Recent Articles
Planting Depth
One of the most common mistakes inexperienced gardeners make is failing to recognize the importance of proper planting depth. They usually err on the side
Sapsuckers
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a type of woodpecker that primarily feeds on sap but also eats the insects attracted to sap. Sapsuckers attack live trees,
Cold Hardy Palms
Can I plant a palm tree here? Yes, you can! There are several palms that will survive and thrive in upstate South Carolina. Sabal palmetto
Palms
Palms belong to the monocot family, along with grasses, orchids, and bromeliads. Palms are not capable of secondary growth and thus, do not have annual
Mistletoe
Description: Mistletoe is a PARASITIC plant that grows as a hanging bush on the branches of trees. It will grow on most deciduous trees but prefers
Mower Injury
Description: Injuries incurred by lawn mowers and string trimmers can seriously threaten a tree’s health. Nicks or cuts to the base of the tree disrupt the
Nutrient Deficiency
Description: Not all plant problems are caused by insects or diseases. Plants require nutrients to stay healthy and those aren’t always readily available. The first sign
Poor Drainage
Description: Poor drainage is a common landscape problem and is considered by many to be one of the biggest killers of landscape plants. In areas with
Water Deficiency
Description: Tree health and growth depend upon an adequate supply of water. Normally, rainfall supplies enough to sustain healthy trees. Even moderate dry periods can be
Lightning
Description: Trees, because they are normally the tallest point around, are natural lightning rods. When a tree is struck by lightning the liquids inside the trunk
Girdling Root
Description: Girdling root is defined as “a root that grows around the trunk of a tree, thus tending to strangle the tree”. Normal movement of water
Construction Damage
The construction process can be devastating to surrounding trees when there is no protection plan in place. Broken branches are commonplace but damage done underground
Black Knot
Description: Black knot is a serious disease of plum and cherry trees caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa. It is referred to as black knot because
Cedar-Apple Rust
Description: Cedar-apple rust can be very harmful to the health of apple trees. If severe infections of cedar-apple rust continue for several seasons, apple tree death
Fire Blight
Description: Fire blight gets its name from the burnt appearance it leaves on affected blossoms and twigs. It is one of the most devastating and difficult-to-control
Hypoxlon Canker
Description: The following is a description of hypoxylon canker in oak, taken from the Texas Plant Disease Handbook: “Hypoxylon Canker (fungus – Hypoxylon atropunctatum and other Hypoxylon
Leaf Infection
Description: Leaf spots, or infections of leaves, are caused by a variety of fungi and some bacteria. Leafspots are seen more frequently in late summer as
Powdery Mildew
Description: Many fungi fall under the category of powdery mildew. Some plants can withstand being infected and not have serious injury. Begonias can die from a
Root Rot
Description: There are many different types of root rot affecting both urban and forest trees. High soil moisture content and high temperatures are common factors. They
Seridium Canker
Description: Seridium canker is caused by a fungus and is the most damaging disease of Leyland cypress. The fungus will destroy the cypress’ form and eventually
Verticillium Wilt
Description: Verticillium Wilt is a serious vascular disease of hundreds of woody and herbaceous plant hosts. One group not affected by verticillium wilt is the gymnosperms,
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Descript ion: Bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) is a chronic, eventually fatal disease that is most noticeable in theearly fall. Urban trees such as sycamore, red maple,
Apple Scab
Description: Apple scab is a serious disease in virtually all apple-producing regions worldwide. If not controlled it can cause extensive losses where humid, cool weather occurs
Anthracnose
Description: Anthracnose is a disease that has decimated much of the native Dogwood populations in the forests of the United States. Dogwood anthracnose affects all above
