Q: The mature oak trees in our neighborhood are rotting at the base. Some are more than 150 years old, and we hate to lose them. What can we do? A: I'm going to assume that your turf grass is fescue because it is the only grass that will grow beneath the shade of mature oaks. Chances are it's probably the grass that's affecting the trees. Native oaks are used to native rainfall amounts, and many varieties of fescue need plenty of rainfall to stay healthy. Many homeowners overwater their lawns, pouring as much as 100 inches of water on their turf grass in a single year. As a result, the oaks literally drown and begin to rot at the base.
The solution to the problem is simple: don't water so much. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, consider switching to manual mode and turning on the sprinklers only when absolutely necessary. It may be too late to save the trees that have already begun to rot, but it will give the unaffected ones a chance to survive.
Q: I like to mulch with bark chips, but they keep washing away during rains. What's the solution?
A: Switch to shredded-wood mulch. It stays in place in all but the heaviest downpours, even on slopes. It does a better job of holding moisture in and keeping weeds out, and it costs about the same as chips.
Q: Why do so many people shear their crape myrtles every spring?
A: Shearing or topping crape myrtles is unnecessary and results in a pretty silly looking tree. The idea behind the practice is that since the flowers are borne on new wood--and pruning produces lots of new wood--radical pruning will produce lots of flowers.
The tree will produce plenty of new wood each year without pruning and develop a much more natural shape. Why would anyone want to add another maintenance chore--especially one that is totally unnecessary--to an already long list?
Q: I seeded my lawn right after aerating, just as you recommend. Now my lawn looks like my Uncle Joe who had hair-transplant surgery a few months ago. Is that normal ?
A: I reseeded my lawn several weeks ago right after aerating, and I too have a lawn that apparently looks like the top of your uncle's head. Because I used fescue, which is a clump-forming grass, the only solution is to overseed the affected areas. If you used a grass that tends to spread, such as Bermuda, buffalo, zoysia, centipede or St. Augustine, you'll just have to be patient and give it a chance to run.
Q: Can ornamental grasses be planted in containers?
A: Yes, and they look great in containers. If you're planning on planting some of the larger grasses such as maidengrass, pampas grass or certain fountain grasses, use a pot with thick walls. In time these grasses will expand and may crack the pots.
Q: Can anything be done to get rid of the stains left in the lawn by dogs doing their duty?
A: I assume you're talking about dog urine, which can stain the lawn for an entire growing season. I also assume your dog is female because female urine contains higher concentrations of urea, ammonia and potassium, which cause stains like that of fertilizer burn. One solution is to encourage your dog to use a specific area of the lawn to relieve itself so that you don't have a bunch of burned spots all over the place. You can also follow your dog with a watering can and dilute the spot she picks by drenching it.
Q: You advise cutting the lawn high, at least three inches. What if my mower deck won't go that high?
A: Most mower manufacturers haven't caught up with new ideas in lawn care, including the fact that grasses that are allowed to grow taller are much healthier. If I were you, I'd consider a new mower whose deck can be raised to the desired height. In the meantime, set your mower deck as high as it will go, and you'll be rewarded with a healthier lawn that has fewer weeds and requires less water.
Q: I don't have room for a compost pile. What's the best bagged product you can buy as a substitute?
A: It's hard to say what bagged product is best, but I like those made from composted cotton burrs. Read the label to make sure the stuff is pesticide-free. I also like those that contain composted cow manure and alfalfa, two byproducts of the dairy industry. I'm impressed with a relatively new bagged product known as mushroom compost.
Q: What's your favorite thing about doing your show? What's your least-favorite thing?
A: My favorite thing about doing this show--aside from being part of the wackiest crew in the business--is that I get to be outdoors. My least favorite thing would have to be putting on makeup. It's not that I mind wearing it, but my kids are always razzing me about it.
