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Round nodules on willow tree branches
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Date Posted: Fri, Aug 06 - 8:51 pm
- My neighbor's willow oak dropped some branches in a recent storm and we noticed many small round nodules clusters on the branches. I have pictures and can up load if required. Neither of us have ever seen anything like this before. The tree is probably over 100 years old and is in the Museum District. Is this a disease or a parasite?
- Without actually seeing a picture of the infected branch, I believe the most likely issue is related to scale insects on the tree. They will form these nodules and feed on the nutrients in the tree branch tissues. If this is the case, the owner should determine how widespread the issue is throughout the tree. If infection is only in a few areas, or on lower branches, I would recommend cutting out those branch sections, bagging the infected material, and discard. If the infection is visibly more widespread, a safe, organic insecticidal solution spray would be recommended. Good luck, and feel free to reach out with any further questions.
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Insects eating basil leaves
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Date Posted: Fri, Aug 06 - 8:47 pm
- Something is eating my basil! Everything else (lettuce, kale, tomatoes, cilantro, arugula) is ok...any suggestions to protect the basil leaves?
- These are likely spider mites or aphids eating your basil leaves. There are two safe, organic solutions which are effective to rid these insects from your basil. The first is a homemade soap spray solution - add 2 teaspoons of mild liquid soap to a gallon of water and use a spray bottle to spray upper and under sides of the leaves. The second is a neem oil solution in a spray bottle - add 2 tablespoons of neem oil (can be purchased at most garden stores) to a gallon of water and spray upper and under sides of leaves. Neem oil will kill the insects and halt reproduction. You can reapply every 7 days. Both solutions described are harmless to humans, birds, or other animals. Good luck! If other questions, please let us know.
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Small white bugs on tomato leaves
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Date Posted: Fri, Aug 06 - 8:44 pm
- I have little white bugs on the leaves of my tomato plants, how can I remove them organically.
- Great question, and a common problem at this point of the growing season. It sounds like you have aphids on your tomato plant leaves, and a good, safe, and organic way to treat your plants is with a neem oil solution. Neem oil is plant based organic oil. Mix two teaspoons of the neem oil to a gallon of warm water, mix well, and spray your tomato plants. You can reapply every 7 days. Neem oil is not harmful to humans, birds, or other animals. In very dry weather, make sure your tomato plants are well watered before applying the neem oil solution. Feel free to reach out to us if other questions come up!