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 - July 11, 2011
From: Elida, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Trees
Title: Tulip trees losing bark in OH
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
We have two tulip trees in our yard that are losing their bark at the base of the trunk. I am careful with the mower keeping away from the tree when I mow. What could the problem be and what can I do to preserve the tree?ANSWER:
Unfortunately, we cannot accurately diagnose a problem like this without actually seeing the plant and recommend you contact your local agricultural extension service. They will either be able to help you or recommend a reputable arborist.
Generally, when trees lose their bark it is due to physical damage either by humans (mowers or string trimmers) or gnawing rodents (usually mice during the winter).
Although it doesn't sound like you have mulch around the base of the tree (to keep the grass and the grass mowers at a safe distance), that can be a problem if it is piled too deep around the tree. It can make the rodent problem worse by creating a great winter nesting spot or can actually cause the tree bark to rot and effectively girdle the tree and ultimately kill it.
We hope you are able to figure out what the cause of the damage is before your trees' health is compromised and you lose them.
More Pests Questions
Black Sap from Live Oak in Austin, Texas
April 20, 2015 - We live in South Austin and our neighbor has several beautiful, enormous Live Oak trees whose canopies hang over into our yard. This past week, they've begun dripping some sort of black sap all over ...
view the full question and answer
Plants ants avoid from McAllen TX
May 22, 2010 - Which native plants do ANTS avoid (are there?)? We have a big ant problem here. Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Changing colors on Mexican Plum trees from Bellaire TX
June 20, 2013 - The leaves on my Mexican Plum tree have recently started turning yellow/brown and the veins in leaves are red. Is this a watering issue or disease issue? Mites are on the leaves. This has been a ra...
view the full question and answer
Galls on live oak tree in Austin
December 12, 2013 - I live in Austin, and have a 13 year old live oak in my yard. It has developed little spheres, kind of like green peas, on the underside of the leaves. What is it? Is it harmful? Is there somethin...
view the full question and answer
Possible maple scale on non-native mophead hydrangeas from Newport RI
August 07, 2013 - I have a mophead hydrangea that has small white cottony tufts under the leaves and on the stems. I believe this is maple scale. Is there a home remedy I can use to rid this disease?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |