Gardening Woes: Dying Shrubs, Grayish Junipers, Chinch Bugs, & Bark Problems – Expert Tips
Gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From dying shrubs to grayish junipers, chinch bugs, and bark problems, gardeners often find themselves grappling with a variety of issues that can hinder the health and beauty of their plants. Thankfully, we have expert tips to help tackle these common gardening troubles.
One of the most perplexing problems for gardeners is when their shrubs appear to be dry and dying, despite regular watering. There could be several reasons behind this issue. It’s possible that you have planted shade-loving shrubs in an area with too much sun. Additionally, the scorching heat could be taking a toll on your plants. Another possibility is that your sprinkler heads are not functioning properly or may not have sufficient pressure to cover the entire area. New shrub growth could also be blocking the spray. Adjusting the duration and frequency of watering, as well as investing in a smart controller for your irrigation system, can make a significant difference in conserving water and saving money.
Grayish-tan junipers are a cause for concern among gardeners, and it turns out that these plants are being attacked by spider mites. These tiny pests are almost microscopic and can wreak havoc on a wide range of hosts, including houseplants, tomatoes, shrubs, and groundcovers. Spider mites start their destructive work from the bases of the plants and gradually move upward. Leaves turn mottled tan, then straw-colored, and eventually become light brown and crisp. To confirm the presence of spider mites, simply thump a fading leaf or twig over a sheet of pure white paper, and you’ll witness their tiny specks moving about. While the standard miticide Kelthane is no longer available, using a general-purpose insecticide specifically formulated for mites can effectively control the infestation.
A perplexing dilemma faced by gardeners is when their St. Augustine grass turns solid brown, despite regular watering. The culprit behind this issue is often chinch bugs. These BB-sized black insects with irregular white diamonds on their backs thrive in the hottest and sunniest parts of lawns, avoiding shaded areas. The grass may appear dry even after watering, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find the chinch bugs at the boundary where green grass meets the brown. If you spot them, it’s crucial to act promptly by applying an insecticide designed for chinch bug control, whether in granular or liquid form. Failure to address a chinch bug infestation can lead to extensive damage and the loss of large sections of your lawn.
The bark peeling off red maples and oak trees is a cause for concern, as it raises questions about the health and survival of these trees. In the case of red maples, the phenomenon is usually sunscald, often occurring on the southwest or west side of the trunk. These trees, which were previously shaded in the nursery, become susceptible to overheating and subsequent cracking and splitting when exposed to full sun in the landscape. To prevent sunscald, it is recommended to wrap the trunks with protective material for at least two years after planting.
Oaks are also prone to sunscald, but they faced additional challenges during the extreme cold of February 2021. This resulted in cold damage known as radial shake, causing the bark to split vertically and detach in elongated sheets. When more than half of the trunk’s circumference is affected, the survival of the entire tree is uncertain. While there is no immediate solution for this issue, providing the tree with proper care and consulting a certified arborist can help monitor its condition.
These are just a selection of the many questions that often plague gardeners. For a comprehensive FAQ resource, visit Neil Sperry’s website at www.neilsperry.com. Alternatively, you can seek personalized assistance from a Texas Certified Nursery Professional, available at member businesses of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. With expert guidance, you can overcome the challenges plaguing your garden and restore its vibrancy and beauty.
Disclaimer: This article provides general advice for common gardening problems and is not a substitute for personalized professional assistance. Always consult with experts for specific concerns regarding your garden.
