Archive
June:
Blackened
Leaves on an Eastern Redbud
I have an Eastern Redbud tree that I planted seven or eight years
ago. Last fall, I noticed that the tips on the leaves, for about a quarter
inch, were black and curled under. I first noticed this in the fall, but
it could have been happening earlier. Is this fireblight? I didn't notice
any distorted twigs. How can I help this tree?
Scab
of Crabapple 
With the wet weather we have been having in Indiana,
there is also a lot of scab of crabapples and apples caused by the fungus
Venturia inaequalis.
Flooding
and Trees
With the recent flooding in much of the state, questions aboutthe effect
of flooding on trees have arisen. Most trees will escape injury if flood
waters recede in seven days or less. However, if flood waters cover roots
of sensitive trees for longer periods, injury symptoms such as leaf chlorosis
(yellowing), downward curling of leaves, leaf drop, and branch dieback
may occur. In a few extreme cases, trees may die.
After
the Flood: Garden and Landscape Plants
Recent torrential rains have brought about flooded conditions in many
gardens and landscapes. As flood waters recede and folks get about the
business of putting homes and lives back together, questions arise as
tothe safety of produce from flooded gardens, as well as potential damage
to landscape plants.
 Volcanoes
in Indiana!
Many gardeners have started placing
a ring of mulch around tree trunks to reduce the possiblity
of damage to the trunk by mowers and weed-eaters. Unfortunatly, some people
put the mulch not just 2 inches deep, but 4 or 6 or 8 inches deep. Learn
why you should avoid volcano mulching.
Pruning
Evergreens
Evergreens require a bit different manner of pruning
than otherlandscape plants. Although a plant is not likely to die from
improper pruning, it is important to note that most evergreens cannot
replace lost growth the way that deciduous plants can. So while other
landscape plants might be able to outgrow an errant pruning job, evergreens
can suffer permanent disfigurement.
Treated
Lumber in the Garden
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for
would-be gardeners who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers
but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However,
recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has
left many gardenerswondering about the safety of treated lumber.
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Garden Flowers 
