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

Wednesday - July 22, 2009
From: Cedar Park, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Brown spots on live oak leaves in Cedar Park, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I have a live oak that was planted 4 years ago. It had several brown spots last summer, but recovered over the winter. Now it has lots of brown leaves and looks very sad. What is the best way to help it get better? Thank you!ANSWER:
Diagnosing plant diseases or disorders via email is tricky business.
The most likely cause of the brown leaves on your live oak is water stress -- either too little or too much. Since Central Texas is now in the midst of a two-year drought and an exceptionally hot summer, we going to say the most likely cause is too little water. However, overwatering can be just as deadly.
Disease is a possibility. Oak Wilt disease is common in your area. However, we would not expect to see it just now since the fungus is most active in the spring and fall.
The best way to find out for sure what is wrong with your tree and to learn what to do about it is to employ a certified arborist. Another alternative is to consult with your county's Cooperative Extension Service agent.
More Trees Questions
Drought tolerant Plants and moving Wax myrtles in Austin
April 30, 2011 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
What are the most fire resistant and drought tolerant plants for caliche soil in Austin area?
I am considering relocating or removing my wax myrtle shrubs because they are ...
view the full question and answer
Texas madrone trimmings for a wedding
July 26, 2011 - Looking for Texas madrone tree trimmings needed for a special wedding.
view the full question and answer
Planting spot for sycamore in Belle Mead NJ
April 19, 2010 - At school we all got a tree. It was a Buttonwood tree, which I know is REALLY big, but my grandma wants to plant it near other trees. Where should I put it? My dad won't let me plant it in the middle...
view the full question and answer
Trees to replace live oaks in Driftwood TX
February 07, 2012 - I am looking for ideas on what trees to plant in Driftwood, TX to replace live oaks that have been lost to oak wilt.
view the full question and answer
Non-native Chamaecyparis pisiflora turning brown in Fuqua-Varina NC
December 10, 2012 - I have a "Soft Serve False Cypress" Chamaecyparis pisifera'Dow Whiting PPAF, that has only been in the ground for 6-7 months. I just noticed that the branches and leaves are starting to die, turni...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |