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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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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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Saturday - February 28, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Problem Plants, Shrubs
Title: Repairing the split trunk of a TX mountain laurel
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

I have a fairly large mountain laurel that I just realized has a split down the trunk. Is there anything I can do to save it?

ANSWER:

If the foliage on both sides of the split seem green and healthy you should be able to save the shrub. This web site demonstrates the most common approach involving a metal bolt installed through both sides of the split to draw the two sides together. The bolt will remain there and the shrub will seal itself around it.
 

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