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
Monday - October 19, 2015
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs
Title: Need help for diseased Cherry Laurel tree in Houston
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
A couple of weeks ago the leaves on my decade old cherry laurel began to turn brown. Now they are entirely brown. I have not changed the way in which I cared for it, but about three days ago I noticed a green mold or fungus at the base of the trunk. I am assuming this is the cause of the demise of my tree. My question is, do I need to remove the tree or is the mold something I can cut out and nurse the tree back to health? When I scrap the trunk, it is still green underneath so it is still alive, but I don't know for how much longer. I will try to upload a picture of the mold for identification purposes.ANSWER:
It is very difficult to diagnose plant problems from a written description, and photos aren’t always that helpful.
The first thing that you need to do is to determine what is causing your plant’s demise by having a knowledgeable person take a look at the plant. I would suggest contacting the folks at the Harris County office of Texas AgriLife Extension.
I am providing links to three sites that can give you more information about diseases in Cherry Laurel
Yardener
More Shrubs Questions
Privacy screen for Pace Florida
March 10, 2014 - We live in the Florida panhandle and I wondering what we could use as a natural fence line between our property and the neighbor's. I love the look of oleander, but upon research found it to be toxic...
view the full question and answer
Decorative small evergreen tree for Las Vegas NV
January 06, 2013 - I need a small decorative tree to be planted among a pine tree background; would prefer evergreen.
view the full question and answer
Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin
May 02, 2007 - I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these condi...
view the full question and answer
HOA chopping down wax myrtles from Katy TX
April 24, 2011 - My local HOA just chopped down 80+ wax myrtles saying that they lived out their life span..they are roughly 18-20 years old..is there a species of wax myrtles that lives only 20 years..or did they co...
view the full question and answer
Recovering neglected garden space from Grapevine TX
March 22, 2014 - I live in Grapevine TX (Dallas). I just moved into a house where almost the entire large backyard is covered by oak trees that shed tons of leaves throughout our mild falls/winters. The yard has not...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |