Tree roots are not as deep as most people imagine. Most tree roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. While tree roots are quite shallow, they often extend out into an area that is 2 to 3 times larger than the crown area…
Grapes are highly susceptible to damage from herbicide drift, in particular from 2,4-D and other chemically similar herbicides. Depending on weather conditions, 2,4-D herbicides can potentially affect grapes up to 2 miles from the…
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…
Potato shoots (stems) are sensitive to freezing temperatures. Symptoms of freeze damage may vary from blackening of the leaf margins (minor damage) to death of all aboveground growth (severe damage). Fortunately, severely damaged…
Carefully examine the tree for the type and extent of damage. Trees that have split trunks or suffered extensive trunk damage are no longer structurally sound and should be removed. Large trees that have lost 50 percent or more of…
In the midwest, yield is largely determined by weather conditions. Lima beans grow best when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require 1 inch of water per week (either from rain or irrigation) during…
Berry fruits, such as strawberries, are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Silt and other contaminants may become imbedded in the fleshy fruit and are difficult to remove. Since the berries were present when the garden was…
Excessive nitrogen, the rapid onset of hot weather, or overcrowding may produce plants that are all tops (lush foliage, little or no root development).
Misshapen roots and hot, pithy radishes are other problems that may be…
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…
Misshapen (catfaced) fruit may be due to cool weather during fruit set. Exposure to 2,4- D or similar broadleaf herbicides is another possibility. Catfacing is most common on large-fruited tomato varieties. Affected fruit show…
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…
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…
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…
