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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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Monday - July 11, 2011

From: Clinton Township, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Need help with my 25 yr old Mountain Ash in Clinton Township, MI.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

For the first time our 25yr old mountain ash tree has dying branches, we removed one branch and it seems to have spread to other branches? What should we do?

ANSWER:

Well you didn't give Mr. Smarty Plants much information to work with, but he thinks he could probably rule out transplant shock.

There are several trees that have the common name Mountain Ash, but there are only two of these that occur naturally in Michigan: Sorbus americana (American mountain ash), and Sorbus decora (Northern mountain ash).

My recommendation is for you to contact some one knowledgeable to take a good look at your tree to analyze the problem. This person could be an agent from Michigan State University Extension, a member of the Michigan Botanical Club ( a native plant society), or a Certified Arborist.


 

 

 

 
 

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