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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Tuesday - July 13, 2010

From: Dartmouth, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Planting
Title: White fuzz on pine tree bark in Dartmouth MA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We have white fuzz on our pine tree bark?

ANSWER:

Perhaps the first self-flocking Christmas tree? Okay, sorry, but there are not enough clues in your question for us to have a clue. We are guessing some sort of insect or possible disease causing excretions from the tree, itself. However, we are neither plant pathologists nor entomologists, so we would recommend your contacting the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Extension Office for Bristol County. If you are experiencing this problem, it's likely others in your area are too, and the Extension Office does have access to horticulturists who can help you.

 

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