QUESTION Client requested identification of a large beetle found in her yard. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Harpalus pensylvanicus, common name Pennsylvania dingy ground beetle. It is a beneficial insect. ADDITIONAL … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk – DEFOLIATED JAPANESE BARBERRY BUSHES
ISSUE: Client has barberry shrubs with webbing and defoliation, with bushes looking terrible. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem is the barberry webworm (Omphalocera dentosa). Defoliated branches and webs can be cut out and … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk – Isn’t That Just Plum-Dandy!
QUESTION The client called about a 6-yr old plum tree that had fruit for 3 years but not for last 2 even though it bloomed well. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem was identified as a lack of a pollinator variety. Japanese plums … [Read more...]
From the Help Desk
Oh, the Gall of it All QUESTION The client submitted a photo of a strange growth on his oak tree and asked to know what it is and if he should do something about it. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was identified as the wool sower gall, … [Read more...]
From The Bedford Extension MG Help Desk
QUESTION The client needs to seed a large lawn area (about 5 acres) and was looking for information to help do so. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION It was recommended that the client get a soil test first to determine the appropriate … [Read more...]
Holly Bushes- Dieback and Decline
The client was concerned about 10 year old Soft Touch hollies, that are suffering from severe dieback and decline. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Samples sent to the Virginia Tech Plant Disease Lab, which diagnosed the problem as Black Root … [Read more...]
Finding Plants That Are Tolerant to Dog Urine
A client wanted to know if there are any plants that would survive her larger male dog’s urinary bathroom breaks. Plus those of neighboring dogs wandering past. RECOMMENDATION As it turns out, increased nitrogen and salts are the primary … [Read more...]
Interesting and Useful Websites
Recently, I’ve run across several websites that have interesting, credible and useful information that I want to share. If you find yourself with nothing to do for a while, it’s easy to get lost in this stuff. And I’m certain there are … [Read more...]
Fall Pruning for Peonies
A client asked about the best time to prune peonies, as the foliage was dying back this time of year. It is important to wait until after 1 or 2 frosts to be sure the plant is dormant before pruning it back. Doing so earlier is likely to … [Read more...]
Purple Eye Leaf Spot on Maples
The client called in with a concern about a leaf spot on maple leaves. The Virginia Tech Plant Diagnostic Lab identified the leaf spot as purple-bordered (or purple eye) leaf spot (Phyllosticta minima). This is a very common disease of maples … [Read more...]