Chinese Pistache Poor Fall Color: Fertilize for Vigor

Chinese Pistache Not Coloring Well? Boost Nutrition Poor fall color in Chinese pistache often stems from nutrient deficiency, not genetics or nearby trees (mesquite has no effect). Action Fertilize in spring with 10-10

Ficus Lost All Leaves: Check for Life, Then Decide

Ficus Defoliation: Dead or Dormant? Scrape bark on upper branches. Green = alive; brown = dead at that point. Work down until you find green or reach trunk. If green: keep watering lightly, provide bright indirect ligh

Walnut Caterpillars Defoliating Pecans: Identification and Control

Pecan Leaves Eaten, No Webs: Walnut Caterpillars Clusters of caterpillars eating leaves without webbing, arching head/tail when disturbed, molting on trunks in furry patches—classic walnut caterpillar (Datana integerrima

Pruning a Young Crimson King Maple: Fixing a Forked Leader

Crimson King Maple with Two Vertical Leaders: Prune One A young maple with two competing upright leaders (a fork) should be corrected early. When to Prune NOT in spring—maples bleed heavily. Prune in late summer to ear

Autumn Blaze Maple Surface Roots: No Toppling Risk

Shallow Roots on Autumn Blaze Maple: Normal, Not Dangerous Autumn Blaze maples have famously shallow, fibrous root systems that spread widely—often beyond the drip line. This is normal and stable. Why They Wont Topple

Sycamore Roots and Utility Lines: High Risk, Consider Removal

Sycamore 12 Feet from Water/Sewer: Root Invasion Likely Sycamores aggressively seek water. Roots will enter any leak in sewer/water lines. At 12 feet with surface roots, conflict is probable. Recommendation Unless the t

Removing an Evergreen Near a House: Stump Grinding, Not Digging

Safe Evergreen Removal 6 Feet from Foundation Evergreens dont resprout from stumps like hardwoods. Dont dig the stump—it risks foundation damage. Best Method Cut trunk as low as possible. Either: cover stump with soil,

Alberta Spruce Reverted Branch: Train, Don't Just Cut

Managing a Reverted Branch on Dwarf Alberta Spruce A reverted (vigorous, non-dwarf) branch on Alberta spruce leaves a bare spot if removed. Instead: Train It Back Lightly shear the reverted branch (haircut) to reduce s

Crimson Maple Trunk Crack: Fertilize and Protect from Borers

Maple Trunk Crack After Winter: Healing Naturally A frost crack on a young Crimson maple is healing—callus tissue is forming at the edges. This is good. Support Recovery Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter.

Eucalyptus Silver Dollar Leaf Spots: Manage, Don't Panic

Red Raised Spots on Eucalyptus: Likely Leaf Spot Fungus Leaf spots on established eucalyptus are common and rarely serious. Theyre caused by various fungi/bacteria favored by wet weather and poor air circulation. Manage

Cedar Needle Drop and Cedar-Quince Rust: Normal vs. Action Needed

Brandon Cedar: Natural Needle Drop vs. Disease Inner needle browning and drop in late summer/fall is normal for cedars. They shed oldest needles annually. Raking Needles: Personal Choice Raking doesnt rob nutrients. Le

Leyland Cypress Decline: Cankers, Pests, and Professional Diagnosis

Leyland Cypress Turning Brown: Multiple Possible Causes Leyland cypresses in dense plantings are prone to three serious canker diseases and insect issues. Symptoms described (browning from bottom up, white sticky blobs)

Liquidambar Top Dieback: Prune and Let It Regrow

Liquidambar (Sweetgum) Burned at Top: Cut It Back A 3-foot liquidambar with dead top but live lower branches: cut the dead top off just above a healthy lateral branch. Why This Works Strong root system supports rapid r

Tree Roots Under House After Removal: Are They Still Alive? Will They Damage the Foundation?

You cut a tree six months ago but see living roots under your foundation. Heres whats happening and why you likely dont have a problem. Root Biology After Tree Removal Roots store carbohydrates for spring growth. When

Transplanted Weeping Willow Not Growing: Likely Dead

Weeping Willow Shows No Growth After 18 Months: Dead If a transplanted willow has produced zero leaves in 18 months, its almost certainly dead. Willows are fast-growing; even stressed ones leaf out. Confirm Scrape bark

Weeping Cherry Sparse Growth: Fertilize and Water for Recovery

Reviving a Weeping Cherry with Sparse, Tip-Only Leaves A 5-year-old weeping cherry with leaves only at branch tips needs root stimulation. Action Plan Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter. Scatter under cano

Weeping Cherry Leaf Spots: Fungal Disease Management

Small Leaves with Black Spots on Weeping Cherry Small, drooping leaves with black spots suggest a leaf spot fungus (e.g., cherry leaf spot). Its mostly aesthetic but can weaken the tree if severe. Treatment Apply coppe

New River Birch Trees Slow to Leaf Out: Water, Don't Fertilize

Recently Planted River Birches Not Leafing Yet? Normal. Transplanted trees often leaf out later than established ones. If its late April and buds arent green, give them until late May. Care Instructions Water: 1 inch p

Mayday Tree Frozen Buds: Patience Is Key

Late Frost Damage on Mayday Tree: Will It Recover? If your Mayday trees buds are green inside but not opening after a freeze, wait. Most hardwoods can re-foliate from secondary buds. What Happened Warm spell triggered

Silver Maple Losing Large Bark Slabs: When to Worry & What to Do

Your 100+ year old silver maple has shed 3-foot-long bark strips on the south side. The exposed wood is solid, foliage is full and green. Heres why this is likely normal—and what not to do. Why Silver Maples Shed Bark