I read an article by PCMG discussing BALAN as a preemergent for grassburs. I have about a 1-2 acre field.What would be the correct application rate and does it also come in a liquid that could be sprayed? Balan is sold as a dry product and we always recommend that you...
Witches’ Broom in My Tree
Witches’brooms occur on a number of conifers and deciduous tree species. They are caused by a number of factors that result in a great proliferation of shoots with short internodes that can look like a bundle of twigs or witch’s broom. In other cases they appear as a...
The Fluffy Balls On My Oak Tree Harmful?
What are the fluffy balls under the leaves on my oak tree? Sounds like one of the many insect galls we’re seeing on oaks this year. It is a place where their young develop after the egg is laid within the gall. No big deal to the tree though. Either remove it or leave...
Oak Tree Struck By Lightning
I have a very large dual trunk oak that was struck by lightning last night. It blew off a large section of bark and has a split along one trunk about 30 ft. How can I keep from losing this tree? The effects of a lightning strike vary greatly and all you can do...
Japanese Maples in Parker County
Will Japanese Maples survive in Parker County? Japanese maples are marginally happy here. They are medium water plants. Japanese Maple varieties that survive here are limited here to the large leaf types (palmatum). They prefer dappled shade and no intense mid-day or...
Is There Value in Whitewashing Tree Trunks?
“I cannot see any value in this practice.” Special thanks to Courtney Blevins, CF Regional Urban Forester Texas Forest Service, Ft. Worth
When is Parker County Hummingbird and Goldfinch Season
When should the feeders for Hummingbirds and Goldfinches be set out. Hummingbirds are active in Parker County from about April through September. These dates are not set in stone. Weather and other factors will affect the migration to our area to some degree....
Pill Bugs Eating Hostas
My Hostas are under attack from Pill Bugs or Roly-Polies! The best way to eliminate pillbugs (Armadillium vulgare) is to destroy their breeding and hiding sites. Eliminate unnecessary piles of leaves, grass clippings and mulch. Flower pots, planters, dog houses,...
Moles in the Landscape
Moles in the Landscape Friend or Foe? Although there are other species, the most common mole in our Parker County sandy soil landscape is the Eastern Mole, a relatively small but robust, short brown-furred mammal that can tunnel in the right soil conditions at speeds...
Kissing Bug and Chagas Disease Info
What do I need to know about the Kissing Bug and Chagas Disease? The Kissing Bug has got lots of press in the past few months. The actual insect, genius Triatoma has been reported to have been located in Parker County. However, there are 38,000 varieties of...