Ornamental Tree Care
- Ornamental Tree Problems - FAQ (9)
- Magnolia Tree Problems - FAQ (11)
- Ornamental Tree Care Tips - FAQ (5)
Tree Care Problems: From Brown Leaves to Sooty Mold
Tree care is a critical investment for the future of your landscape, so it pays to look for the reasons behind brown leaves, broken branches and other problems. Proper tree care's rewards include increased property value, and brown leaves can be an indication that a major asset is in jeopardy.
Magnolia Care
Magnolia tree care starts with proper identification. What type of magnolia is your specimen (e.g., southern, star or saucer)? In this Q&A I answer questions about magnolia tree care sent in by readers.
When to Plant Trees
I am often asked when to plant trees. To answer the question of when to plant trees, we first have to know if we're talking about the best time for deciduous or evergreen specimens.
Dutch Elm Disease
The streets of eastern North America once looked drastically different than they do now -- and not just because of technological advances and changes in tastes. American elm trees once lined Main Street USA, as the shade tree of choice. Then Dutch elm disease came along and wiped out most American elm trees.
Consumer Product Review: Ratchet Pruners
With “ratchet” anvil pruners you can easily cut thick tree branches that regular pruners would stand no chance against. The ratchet's settings multiply your hand's power, resulting in an easy cut. As you cut through a branch, the ratchet clicks and moves to the next setting, providing ever-increasing pressure as you cut.
Why Do I Have Brown Leaves on My Japanese Maple Trees?
Japanese maple trees are often understory trees in their native habitats. A hot summer can result in brown leaves on even established Japanese maple trees.
Red Spruce Trees Attacked by Beetles
You had 3 healthy red spruce trees, but one died from a beetle infestation? How do you keep the beetle-infested red spruce tree from infecting the healthy ones?
How Do I Straighten a Leaning Tree?
Two matters to think about when straightening leaning trees are method of staking and soil stability. Consult my video on staking trees to straighten them.
Our Bradford Pear Lost Limbs From Snow and Ice Damage. What Should We Do?
Bradford pear trees will never regain their shape after suffering wind, snow or ice damage to limbs. Chanticleer pear tree is considered an improvement, bearing limbs that are less likely to suffer breakage due to snow, ice, or wind.
My Bradford Pear Has Yellow Leaves This Spring. What's the Problem?
The problem here could be overwatering, insufficient drainage or both. Is the tree planted in a low spot? That could provide a clue as to what you need to do.
How Do You Protect a Japanese Maple Trees From Winter Damage?
To protect Japanese maple trees from winter damage, you can build shrub shelters around them, if small. But what's the solution for a larger specimen? Here's a way to protect larger Japanese maple trees (and other trees) from winter damage.
What's Causing the Bare Branches on My Colorado Blue Spruce Tree?
Colorado blue spruce trees can be attacked by aphids and the Cooley spruce gall adelgid. Your trees can appear to be dying. The two insects resemble each other, but I help you with a proper identification here. It's always best to know for sure what you're fighting.
What Is Leaf Gall and Is It a Problem for Trees?
My grandmother used an old expression that I always found amusing as a child. When referring to people who were pushy, she would say that they had a lot of "crust and gall." Learn about leaf gall here.
Can I Grow Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a Pot in a Warm Climate?
Dwarf Alberta spruce trees are often grown in containers. There are advantages and disadvantages to that approach. Find out about them here.