Frequently Asked Questions

Trees

Apple tree pruning tips

Q. I have several old apple trees in serious need of pruning. When is a good time to do this?

Emerald Ash Borer

Q. I have ash trees on my property that are doing poorly and haven't been healthy for the last few years. Do I have Emerald Ash Borer?

A. Ash trees can be afflicted by many different disease and insect problems, such as anthracnose, verticillium wilt, ash flower gall, rust, ash yellows, and borers. Early infestations of Emerald Ash Borer are very difficult to detect.

Growing Arborvitae in shade

Q. Will arborvitae grow in the shade?

Replacement options for Ash trees

Q. My Ash tree is going to be taken down and I would like to replace it with another tree of similar ornamental value. What trees would you recommend to plant in its place?

Pruning cherry tree

Q. When is the best time to prune a cherry tree?

Treatment tips for chlorosis

Q. Quite a few trees on my property are chlorotic. Is there a particular fertilizer I can use to eliminate this problem?

Displaying live Christmas tree

Q. How can I display a live Christmas tree this year?

Overwintering Citrus Trees

Q. Is it possible to grow dwarf citrus trees indoors in the winter without a greenhouse? I have a large, sunny patio where they could spend the summer months.

Diagnosing Disease in Crabapple Trees

Q. Every year my crabapple leaves get brown spots on them which cause the leaves to fall off of the tree before the end of the summer.

Apple Scab, Crabapple Tree Disease

Q. My crabapple trees (and those of many of my neighbors) have suffered from a disfiguring disease for several years.

How to Espalier Crabapple Trees

Q. I often admire the crabapple trees espaliered on the Visitor Center.

Fall Color in Trees

Q. What accounts for the different autumn color displays in trees and shrubs?

Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs

Q. Is it necessary to regularly fertilize my trees and shrubs? If so, how often should it be done?

Japanese maple

Q. Where is the best location to plant a Japanese maple?

Maple Tree Roots

Q. The roots of my maple tree are growing above the soil surface. Why has this happened and what can I do about it?

Pruning Fruit Trees

Q. How and when should a crabapple and peach tree be pruned?

Best Time to Prune Trees and Shrubs

Q. When is the best time of year to prune my trees and shrubs?

Where to Plant a Redbud

Q. Where is the best location to plant a redbud?

Using Soaker Hoses

Q. I have recently installed a soaker hose system throughout my garden. How long do I let the water run in order to water adequately?

Planting Trees

Q. Is there anything special that I need to do before planting a tree?

Spraying Trees with Dormant Oil

Q. Are there advantages to routinely spraying my trees with oils?

Planting Trees and Shrubs in Fall

Q. What are the current guidelines for planting trees and shrubs in the fall?

Fertilizing trees and shrubs

Q: How often should I fertilize the roots of my trees and shrubs?

A: As a general rule, it is not necessary to use synthetic fertilizers for trees and shrubs unless the plants exhibit a nutrient deficiency. Good soil nutrition and a two-inch layer of compost, such as leaf mulch, placed around your trees and shrubs on a yearly basis should be sufficient for good plant health.

Live holiday trees

Q. We are thinking about getting a live, not cut, holiday tree this year. 
What do you recommend?

Preparing trees and shrubs for winter

Q. Is there anything that I can do to prepare my trees and shrubs for winter?

Trees and Shrubs Recovering from Drought

Q: My trees and shrubs struggled this year because of the drought.  Will my plants recover?
 
A:  Many plants are showing signs of distress this year due to the drought and extreme temperatures.  Scorch, browning of leaves, leaf drop, and premature fall color are commonly seen due to this year’s weather conditions. Many plants seem to be perking up with the recent rains; however, significant damage may have already occurred.