I would like to know if covering mint with plastic will prevent it from growing and spreading and if so how long I need to cover it for?

We have moved to a 2 acre property in Hillsboro and have several mature fruit trees (apricot, sweet cherry, asian pear, pear, persimmon, italian plum and apple (unknown varieties)). The trees were pruned, but not sprayed. Is there anything we can do at this point to minimize bugs/worms/etc? Trees are blooming.

Dear U of M Extension, I have a small garden in which I am slowly packing as many different types of berries as I can find. I am excited about the idea of adding some berry varieties developed or at least field tested by the U of M, but I am not sure where is the best place to find such plants. Does the U have any kind of spring plant sale that would include berry plants? Or a list of vendors selling cultivars under license? I bought a hardy kiwi vine on a whim at Lowe's a couple weeks ago. After doing some research subsequently I am kind of kicking myself (a) because I only bought one plant, not knowing that both a male and female are needed, (b) I don't think Lowe's even designated which were male vs. female, and (c) I don't know which cultivar of hardy kiwi this even is. From now on I'm trying to be a little more strategic. (These specific questions are a moot point since after learning how big these vines get I think I will need to give this away to someone with a bigger yard). I am finding the resources on your website very helpful in terms of learning about plants, but the one additional thing I am now seeking is where to actually buy them. Thanks! Brian

We have a beautiful cherry tree that bloomed fully last spring, and then gradually lost nearly all of its leaves in a month. We thought it had a fungus We treated it with Liqui-cop. Now, it is starting to flower, but several branches, about 3/4 of the tree, appear to be dead. Local nursery suggested over watering might have caused this. Do you have any suggestions about what we should do next to save our tree. We live in Ashland. Thank you, Heidi

Arborist has suggested a "drench" for a live oak tree that has Gamoderma (spelling?) root rot. Is it worth the cost? I know it will not cure the tree but will it help prolong the life of the tree?

Hello. We have a birch tree out near our house and it's stems are turning black and have little to no growth. Do you know what this is and can we treat it? Thanks.

Hello, My family is creating a small garden in Capitol Hill, Washington, DC. We are looking to bring in a pair of apple trees to espalier and bring some life and fruit to our space. We would love to use a local apple and like many others we're most hopeful to use the Antietam Blush apple. Is the Antietam Blush available for purchase this season? If so, where might I find one and what would you recommend might pair well for pollination with it? If the variety is not yet available, do you have an estimated date (or year) it will be available? Can you please share advice about which apple varieties you recommend for the Washington, DC climate? Thank you very much for your guidance!

I have a white lacey mold or fungus or something, growing through a mulch pile left for last summer. Is it harmful how can I treat or kill it. Must I remove it or can I spread it out in the sunlght to kill it?

What is the best way to get my garden soil tested here in the Bend area?

Could you please help us identify this black ant? Within the past week or so, we have found this type of ant inside our home, usually in upstairs bedrooms and hallway. We are trying to understand what it is and what attracts it.