Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - June 13, 2014
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Problem with mesquite tree limbs
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
i keep finding some smaller branches of my mesquite tree in the turf area around the tree. when looking at the cut ends, they appear to have a smooth cut around the circumference of the limb about 1/8 inch in depth and you can see where the center of the branch just broke off. is there an insect that attacks the tree branches in such a way? What if anything can i do to fix the problem. Thank you for your assistanceANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants had a similar question from someone in Marble Falls, Texas several month ago. Please read the answer to that question which applicable to your question; however, you should consult the Bexar County AgriLIFE Extension Agent (not the Burnet County one) for verification of the pest and recommendations for its control.
More Trees Questions
Failure to bloom of 4-year-old redbud in Rochester, NY
May 20, 2009 - I planted a redbud four years ago and it still hasn't flowered - it does get the lovely leaves. When I planted it it was only an 18 inch stick. How long before it will bloom or is something wrong?
view the full question and answer
Problems with Live Oak tree in Jacksonville FL
February 21, 2011 - My live oak tree was planted 13 years ago as a mature young tree. Until last fall, it was full and healthy. Then leaves started turning brown and dropping. The company who cares for our lawn/shrubs ...
view the full question and answer
Pine trees for West Virginia
August 16, 2009 - I have two acres in the Canaan Valley, West Va. and would like to plant pine trees. What type would you recommend that the deers won't eat and the cold climate won't kill.
view the full question and answer
Canadian Marine West Coast Plants
December 15, 2011 - What type of plants are found in the Canadian marine west coast climate?
view the full question and answer
Removing suckers from Escarpment oak in Austin
October 11, 2010 - I have a small but mature grove of Escarpment Live Oak in my back yard. Five years ago we removed the St. Augustine grass that grew under these oaks and since then root suckers have begun to grow aro...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |