QUESTION: I have several 12 year old Arizona cypress trees with needles that are turning brown. The middle to center of the limbs on the lower branches are affected. What disease is causing this? What can I do about it?
ANSWER: As evergreen trees get older the leaves, called needles or scales, on older branches (those that are close to the tree trunk or base of the tree) will naturally brown and fall off. These leaves are old having served the tree well but have become shaded out and are not contributing to the trees growth. During normal winters adequate moisture falls. This winter however was unusually dry. Because of little or no moisture supplemental water was necessary. Several people have called with questions about browning ever greens. Usually people will state that they did not water their trees last winter. Evergreens need about one third of the water during the winter compared to the rest of the year. Therefore, water the trees and watch for new growth. The tips of the branches should be green and healthy because that is where shoot growth takes place. Also, water at the tree drip line and out from that point. Feeder roots are located usually out from the drip line, not next to the tree trunk. If trees are planted through plastic that has crushed granite or gravel on top, take a pitch-fork and poke holes through the plastic to allow rain fall into the soil.
QUESTION: I planted onions last fall. They are starting to develop seed heads. Should I cut them off or harvest the onions?
ANSWER: You should harvest the onions. This is normally done when about 25% of the onion are drying down or I to 5% of the plants have flower heads forming. Bend over the remaining leaves by stepping on them or a second alternative is to mow them off. This is done so that root growth will be minimized which aids in harvesting. Bulbs are usually dug after a week or 10 days while the onions are left in the ground curing. However if rains are coming, dig the onions as soon as possible to decrease possible rot of the bulbs. After digging place bulbs in mesh sacks, boxes, or spread out to allow them to dry. Discard any diseased or damaged bulbs.