How a Tree Works
Certified Arborist Wes Hopper explains the basics of how trees work. Trees use photosynthesis to convert nutrients into sugars for the tree to use. Wes also explains how the vascular system in the tree transports water and nutrients from the roots up to the leaves, and the sugars from photosynthesis from the leaves to the other parts of the tree. Wes shows the different layers of a tree trunk and talks about what each layer does. He talks about the different kinds of roots and what they do. Wes also talks about how trees react to high summer heat.
Related Videos: Translocation Encouraging Tree Feeder Root Growth Planting a Tree Related Resources: Tree Physiology Trees The Cornell Guide for Planting and Maintaining Trees and Shrubs March 6, 2021 |
Search for Garden Advice
Tools for Pruning TreesThis week in the garden Memphis Botanic Garden Arborist Bo Kelley talks about the different pruning tools available and shows how to use some of them to remove dead branches from a tree. >>Watch
Horticulture expert Dr. Lelia Kelly defines the gardening term chlorosis. Chlorosis is a yellowing or lack of chlorophyll in the leaves of a plant. Chlorosis can be caused by the incorrect amount of water, a nutrient deficiency, herbicide damage, air pollution, or not enough light. A related term is necrosis which is dead tissue. >>Watch |
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Plants to Avoid Around Pet
There are many plants that are dangerous or toxic to dogs and cats. TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond goes over some of the more common plants you may have in your house or landscape. Joellen lists annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, trees, and vines that pets should not eat.
The list of poisonous plants Joellen referenced is available at the ASPCA website. >>Watch |
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Planting Summer Flowers
Composting
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Removing Honey Bees from Houses
Birdhouses
Live Animal Traps
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Viewer Questions
I tilled a new garden. The next day there were lots of ant hills. How can I kill them?
These ants did not move in, they were already there. You just couldn’t see them because of the grass or weeds growing there before you tilled. Ants are considered beneficial in the garden, you don’t need to kill them. If they are fire ants that is a different story, they need to go. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says he is not aware of any insecticide that targets only ants. >>Watch
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Sevin (carbaryl) is very safe to humans. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says toxicity is judged based on LD50, the amount of the chemical per kilogram of body weight required to kill half the test population. Carbaryl has an LD50 of 350-500 mg/kg of body weight. He compares carbaryl’s toxicity to other common chemicals. Carbaryl is very toxic to insects including beneficials and it toxic to fish. Make sure you read and follow the label directions on any pesticide. >>Watch
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The best time to prune a plum tree is in the late winter or early spring. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says you should prune peaches, plums, and nectarines to an open center to simplify spraying. >>Watch
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Why are there no blooms on my okra?
There are several possible reasons for this. On okra it takes 50-65 days from planting for blooms to develop. No blooms could be from lack of water or a nutrient imbalance. Okra does not like a lot of nitrogen, and if there is too much nitrogen fertilizer applied it could stimulate new growth of green leaves and not flowers and fruit. >>Watch
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Are these brown spots on my oak leaves okay?
Certified Arborist Wes Hopper identifies these spots as anthracnose on a southern red oak. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that is common this year because of how wet the spring and summer were. It is not something to worry about, but there are some things you can do to help reduce the problem next year. Rake up and dispose of the leaves under the tree as thy fall. Leaves from the tree have anthracnose spores on them which when it rains, will splash up into the air and land on other leaves in your tree. >>Watch
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More Questions & Answers
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