Beth Botts – Page 22 –

A group of adult spotted lanternflies on a tree of heaven in Huntington, Indiana on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. The invasive species, first detected in Pennsylvania more than eight years ago, has recently been found in northeast Indiana.

Invasive spotted lanternfly can wreak havoc on wineries, beer hops and your desire to go outside. And Illinois bug experts are on the hunt.

September 8, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

This summer, New York residents have been urged to look out for a new invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly, and squish it on sight. Illinois residents are being asked for...

Brown needles on pine trees could be sign of diplodia tip blight

September 4, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Do you have a mature pine tree with bunches of brown needles? It may be suffering from a fungal disease called diplodia tip blight. "Diplodia has become more common due...

Smoke tree shrub puts pizzazz in your late summer garden

August 21, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

In the green sameness of late summer, any plant with extra pizzazz stands out. Such is a spectacular shrub with chartreuse foliage that frames the entrance of the Children's Garden...

Bring the prairie home to your garden with these native plants

August 20, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Late summer is the time of glory for prairie plants: Grasses are golden, sunflowers are yellow, coneflowers are pink. It's the loveliest time to visit a place such as the...

8 important tips for growing a tree from seed

August 13, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Suppose you have a favorite tree and you'd like to have another just like it. Can you grow a new one from seed? After all, nature does it all the...

What’s in your soil can greatly impact whether garden plans thrive

August 7, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Many variables can affect how well trees and other plants grow in your yard. You can control some of them, such as how often and how thoroughly you water. It's...

Considering summer fertilizer for your garden? Proceed carefully, or risk doing more harm than good.

July 31, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

For some plants, midsummer fertilizing can provide a needed boost after three months or more of vigorous growing. But for many others, fertilizer can be unnecessary or even harmful. "Only...

Tree roots exposed? Here’s what to do.

July 24, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

Roots belong underground. So why do we often find visible tree roots snaking along the soil surface in the lawn or garden? Some kinds of trees, such as maples, poplars...

Why grass struggles under trees, and what to plant there instead

July 17, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

A tree surrounded by green lawn is a pretty picture for many people, but it's hard to achieve — and tough on the tree. "Turf grass and trees don't go...

How to treat leaf scorch amid record-breaking summer heat

July 10, 2022 at 5:00 a.m.

When plant leaves turn yellow or white or get brown at the edges in summer, it's likely a sign the amount of water they're getting is not keeping up with...

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