LITTLE ROCK — QI have a tree that I planted as a dogwood in March, and in spite of continued watering, it had withered leaves all summer. I had given it up for dead, but now it has sprouted all these red berries. I wasn’t aware that dogwoods produced berries.
AThe red berries are the fruits that came from the flowers it bore this spring. I can tell (from the photo that you sent) that the plant is definitely scorched, which could be from stress because it was newly planted and we had a horrid summer. But it also could be sunburned if it was planted in direct sunlight. Dogwoods do best in filtered sunlight or afternoon shade. The tree is not dead, but it isn’t happy. I see new leaf buds already set for next spring. For now, just be patient and see how well it leafs out next spring. If you think it is in the wrong location, you could transplant it now.
QRecently my neighbor on the eastern side of my home had at least four 70-foot oak trees cut down from his side yard. When I asked him why he did it, he said, with a big grin on his face, “Because I wanted to.” Sounded like something that my 2-year-old grandson would say. Needless to say, I was very sad to see the trees removed. In addition, he mutilated two other oaks. My concern besides the removal of the trees is my shade-planted garden. I still have trees on my side of the fence; however, I have hydrangea, camellia and other shade plants planted. What differences should I expect come next summer? I am tempted to plant bamboo for quick shade and privacy. I’m sure come next July (if it’s anything like this past one), he’ll regret the sun coming into his west-faced bedrooms in the afternoon. We remember Joyce Kilmer’s line from the poem, “Only God can make a tree.”
ADo not plant bamboo — that would be almost as bad as removing healthy, mature trees. I think there are many homeowners out there who basically have done the same thing as your neighbor by not watering for the past two summers. When their trees are dead and gone, their utility bills are going to go up without shade for their homes. I would consider a couple of options — one, plant some young trees and start growing some shade. You can also put up a trellis with fast-growing vines to aid in shade production until your trees grow up, and hopefully you will have enough shade from your own yard to help with your shade garden. But pay attention to the garden next spring and don’t forget to water. Good luck!
QCan you tell from this picture what is causing the bark on this oak tree to fall off? This tree looks like it is dying, and we would like to know what might be causing it. The tree is on a homesite with five acres of hardwoods and pines in west Little Rock.
AYour tree has hypoxylon canker. This disease has been prevalent this year and will be next year as well, since it is common when a tree is drought-stressed. Typically, by the time the outer bark sloughs off, the tree is half dead or more, and you cannot reverse the trend. The underneath wood is either black and tarry-looking or has the gray powdery substance on your tree.
Dear Readers: Here’s more feedback on the merits of sweetgum trees:
I want to remind those interested in birds and other wildlife that there are at least 25 wildlife species that eat sweetgum seeds and that is how the tree reproduction is dispersed. The sweetgum also has a relatively soft wood and short lifespan, and it readily forms cavities that can be used by some of the 80 species of birds and 49 species of mammals that use cavities.
Some of those birds and mammals: Northern bobwhite Carolina and black-capped chickadee Purple finch American goldfinch Junco Yellow-bellied sapsucker (drinks sap) White-throated sparrow Towhee Carolina wren Gray and fox squirrels Eastern chipmunk Beaver (uses the wood). For the birds and other wildlife, try to be more tolerant of sweetgum and other things you consider an imposition.
Janet Carson is a horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Write to her at 2301 S. University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72204 or e-mail her at
jcarson@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle, Pages 33 on 12/22/2012