We receive many questions each week from gardeners wanting to know what is wrong with their plant. As we enter the busy growing season here are some tips to help you get the most accurate response possible in a timely manner.
- Begin by contacting your local extension agent. They are the most in tune with issues facing your region and may have a quick response for you. If they need a second opinion they will forward your question on to the appropriate extension specialist.
- Include as much information as possible with your question. Important details to include:
- What is the plant?
- How old is the plant? (When was it planted?)
- Describe what you’re seeing. (i.e. symptoms include: pinhead-sized, brownish spots on new leaves)
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- Is the problem getting worse?
- Do you see these symptoms on other plants in the landscape?
- Describe fertilizer/pesticide applications used in the landscape.
- Describe the irrigation practices used in the landscape.
- Location of planting (i.e. south side of house, next to walnut tree…)
- City/County where plant is growing
- Include photos. At least one close up of the symptoms; a photo of the whole plant; and a photo of the plant with the surrounding landscape.