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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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Friday - June 13, 2014

From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Problem with mesquite tree limbs
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

i keep finding some smaller branches of my mesquite tree in the turf area around the tree. when looking at the cut ends, they appear to have a smooth cut around the circumference of the limb about 1/8 inch in depth and you can see where the center of the branch just broke off. is there an insect that attacks the tree branches in such a way? What if anything can i do to fix the problem. Thank you for your assistance

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants had a similar question from someone in Marble Falls, Texas several month ago.  Please read the answer to that question which applicable to your question; however, you should consult the Bexar County AgriLIFE Extension Agent (not the Burnet County one) for verification of the pest and recommendations for its control.

 

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