Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Smarty Plants Question Topics

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

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
<< previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 196 next >> 
1,956 Results:   10 25  50  100 per page


topicquestion
Pruning Wax Myrtle trees & bushes
February 28, 2016
When is the best time of year to prune Wax Myrtle trees & bushes.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Preventing Oak Galls
February 22, 2016
How do you prevent live oak galls? Do you have a solution? Many of our live oaks are infested with them.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Two Holly Cultivars for a Texas Front Landscape?
February 22, 2016
We are starting a new with our landscape. All existing 30-year-old plants are going to be removed. We would like a focal point at the front door area and are considering 'Savannah' or 'Nellie R. St...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Questions about Catalpa bignonioides
February 21, 2016
We have a yard that is about 3/4 of an acre, and we have gotten rid of about 3/4 of the lawn and replaced it with native plantings. I am looking for a native tree to replace a tree that we had to rem...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Spacing for Dogwoods and Cotoneasters
February 21, 2016
How close should Dogwoods and Cotoneasters be to bricks?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Fertilizing Newly Planted Trees
February 07, 2016
Back in November, I planted 20 trees on rocky, caliche slopes around my house outside of Utopia, Texas. The trees were 45 gallon Monterrey Oaks and Texas Redbuds. I have also installed a drip irriga...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Replanting a Desert Willow
February 07, 2016
My desert willow was damaged badly in a winter storm and had to be taken down. Do I need to remove the old root system below grade when I plant a new desert willow?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Repairing Damage to Oak Tree Bark
February 02, 2016
I have destructive horses who have torn a lot of the bark off of my oak trees. I've moved the horses from that area, but is there something I can put on the places where the bark is missing so the tr...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, TX?
January 26, 2016
What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, Texas called? They are dark green with spiky leaves and rough bark. I have a row planted as a windscreen and want to transplant a couple from a ...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

How Close to Tree Trunks Should Bricks be Placed?
January 26, 2016
Do you have guidelines as to how close bricks can be placed to trees, particularly cypress, cedars and live oaks? Contractors habitually plant up to the trunk and I've had trees die from their roots...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

topicquestion

<< previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 196 next >> 
1,956 Results:   10 25  50  100 per page