Q: What’s happening to the bark on our six apple trees? In summer, I wrapped plastic around the trunks and put on sticky stuff to catch climbing insects. I realize now that wasn’t the best move, ...

Black knot is a fungal disease that disfigures certain flowering trees. Control the disease by pruning in February through March.

Q: I noticed this odd growth on my apple tree. I don’t think it’s causing damage because the canopy looks normal, but I think it’s becoming more extensive so I’m concerned. A: This funky growth is not ...

Q. My 20-something-old redbud tree has developed lichens on the trunk, which is a first. Do I have a problem and is there anything I should do? I have another one in the yard which doesn’t have this ...

Q: What are these growths or galls on our maple leaves? — Steve R. A: The round, protruding bumplike growths on tree leaves are called galls, and they inspire frequent questions every year. Tree types ...

Don't stress if you have a tree that's not looking its best in the bark department. You can save a tree with damaged bark by first assessing the type of damage. Once you know the severity, you have a ...

Gardeners and homeowners often contact our Horticulture Hotline at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Oriskany when they notice a grayish blue-green crusty or mossy looking growth on trees, shrubs, ...

A: A crape myrtle shedding bark is completely normal. Also referred to as 'exfoliating bark', this process simply reveals newer inner bark, often cinnamon red in color. This process can be more ...

When fall’s cold nights kill the flowers and cause so many of our trees and shrubs to drop their leaves, the bareness shines our focus on what’s left – for one thing, tree trunks. Trunks and their ...