Solutions and advice regarding plant problems or questions in the East Texas area are available from the Smith County Master Gardeners by calling the Texas Cooperative Extension. Our information and suggestions will be based on university-based research and provided in an easy-to-understand manner.
Many plant problems are cultural or environmental in origin. Information regarding the type of plant, soil condition, onset of symptoms, old and new growth appearance, and the status of nearby plants will be helpful in the diagnosis process. If you will look for and make note of things like the following, we can make a quicker and better diagnosis.
- Site conditions such as location, full sunlight hours, recent (within the last five years) changes in the general area, including new construction, grade changes, utility lines or irrigation system installation.
- Watering patterns, fertilization schedules, and chemical applications (direct or drift from nearby areas).
- Insect-related damage and infectious plant disease damage patterns such as chewed plant parts; stunted or deformed foliage, flowers or fruit; holes in roots, stems or trunks; loss of bark; wilting, yellowing, silvering, spotting or stippling patterns on leaves; signs indicating the presence of insects.
Don Gustafson, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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