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Category: Problems, pests and diseases

How fast do leylandii grow?

How fast do leylandii grow?

Speed of leylandii growth Leylandii, also known as Leyland cypress trees, are the fastest growing conifers. In the early years of this plant, it’s not unknown for the tree to grow between 45cm and 90cm in height per year. Of course, this depends on the leylandii having the best growing conditions possible. Over its lifetime, this Leyland cypress can grow to about 18m to 21m high. This tree is dense, with a broad column at the bottom tapering to a…

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How to revive and bring conifers back to life?

How to revive and bring conifers back to life?

Some common problems with conifers require you to revive and bring them back to life but remember, they are not actually dead, there are just not in good health. If you peel the bark back and you see green under the bark, then the conifers are likely still alive and can be revived. In this guide, I identify the most usual issues that harm conifers and give ways to refresh and revive your conifer. But be warned that it’s not…

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Are conifers poisonous to dogs?

Are conifers poisonous to dogs?

The answer “it depends” to “are conifers poisonous to dogs?” is accurate but not useful when your dog’s health can be affected by what you grow in your garden. I explain what you should know and ask when choosing a conifer for your garden. The short answer is most conifers are not poisonous to dog, however, Yew trees (Taxus species) are poisonous to dogs and yews are a very common conifer which is why I bring it up here. Levels…

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Why are the leaves on my Japanese maple scorched?

Why are the leaves on my Japanese maple scorched?

Scorched leaves on a Japanese maple (acer) tree are usually the result of environmental stresses. Japanese maples are the maple trees most commonly affected by this problem. Here’s what causes maple leaf scorch and also how to avoid it. Symptoms Acer tree leaf scorch shows up as foliage turning brown, especially around the edges and at the tips. Often the leaves then curl up, shrivel and die. Sometimes branches also die back. Leaf scorch isn’t a problem that causes long-term…

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Acer plant problems / acer dying

Acer plant problems / acer dying

There aren’t too many acer plant problems. The acer tree (known also as the Japanese maple) is a relatively easy plant to look after. However, it can be susceptible to a few harmful conditions. The environment, insects, fungus, disease and even you can cause these acer plant issues, sometimes causing the Japanese maple to die. Environmental problems Environment problems such as too much sun result in scorched leaves on the acer tree. This is where the leaves turn brown at…

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Why Does My Gooseberry Bush Not Fruit

Why Does My Gooseberry Bush Not Fruit

The major reason people grow gooseberries is to indulge in the delicious fruit. If you have gooseberry plants around, you expect them to bear fruit at a certain point, and if this doesn’t happen; there is a problem. If you are facing this challenge, below are factors affecting your plant’s ability to fruit and what you can do about it: The two most common reasons for gooseberries not fruiting are either they are simply too young, they need a good…

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What’s Eaten the Leaves on Your Gooseberry Bush – Gooseberry Sawfly

What’s Eaten the Leaves on Your Gooseberry Bush – Gooseberry Sawfly

Gooseberry farming was made popular in 19th century Britain, but the plant is still indigenous to many parts of Europe and Western Asia. It is cultivated for various uses, both domestic and commercial purposes. The berries are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked as an ingredient in desserts. They are also used to flavor beverages such as soda, flavored water, and fruit wine. The gooseberry fruit can be preserved in the form of jam, dried fruit, and as…

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Why are my leaves curling on my gooseberries?

Why are my leaves curling on my gooseberries?

Leaf curling of gooseberry leaves can either be upwards or downwards depending on a number of factors that affect your gooseberries. They could be nutritional deficiencies, disease or infection, insects, abiotic discharge, waterlogged soil, dehydration and dare I say it, even climate changes. Insect infestation and, in particular, aphids, are usually the first culprit at the first sign of leaf curling, usually affecting the new growth at the tips of the branches. I would say 90% of the time, aphids…

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Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Your magnolia buds may not be opening for one or more of several reasons. The most common are that you didn’t have any buds in the first place, that the environment isn’t suitable for your tree, or that your tree hasn’t received the care and attention it needs. Incorrect pruning at the wrong time of year as well as harsh winter frost can also cause buds to drop or cause them to rot and not open. No buds, or just…

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Pieris Forest Flame Diseases – what to look out for and how to treat them

Pieris Forest Flame Diseases – what to look out for and how to treat them

Fungal Leaf Spot Pieris Forest Flame is the most popular variety of pieris grown in the UK. From the bright red leaves and white bell-like flowers in the spring, the leaves go through colourful changes from red to pink to cream to green during the growing season. But if your Forest Flame leaves are looking a bit sickly, there’s probably one main culprit – the disease of Fungal Leaf Spot. Does your pieris forest flame have fungal leaf spot? To…

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