Archive for August, 2009
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
There is an oak tree just down the street from where I live. I looked at it today and I noticed small D shaped holes in the lower part of the trunk. Are emerald ash borers starting to infest our oaks?
- B. Hill
Doc’s Answer:
Ash borers only attack ash trees (so far). There is a native borer related to the emerald ash borer (both are agrillius spec.) called the 2 lined chestnut borer. He is a deadly customer! Call me for treatment information (800) 404-3033 or visit our Tree Rehabilitation Services.
Tags: agrillius, ash tree, chestnut borer, emerald ash borer, oak tree, treatment
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
I have boxwoods in the front of my yard. They look like some of them are turning yellow and have white webbing all over them. Are spiders doing this to my boxwoods?
- G. Hampton
Doc’s Answer:
Unfortunately your boxwoods are infested with spider mites. Repeated treatments with 1 tsp. dish soap and 1 tbs. vegetable oil in 1 quart water through the summer will control this problem.
Tags: boxwoods, spider infestations, spider mites, treatment, webbing
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
When is the best time of the year to plant trees and shrubs? Is there any bad time in Michigan?
- T. Jones
Doc’s Answer:
The best time of year to plant trees and shrubs is anytime up until Thanksgiving and after last frost in spring. More important than timing is proper planting procedure and after care including just enough water to keep the soil moist until plant establishes in it’s new home.
Tags: after last frost, ask the doc, michigan, micihgan planting season, plant shrubs, plant trees, pre thanksgiving
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
I have a very nice professionally designed and planted landscape. The only problem is with my taxus yews. Plants on level one are in good health and are dark green, the plants that are on level two are yellow. I keep on watering them, but no change. What kind of diseases or insects do I have?
- B. Smith
Doc’s Answer:
Your taxus are downing! Discontinue sprinkler zone or hand watering. Taxus yews like dry feet.
Tags: ask the doc, dark green, drowning, taxus yews, watering, yellow
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Monday, August 17th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
Before I start a fertilizing program, is it okay for my cat and dogs to walk on it after the fertilizer is spread?
- Madeline K.
Doc’s Answer:
It is a good idea to water in any fertilizer product that has chemicals in it. Cats feet are especially sensitive to some compounds. Remember that dogs and cats don’t wear shoes!
Tags: dogs and cats, fertilization safety, lawn fertilization, pets
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Monday, August 17th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
Why are the roots from my Norway maple on top of the ground? What can be done about them?
- J. Boska
Doc’s Answer:
Unfortunately Nothing. Your maple is unable to penetrate the hard clay you planted it in. Soil replacement with an air pressure device called an air spade can eliminate further surface roots.
Tags: air space, ask the doc, norway maple, roots, soil replacement, top of ground
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Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
I have a small back yard and I plant as many vegetables and flowers in this small space as I can. There is also a black walnut on one side of the garden. All the vegetables closest to the tree are not doing well. Is the tree using all the nutrients and water I put on them?
- T. Lochrie
Doc’s Answer:
Black walnuts give off a toxic material called juglins which affects some, not all, plants. Call me for more details – (800) 404-3033.
Tags: ask the doc, black walnut tree, flowers, garden, juglins, toxic material
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Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
There are several cottonwood poplars on the west side of my home. Every spring I have so many seeds from these trees it looks like it has snowed. Is there anything that can be done besides cutting them down?
- B. Thomas
Doc’s Answer:
Arbortect, the distributor of the Wedgle device, has a product called “Pincher” that appears to reduce the seeding significantly. Call me for more details – (800) 404-3033.
Tags: american tree arborists, arbortect pincher, ask the doc, cottonwood poplars, tree seeding, wedgle device
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
My sugar maple was planted between the curb and the sidewalk about five years ago. Leaves are full size, the edges are brown and the inner part of the leaf has a yellow cast to it, is my maple dying?
- S. Georges
Doc’s Answer:
Yes your maple is slowly dying from a limited root space and likely disturbed soil. Suggest you consider soil replacement. Call me for literature concerning this matter. (800) 404-3033.
Tags: disturbed soil, limited root space, soil replacement, sugar maple, tree
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Question:
Doc,
Is it too soon for my burning bushes to be turning to a faded red fall color already?
- J. Tomic
Doc’s Answer:
Burning bush (euonymus) turn a beautiful bright burgundy red in fall when they are healthy. Yours are likely infested with spider mites or are drought stressed. Consider washing them with a high pressure garden hose (to remove mites), increase water supply and add mulch to improve soil root relationship.
“Doc”
American Lawn and Tree Arborists
Tags: american lawn and tree arborists, ask doc, burning bushes, euonymus, fall color change, spider mites infestation
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