Most houseplants, including the schefflera, experience stress when moved from one location to another. Environmental conditions in the average home are dramatically different (less favorable) than those in a greenhouse. The less…
Newly emerged tree and shrub foliage is susceptible to damage from below freezing temperatures. The new growth on many trees and shrubs can tolerate temperatures in the low 30s and upper 20s. Freeze damage is most likely when temperatures drop…
Homeowners can minimize salt damage by using deicing salts prudently. Before applying salt, wait until the precipitation has ended and remove as much of the ice and snow as possible. Use deicing salts at rates sufficient to loosen ice and snow…
While not a regular occurrence, it is not unusual for the foliage of fall-planted bulbs like garlic to emerge a bit early during a mid-winter warm-up. While in Iowa garlic normally begins to emerge from the ground in mid-March to early April,…
After a flooding event, both biological and chemical contamination are of concern for vegetables, fruits, and other edible crops. Contaminations can include pesticides, heavy metals, and petroleum products as well as bacteria, parasites, and…
Newly emerged perennial growth is susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures. While freezing temperatures may have damaged or destroyed the new growth, the roots and crowns of healthy, well-established perennials should still be alive…
Tulip and daffodil foliage is usually present from late winter/early spring to early summer. The 4 to 6 week period after flowering is especially important. During this 4 to 6 week period, the foliage is manufacturing food for the…
Flooding during the growing season is typically more harmful to trees than flooding during dormant periods. And, the longer trees are exposed to flooding, the greater the potential for injury. Short periods of flooding during the growing season…
Yellowing, browning, and dropping of leaves is one of the most vague and difficult issues to deal with because it can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Many of the problems seen in houseplants are not caused by just one factor, they are the…
Some perennials emerge early in the spring. In Iowa, it’s common to have relatively warm days in early or mid-March and it is equally common to have below freezing temperatures in April or even early May. In most cases, early leaf…
Construction of buildings, patios, garages, driveways, sidewalks, and roads often compromises the growing environment of nearby trees. The majority of a tree’s roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil and often extend well…
Honeydew is a sticky, sugar-rich substance produced by insects that suck sap from plant leaves and stems. This excretion often coats lower leaves, tables, and floors and when severe, may promote the growth of black sooty mold.
Brown leaf tips or edges can happen on any indoor plant but are common on some species like spider plant and dracaena. Trimming the brown portions off the leaves with a scissors can improve appearance, but new browning will occur if…
Wilting is the result of roots not being able to provide adequate moisture to the leaves and stems. It can be caused by two completely opposite reasons, either under-watering or over-watering, which can make it difficult to diagnose and…
A late freeze in spring may damage the blossoms or developing fruit on apples, cherries, and other fruit trees. As a result, the fruit crop may be smaller than normal. The extent of damage will be determined by the plant species,…
Freezing temperatures don’t harm dormant plants. In some years, warm late winter temperatures can cause some fruit trees to break bud, leaf-out, or develop flower buds earlier than normal. The inevitable below-freezing temperatures that…
In some years, warm late winter temperatures can cause some trees and shrubs to break bud, leaf-out, or develop flower buds earlier than normal. The inevitable below-freezing temperatures that follow in early spring can potentially cause…
The whitish or brown molds that grow on the surface of peat pots and other organic materials are unsightly, but will not harm healthy seedlings. However, the presence of molds may indicate excessive moisture levels. Overwatering may lead to…
