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.
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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.
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| Problems with non-native weeping willow April 17, 2009 The trunk of my Weeping Willow tree has raised donut growths.The left base has decay. There is a large space between the base and the soil (no roots) and the wood is brittle. Large ants with a black ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tree to plant by pool replacing mulberry in Las Vegas January 18, 2009 I am looking for a tree to plant between my house and pool. We just cut down a mulberry that was here due to its invasive root system. Are there any plants that can tolerate Vegas weather, provide a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Absence of grass around a willow tree in Georgia December 22, 2008 In the past three years my Willow tree has grown from a stick to a lovely tree. Unfortunately, the grass under and around the tree is gone. Nothing left but dirt. Is there a remedy? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Screening plants for edge of pond in Illinois December 16, 2008 I have a backyard pond that I am restoring, adding aeration, plants, etc. Unfortunately, there is a farmer that stores old equipment on the shore of my pond and refuses to move it. It is an eyesore.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Replacing vegetation lost to hurricane October 15, 2008 Between Rita & Ike, I have lost over 40 beautiful trees, most red, white & post oaks. I have 6 very large (7' in diameter) pines that tried to pull up and are now leaning toward my house. They are sc... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with non-native weeping willow September 20, 2008 My weeping willow has black holish cracks in it. It is a yearling. Any suggestions? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problem with non-native weeping willow September 18, 2008 I have a weeping willow tree that is approximately 6 years old..The problem is a fibrous growth is growing between the trunk & the bark -pushing the trunk & bark away from each other..Not sure what it... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Insects in non-native weeping willow September 17, 2008 My weeping willow is dropping small black insects. Thousands of 1/16" cover the ground etc. Insects stain a raspberry, purple color when smashed. Insects are very soft.Insects present about 3 weeks... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fungus on trunk of non-native weeping willow in California August 21, 2008 I live in Palo Cedro, CA and have a weeping willow tree with with what appears to be be some type of fungus growing all over the trunk of the tree. It is a brown color and can be broken off in big ch... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Damaged non-native weeping willow in California August 16, 2008 I have a weeping willow that has no leaves and branches seems to have turned brittle. I don't see any bugs or burrows on the tree. The type of willow I have is very common in this area, although I'm... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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