Q: We have lived here 20 years and have always had those dreaded sweetgum balls. But this year none out of 10 trees had them. — Susan Bebout, email
A: Nature works in mysterious ways! It's possible there was a heavy rain during flowering or maybe a late frost damaged the buds. Severe pruning at ground level is the only thing that is guaranteed to prevent them. Count your blessings and don't expect this to happen again!
Q: I'm a woodworker and have lots of sawdust. Last spring, I put a layer of cedar sawdust on my vegetable garden. I was not happy with the plant growth I got. Is there something in the cedar that inhibited growth? — Byron Arnold, Roswell,
A: I don't think cedar sawdust would inhibit plant growth. On the other hand, it probably would inhibit seed germination, like most tree sap extracts do. That said, sawdust of any kind can get wet and then be slow to dry, which would inhibit the soil drying like it ought to between rains. I'd use an inch-thick layer of sawdust or shavings under landscape shrubs but not under flowers or vegetables.
Q: What is the best time to spread pre-emergent on garden areas containing flowers and shrubs? — Jim O'Brien, email
A: The best time to apply is early March, but it's complicated. Although the chemicals might be the same, legally in your situation you are supposed to only use pre-emergent products that are labeled for use on landscape plantings, not those labeled for lawn use. The application rate may vary between the two products; the rate for lawn application might hurt shrubs and perennials. Although landscapers have access to several appropriate products, homeowners might be able to find only Preen Southern Weed Preventer, containing dithiopyr. Its label has a long list of ornamentals on which it can be used. As with any pre-emergent, best control comes when the chemical is applied directly to the soil surface and watered in.
Q: Is broken up gypsum wallboard good for the compost pile and garden? — Fred Roberson, email
A: Not particularly, unless your soil is deficient in calcium. Gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate; it's useful in rare cases on farms, but not on a compost pile. I think you should have your soil tested first to determine whether you need calcium. Details at georgiasoiltest.com.
Q: We finished our new home in October. It was an extremely wet time and we were allowed to put down wheat straw rather than sod. After the soil, we laid zoysia sod. Wheat seeds continue to sprout through the sod and look awful. What can we do? — Pam Brand, Gwinnett County
A: The simplest route is to mow it now and wait for May. That's when the wheat plants will die due to high temperatures. They will not return.
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