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
Thursday - May 24, 2012
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Unknown pest of Texas Mountain Laurel from Round Rock TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Texas Mountain Laurel that is being denuded from the top down by something unseen. It's not the Genista moth larvae, as there are no worms and no webbing visible. The only clue that it might be insects is a small spider web in one of the forks of the branches. There are new growth leaves appearing in some of the denuded places, so the wood itself is not dead. Any ideas?ANSWER:
Here is one of our own previous answers on this subject. From Arid Zone Trees, more of the same. You did not say how old your tree is, sometimes loss of leaves can be caused by transplant shock, which in turn is caused by a tree not planted with good drainage, not receiving the right amount of sun. If your tree is not being overwatered, if water does not stand on the ground after infrequent watering, and it is in full sun or part shade, it should recover.
From the Image Gallery
More Pests Questions
White snails in Austin, TX.
October 01, 2014 - We walked through an undisturbed site off of Hwy. 71 near Old Bee Caves Rd. and there were little white snails on the majority of the plants on site (not specific to certain types of plants). What typ...
view the full question and answer
Replacements for yuccas from Georgetown TX
August 07, 2013 - I have lost some softleaf and variegated yucca to a beetle grub destroying the root system - like the Agave snout beetle does. I have put an insecticidal drench on my remaining plants, but suspect wi...
view the full question and answer
ID of insects attacking a Mexican Plum in Austin, TX
May 11, 2015 - I live in south austin and have a young 6' tall mexican plum. For the third year in a row it is getting eaten by small green 'leaf-rolling' worms. The destruction the past 2 years was so bad there ...
view the full question and answer
Ants in vegetable garden in Muskogee OK
May 25, 2011 - I have ants in my vegetable garden this spring - I think because of all the rain. I think they are the culprits that ruined my spinach and swiss chard. They have left all the lettuces alone..but you...
view the full question and answer
How to Control White Fungus on Prickly Pear Cactus?
July 04, 2013 - Is there any kind of spray for our prickly pear that will help with the white fungus that has appeared on it?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |