One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this column is the response it draws from readers. We get a lot of questions e-mailed to us which Cheryl or I try to answer personally whenever possible. As you know, we also include some of these Q&As here in the column. On occasions, an answer will bring a helpful suggestion from another reader, as it did in this case: QUESTION: “Please help!!! I have no idea what I just found on my bush outside. The day before yesterday the bush was fine, but then I saw the almost 1 1/2 to 2 in. things hanging from it that looked sort of like pine cones. I just thought it was something new growing on the tree/bush. “This afternoon, I went out to water the plants, and the whole side of the bush is almost gone, turned brown. I looked at the things I thought were growing on it and saw that they moved! I ran inside and got garden spray and there seemed to be worms trying to come out of them. This has really freaked me out. I want the bushes gone. “I have always loved them because they grow like a tree. They look a little like a pine but with flowing needles that are really soft. They are a light green in color. I do not know what kind of bush it is. Please tell me what those things are, and what will get rid of them until I can get someone to cut them down for me. I don't even want them in my yard now. That one looks ruined anyway.” – Darleen Darleen was obviously very upset. My wife Cheryl sent the following reply to Darleen, and also included the Q&A in our weekly e-mailed newsletter. ANSWER: It sounds like what you have are Bagworms. They are common to the plant you are describing which is Arborvitae. You will need to remove them, put them in a little bag, and then burn them. After you have done this you will need to spray your plants with Malathion, and be sure to follow directions on the label. You should do this about once a month during the growing season. A few days later we received the following e-mail from Donna, who had read the Q&A in the newsletter. “I just wanted to say that I had bagworms on one of my pussy willow trees some years ago when I lived in Maryland. I sprayed the tree with Orthene (which specifically says it is for bagworms on its label) and it killed them all without any damage to the tree or surrounding plants! “I never had a bagworm problem again. It was much easier than hand-picking those things. I didn't know how to get in touch with Darlene so that's why I'm writing to you.” – Donna We were happy to send Donna’s suggestion on to Darleen. Thanks again, Donna! QUESTION: “I have a 15 year old cherry tree and the branches are bare except for leaves on the end. I don't see any bugs. What is it and what can I do about it?” -- Jeanne Conner ANSWER: There are a number of potential causes for a tree to lose its leaves or to cease producing leaves, such as: Can you say your tree is definitely not being subjected to too much water? Strike that “suspect” off the list. No extended period of drought or any other reason why the tree might have been starved of water? Okay, that’s off the list, too. When your list is reduced to one or two possible causes, you have a better chance of finding a successful solution. For instance if one of your narrowed-down options is ‘peach borer’ you could go to http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05566.html and research treatments. Become a garden detective! The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org
Sherlock Holmes said, “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Like Sherlock, you can play detective to narrow down potential causes.
