Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard

Question: I have a huge and beautiful, mature magnolia tree.  For the first time, it’s covered with Magnolia scale and is dripping sticky liquid everywhere! I’m not sure how to get rid of it and hope you have a suggestion. Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist I’m sorry to hear about your magnolia tree scale. Here’s a great […]

Question:  Why does my Yew Tree have brown needles? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist A number of issues can lead to browning needles. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension would be happy to take a look at a few pictures and learn more about what’s going on in order to hopefully diagnose the issue. Here’s a […]

Question: I have a relatively new golden willow in my front yard that is being slowly girdled by sapsucker holes in the bark. How do I deter the bird, protect the tree, and what should I do to prevent disease and encourage continued growth? The tree has started to send out shoots along the trunk […]

Question:  Do we have Carpenter Ants in Maine and how do you get rid of them?  Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist Yes, we primarily have two species, the Eastern black carpenter ant and the red carpenter ant. If you suspect you have some, we always welcome you to send us a few clear pictures so we […]

Question: I’m thinking of introducing or bolstering a population of Tiphia vermalis to control Japanese Beetles in my yard.  Do you have any recommended (ideally native) host plants for T. vermalis? Answer: Katherine Garland, Horticulturist Thank you for considering the use of biological control options for managing the Japanese beetle (Jb) population in your landscape. […]

Question: There are little winged black insects on my tomato plants and white fuzzy stuff.   I am hoping you can tell me what they are and what I can do. I have looked through your galleries and FAQ and may have missed them. Answer: Viña Lindley, Food Systems & Home Horticulture Professional Thank you for […]

Question: This year the deer have been feasting off my perennials. What is recommended to keep them from doing this? I don’t want anything too smelly to keep people inside!  Answer: Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional I encourage you to get in touch with USDA APHIS Program, who can help with your wildlife questions (damage control)  […]

Question: What is the black “gunk” on the stems of my Poppies that is rotting the stem and causing them to snap off below the blossom? This has never happened before. The plant had 33 pods and just prior to blossoming, this gunk started to appear and several of the stems rotted through prior to […]

Question: We have both common and swamp milkweed in the backyard. This year we have noticed ants and aphids in the plants. We understand about their symbiotic relationship but wondered if they would damage the plant or the monarch caterpillars. If so, what is the best way to get ride of them? Answer: Pamela Hargest, […]