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.
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Bob Morris
Bob Morris is a horticulture expert living in Las Vegas and professor emeritus for the University of Nevada. Visit his blog at xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com. Send questions to Extremehort@aol.com.
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.
Keep in mind that all cactuses are not the same. Some are from different places (your exotic varieties) while others are from the Southwest.
Desert spoon is a large shrub. It comes from the desert. It is used to the desert heat.
Though not a desert plant, Apache plume does not like “wet feet.” It needs infrequent watering and well-draining soil.
I have a Meyer lemon sitting in my house waiting for the temperatures to cool down. When can I plant again?
Traditional espalier makes use of steel wires — similar to a grape trellis — about 12 to 15 inches apart and 2 to 8 feet tall.
When replacing plants, remember that the number and size of living plants determines your landscape water use and is reflected in your water bill.