Howard Garrett

Vinegar comes in several strengths and formulations, and all forms have important uses if the right vinegar is chosen for the specific use.

Question: I know that you recommend bigtooth maple. I have a maple tree that needs to be replaced. It has sunscald on the west side and has...

Question: I planted a hosta this summer. It came up and was doing well, but something ate every leaf to the mid-veins. It happened in a week’s...

Question: What is this beautiful Dalmatian looking insect, and should we be concerned about it being a damaging pest?L.S., DallasAnswer: Your...

Question: How does the Dirt Doctor feel about attaching swings to trees? I considered getting one for the grandkids but was afraid it might damage...

Question: I have a Bradford pear tree (19 years old) that is very sick with fungus. I did the sick tree treatment, except for the zeolite, which...

Question: I spoke with Howard on the radio in August of 2015. My 100-plus-year-old Seven Sisters rose bush had rose rosette disease, and I was...

Q. I have some drift roses that have the rose rosette disease. I have tried treating them with your suggested treatments, but I think I waited too...

Question: How often should I be watering during the winter? My system is currently set to water 15 minutes every other day. -- G.P. DallasAnswer:...

Howard Garrett says though the tree is pretty in spring, it comes with built-in problems.

The person who figures out how to eliminate squirrel damage deserves a fortune. There are no foolproof solutions, but there are some relatively...

There are no hard-and-fast rules about getting the fall color you want, but the timing is perfect for making good plans for landscape trees. Color is just...

I have a cooking recommendation that works any time, but it’s especially good for the holidays when we tend to eat so much stuff that’s not necessarily very...

How about an unusual holiday gift idea for friends or relatives that you can also give to yourself? This “advice gift” is how to bring sick trees back to...

The Leyland cypress tree is not a good evergreen choice for your landscaping here in North Texas. It’s pretty when healthy but it has a weakness ― a fungal...

Are your live oaks dropping leaves? Are they in trouble? Dropping leaves, yes. In trouble, probably not. Evergreen trees generally drop their leaves yearly,...

Avoid harsh chemicals, and insects and microbes tend to control themselves.

Venomous species are rare in D-FW, but it pays to know what to look for.

Many aren’t native to North Texas, so they’ll need a little extra care.

Texas cedars are actually junipers, and they can do a number on your allergies.