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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - May 24, 2012
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Unknown pest of Texas Mountain Laurel from Round Rock TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Texas Mountain Laurel that is being denuded from the top down by something unseen. It's not the Genista moth larvae, as there are no worms and no webbing visible. The only clue that it might be insects is a small spider web in one of the forks of the branches. There are new growth leaves appearing in some of the denuded places, so the wood itself is not dead. Any ideas?ANSWER:
Here is one of our own previous answers on this subject. From Arid Zone Trees, more of the same. You did not say how old your tree is, sometimes loss of leaves can be caused by transplant shock, which in turn is caused by a tree not planted with good drainage, not receiving the right amount of sun. If your tree is not being overwatered, if water does not stand on the ground after infrequent watering, and it is in full sun or part shade, it should recover.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Soapberry tree problems in North Richland Hills, TX
September 01, 2010 - We have a small grove of soapberry trees. The city recently reconstructed the street and added a side walk which now sets as close at 1 foot from the nearest tree. Everything seemed fine until they ...
view the full question and answer
Rhododendrons Hydrangeas in Indiana
December 13, 2007 - I live in very southern Indiana. Our home faces west and at the front of our home I have planted three rhododendrons. The furthest south is growing well the two to the north not so well. All three h...
view the full question and answer
Premature browning of bald cypress needles in summer
July 15, 2011 - I have several 10m high taxodium distichum trees in the lawn, with drip irrigation twice a week, and same soil content, and on just one of them, several leaves have started turning brown, it seems to ...
view the full question and answer
Need help controling suckers from an ornamental plum in San Pedro, CA.
August 10, 2010 - I have an ornamental plum tree in my garden which produces a lot of suckers in my vegetable beds.
I do not want to use harmful chemicals and cutting them back is a hopeless venture and leaves small...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA
December 06, 2012 - Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |