Articles

Hortiscope: Cut diseased branches to control canker

Q: We have a 25- to 30-foot spruce tree that has some dead or dying lower branches. At the point where the limbs connect to the trunk, there is considerable white sap oozing out.

Hortiscope: Soil sample test can reveal tips for growing

Q: I would like to have my soil tested for recommendations on how to improve it. How do I find you? How much soil should I bring? Also, my pear trees are blooming, but there don’t seem to be any bugs around to help with pollination. What should I do?

Hortiscope: Tomatoes are favorites, but also fussy

Q: I have been reading your columns and enjoy them very much. I am wondering if you can help me with a problem that I have been having with my tomato plants for the past four years. I buy them through a reputable garden center in Minot, so I know they are not diseased plants. I am having trouble with them drying up.

Hortiscope: Most grasses need sun

Q: We have an area of lawn that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight because of tall trees and a neighbor’s new fence. The grass is dying even though we water and fertilize the area. Some areas have been dead for years along the side of the house. With the new fence put up by our new neighbor, even grass away from the house is dying. Is there a grass that would flourish in really shady areas?

Hortiscope: Soil sample may explain stunted tree growth

Q: I have looked forward to reading your column for years and hope you can give me some advice with a problem. We live on a farm southwest of Jamestown. There is a spot in our yard that is an ideal location for a tree to grow. However, every tree that we’ve planted on the site doesn’t die but never grows taller.

Hortiscope: Check label on grass-control product first

Q: A couple of years ago, we moved into a home that had a medium-sized flowerbed. The previous owner let it go, so it was full of weeds. We rototilled it and sprayed it with Roundup. We transplanted hostas, cone flowers, tulips and some other perennials. However, the grass has taken over again and we cannot keep up with it.

Hortiscope: Roses should recover from pruning mishap

Q: I hired my neighbor’s son to prune my roses. He cut them down to about 12 inches from the ground instead of the branch line. How can I save my beautiful roses? Will the roses grow if I give them fertilizer and water?

Hortiscope: Plum tree produces many blooms, few fruit

Q: I have several questions about gardening. I have a plum tree with many blooms but very few plums. Why would this happen? Those that grow mostly are small and turn red and blue. There is a brown film or coating around the pit in midsummer.

Hortiscope: Consider native environment when watering

Q: I have 25 blue and Colorado spruce trees that I bought in containers. The trees grew about a foot last summer, but some are turning brown. How much should I be watering these trees and should I put mulch around the base? What kind of fertilizer do you recommend and how often should it be used? Should I get some insecticide and spray the trees? If so, what kind and how many times?

Hortiscope: Contact arborist before major tree cutting

Q: Your website is very useful. We live in the Adirondacks. There are about a dozen large pine trees beginning to impede our view of the mountains. I was thinking of cutting them down but I would prefer to trim the top 10 to 20 feet off. (email)

Columns

Creeping red fescue is very shade tolerant

Q: I am looking for some help. I have a spot in my lawn where grass won’t grow.