Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - April 02, 2012
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Mountain Laurels are dying in Georgetown, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Ten year old Mountain Laurels both last year and this spring have had entire branches turn brown just after blooming this Feb. Round Rock Arborist suggested I contact you. Last year one of my laurels had to be removed after the entire tree died. Two others near by did not have problems. This year in another area the same things is happening. I can send pictures if you will send me direct email link.ANSWER:
Texas mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel) is a spectacular plant for the Central Texas landscape, and one of its features that is often touted is that fact that it is generally disease and pest free (aggie-horticulture). Then reality steps in.
An internet search brought up this San Antonio Express News article which isn’t too encouraging. Further searching revealed this previously answered question that offers some suggestions for a course of action.
I would suggest contacting the folks at the Williamson County office of Texas AgriLife Extension for help closer to home.
From the Image Gallery
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
What kind of beetles are attacking cedar trees on Cape Cod, MA.
May 17, 2010 - I live on Cape Cod, MA and my cedar trees are being attacked by some kind of beetle & killing them. I would appreciate knowing what this could be and how to treat this. Thank you
view the full question and answer
Newly planted anacacho leaf browning
October 15, 2007 - I have just put my anacacho orchid into the ground and its leaves are turning brown and falling off. Is that normal for this time of year, or have I shocked it? What can I do to ensure its health?
view the full question and answer
Possible Herbicide Contamination of Soil
July 07, 2016 - My mother will be 80 this year and lives in Houston, Texas. She has a raised bed garden near her neighbors fence. It has been there for many years. She feels that he uses Roundup for his weeds near a...
view the full question and answer
Mountain Laurel suffering from Spring freeze
May 12, 2015 - I have a 4 1/2 ft Texas Mountain Laurel shrub in current location for several years. A hard freeze this spring killed every leaf on the tree, but the stems remained green. My other smaller Mt. Laure...
view the full question and answer
Possible freeze damage to Texas Persimmon in Fair Oaks Ranch TX
June 27, 2010 - I have a Texas Persimmon tree that is in a green belt. It has leafed out and flowered for the eight years we have lived here. This year it leafed out then the leaves turned brown and dropped. The top ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |