One of the most common questions right now at the Nebraska Extension office, is tree and shrub leaf problems resulting from drought stress. If your plant has been developing brown leaf splotches which started to appear in July or August, it’s a good bet you have leaf scorch.
Category: Damage & Defects
Euonymous, Anyone?
In this case, you might want the shrub or vine, euonymous, but not the common euonymous scale insects that often infest them. In fact, in some landscapes, the scale infestations are so common that budding horticulturists and entomologists often think that the symptoms and signs are a natural occurrence, as in “they’re supposed to be there”.
Emerald Ash Borer – What’s the Status?
Many of our clients have been asking about this question in recent weeks. Thus far, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestations have been confirmed in 9 counties in Nebraska. They appear to be on the slow gradual trajectory that has been observed in states such as Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, and is expected to become more and more common in the next 3-4 years.
Graft Union Incompatibility
Lots of trees can be grafted—fruit trees, shade trees, and even small ornamental trees. Grafting is the art of putting together two different parts of trees to make one new tree. Unlike Frankenstein, the results are not monstrous, but instead the new tree will have some of the best traits of each of its parts….
Leaf Scorch
The hot, dry days of July are more than a discomfort to many shade trees. Leaf scorch, which is a non-infectious disease is evident throughout the Midwest. Leaf scorch is first noticed as a yellowing or bronzing of the tissue between the veins or along the margins of leaves. Trees are more susceptible if…
Freeze Damage to Spruce
Many spruce trees in the area are looking rough. Beyond the usual injury from spruce spider mites and Rhizosphaera needle cast, spruce trees have serious dieback, not only individual branches but in some cases, the top has died. Drooping clusters of brown needles and streaks of white sap on branches and trunk indicate freeze injury….
Surface Roots Under Trees
Trees are great – they produce shade, create framing for a house or building, provide shelter for songbirds, slow down the wind and snow and so many other benefits…but they can create a few problems, one of which is surface roots. Surface roots are not to be taken lightly – they create a tripping…