Amelanchier grows well here

Q: I have a crape myrtle eight feet from my porch steps. The branches extend over the walkway. In spring and summer dried buds fall and stain my concrete. Is my best move to remove the tree? Jerome Mallory, Cobb County

A: There is no shame in removing a tree if it doesn't provide what you want. If the seed pod stains from the crape myrtle bother you, dig it out and replace it with a small tree, perhaps a coral-bark maple, Japanese styrax, kousa dogwood or an evergreen arborvitae.

Q: My son gave me a Meyer lemon tree for Christmas. The plant was filled with beautiful lemons and blooms. Since then, the blossoms have dropped, as well as most of the leaves. I water it regularly. I have noticed clusters of white fuzzy stuff on the top of the soil. Debbie Snyder, Mableton

A: The fuzzy stuff is probably just a fungus decomposing the surface material of the potting soil. Its presence tells me you are watering too frequently. It is likely the plant has developed root rot that's causing the leaf drop. Water the lemon only when a finger pressed one inch into the soil comes up dry. I can't guarantee it will live until you can take it outdoors in spring, but it's worth a try.

Q: There is a pre-emergent called Dimension 2EW that specifically lists mulberry weed as a target. Do you know if this product can be used in a perennial garden setting as well as on zoysia grass? Linda Corr, email

A: Dimension 2EW is a very concentrated liquid pre-emergent that contains the chemical dithiopyr. Due to its toxicity to fish, it is only appropriate for professional landscapers. The concentrate is very expensive. Most lawns or landscapes would only need a small amount. As you note, it is labeled for control of mulberry weed. There are several homeowner products that also contain dithiopyr: Vigoro Crabgrass Preventer, Bonide DuraTurf Weed Preventer, etc. In the interest of safety and economy I think you should use one of these products to control mulberry weed, making a half-strength application in March and again in May.

Q: We are selling an old home for a tear-down and have the right to dig up any plants on the two-acre property before we close. My family will get some of the plants but many more will be left. Do you have any suggestions on who might want to come dig up plants? Dottie Kurtz, Vinings

A: The best first step is to have a detailed list of what will be available: 15 clumps of daffodils, two 'August Beauty' gardenias (4 feet tall), two unnamed mophead hydrangeas (four feet tall), etc. Then join Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) and list the plants plus a "first come, first served" dig date there.