Get to root of stump problem

We lost a large tabebuia and had the stump ground down. Can we plant in the same spot or will the roots be a problem?

Digging in the old tabebuia spot is going to be tough as grinding down the stump does not remove most below-ground tree portions. If you plant in this site, be prepared to remove many sizable roots that could affect new tree growth. Otherwise, it might be best to find a spot away from the major root zone to plant the new tree.

Mole crickets have started to appear in our bahia lawn. Should they be controlled?

Fluffy, soft soils with small visible tunnels are obvious signs mole crickets are at work. They cut and disturb mainly bahia, bermuda and zoysia grass roots, causing the turf to decline. It is recommended you get control of these insects.

Perhaps the best time to control mole crickets is during May or June when one of many turf insecticides can be selected to eliminate the immature stages. As the insects grow older they are harder to control. One product giving good control of the more mature mole crickets during the fall through early spring months is the Bayer 24-Hour Grub Killer Plus Granules that contains Dylox. Follow label instructions for effective control.

Many small, dead limbs are noticeable in our oak trees. Were these caused by the hurricane and should they be removed?

Weeks after hurricanes and strong storms are gone, some of the not-so immediate tree damage starts to appear. Often small twigs and tree limbs cracked and snapped, which leads to their slow but eventual decline.

When the brown portions are within easy reach, it would be good to prune these from the trees by making a clean cut at the point of damage. If you can stand the brown for a while, the limbs eventually become detached and fall from the tree. Healthy trees can seal these small wounds and fill the voids with new growth over time.

We have been growing flowers and vegetables in containers. Is it necessary to remove the old soil and add new at each planting?

Gambling gardeners might reuse old soil but there is a risk it could be full of insects or disease organisms. If the plants removed from the old containers appear healthy, you might use the soil another time. Most likely, some soil is going to be needed to replenish the organic matter that decomposed in the old mix. If you are not a gambler, remove the old soil, clean the containers and add a fresh potting mix at each planting.

We are a family of four and do not want to overplant the garden. How many broccoli plants should be grown to get at least a weekly harvest?

Gardening books frequently suggest three to five plants per family member but that is if you want an abundance of broccoli with some to preserve or share. Broccoli is a cut-and-comeagain crop that after the first big head is harvested, the plants keep on producing numerous side shoots of little broccoli clusters for months. My recommendation is set out one broccoli plant per family member to have more than enough for a weekly harvest.

I would like to grow the winter flowering camellias but understand they prefer shade. Can they become adjusted to full sun?

It’s true, camellias grow best in the filtered sun. They tend to have a yellowgreen look in the full sun and do not flower their best in heavy shade. But, if you give the shrubs good care they can adjust to sunny locations. Keep the soil moist and apply a slowrelease azalea-camellia fertilizer three to four times a year for the best growth under less than ideal conditions.

Can I cut some of the shallow roots of a live oak heading under my driveway and house?

After years of observing trees affected by hurricanes, it appears cutting roots is risky business. Many trees that toppled had roots cut in recent years, weakening their root systems. Also, trees near sidewalks and driveways often have a limited root system that left them susceptible to the winds.

If what you plan to remove are small surface roots that provide little support, you might be safe. But if these are major support roots swelling so they protrude at the surface of the soil, it’s probably best to allow them to continue their growth. I suggest you contact a certified arborist to have the tree checked and to determine what roots, if any, can be safely removed. When it is necessary to remove roots, the arborist can lighten the limb load to make it less susceptible to winds.