BOB MORRIS: Plant or pick early to avert squash bugs

Are there any chestnut trees that can grow well in our hot climate and produce edible chestnuts? What kind of upkeep would it require?

If we can catch these flat-headed borers in the early stages, we can sometimes clean up the tree’s limbs, using a sharp, sanitized knife.

Water deeply enough that trees and shrubs can make it until the next time you are allowed to water.

The correct amount of water to apply depends on the size of the plant and the number of days between irrigations.

It can be confusing to tell the difference between abiotic and biotic diseases just with your eyes. Plant disease symptoms are typically not very specific.

When to water next depends on the tree. Desert trees allow for soil to be dry between waterings. But trees from wetter climates can’t tolerate such dry soil.

We initially thought it was sun scorch. But patches have also appeared on the sides of the saguaro that get little direct sun.

Desert landscapes need additional deep watering only three or four times each year. Give them deep watering when the air temperatures get hot — don’t wait.

We know that purple leaf plum cannot handle the heat in certain locations, particularly south and west exposures.

Our neighbors are redoing their front yard landscaping, which includes removing a 17-year-old Mediterranean fan palm. They have offered it to us.