Trim odd growth; weed killer likely cause

Q: A friend’s azalea plant has an odd growth on one of the stems. Should the growth be cut off?

BILL POWELL, Dawsonville

A: It looks like someone sprayed Roundup too close to the plant. I got a bit reckless with Roundup near my raspberries last year and observed the same results: tiny leaves in clusters around the stem. If she is lucky, the Roundup might not kill the entire plant. Cut off the stems carrying the growth and see what sprouts next spring.

Q: The price of 10-10-10 fertilizer has doubled! What can I buy as an alternative to lower my fertilizer cost on 3,500 square feet bermuda and 14,500 square feet fescue? I’m trying to follow my University of Georgia soil test recommendations.

Steve Shotts, E-mail

A: Since nitrogen (the first number on the bag) is the most important nutrient for grass, you can compare prices for the nitrogen in your fertilizer options by multiplying the first number times the weight of the bag times .01. Divide the answer into the price for the bag. The result is the price per pound you’re paying for nitrogen. (Example: for a 40-pound bag of 10-10-10 that costs $12, you’re paying $3 per pound.)

The UGA soil test report you received was for optimum grass performance. You could cut application amounts by one-half and allow the grass to fend for itself, particularly if you allow clippings to remain on the grass. Another way to cut costs is to limit the number of full fertilizer applications. Fescue can get by with three feedings each year: September, November and March. Bermudagrass can also get by with three feedings: in May, June and early September.

Q: I volunteer for a disc golf course. We would like to plant some trees in the park’s big open fields, a former cow pasture with red clay soil. What trees do well in that environment?

WADE SELPH, Henry County

A: I think some combinations of red maple, zelkova, bald cypress, American holly and Southern magnolia could look very nice. All tolerate poor soil, particularly if you mulch underneath them with a two-inch layer of wood chips. Rent a tractor with an auger attachment to dig the holes. If you plant now they should be able to take care of themselves next summer with little supplemental watering. More fast-growing tree selections at http://xrl.us/FASTTREE.

Q: My wife and I watched your TV show where you discussed the soil ring you make after planting a tree. You said that it should not be left longer than the first year. Why not?

DUPREE BLANKENSHIP, Gordon

A: Tree experts say that the ring should be removed so that water is not concentrated around the tree base for more than a few months. Smoothing out the soil ring encourages the roots to spread out and find their water in the surrounding earth.

Q: We just moved to Georgia and bought a split-level home on concrete slab. We had to have a termite letter on day of closing. The inspector cleared us but later termites were found. Will the state investigate the company who came out and improperly diagnosed us?

CHAD WHITE, E-mail

A: Yes. The Structural Pest Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating pest-control companies and making sure they do their jobs correctly. Contact the field inspectors through their Web site: http://xrl.us/TERMITEINSPECT.

Q: I have a big ceramic pot that I have made into a fountain. What do I need to do for winter? Is it OK to just keep pumping?

PATTI GRIFFITH, East Cobb

A: For most outdoor fountains, it’s best to turn it off for winter. I put a pot full of pansies in the top of mine so it doesn’t look so empty in the landscape.

Listen to Walter Reeves on Saturday mornings on NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM from 6 to 10. Call 404-872-0750 to ask questions. His Web site, www.walterreeves.com, contains thousands of answers to lawn and landscape questions. Call your local Extension office (1-800-ASKUGA-1) for personalized advice.

georgiagardener@yahoo.com