Shock

Investigating Summer-Planted Arborvitae Failure A gardener planted 10 seven-foot arborvitae from Home Depot in summer; theyre turning dry yellow/brown despite moist soil and no fertilizer. Check for Pot-Bound Roots Ed G

Red Hot Poker (Torch Lily) Fall Care: Stalk Removal Only

Minimal Pruning for Kniphofia A gardener asks when to cut back and thin red hot pokers that grew vigorously. No Foliage Pruning Remove spent flower stalks – Late fall cleanup only Leave evergreen foliage – Protects cro