Tree and evergreen pests

Browning of Needles in Pine Trees

People are noticing a browning of needles in their pine trees. If these needles are behind last season’s growth, do not panic, it is natural needle cast.

If the browning is affecting last year’s growth and we can rule out winterkill, there are several disease issues caused by fungi.

The first one is brown spot blight. This disease usually starts turning the needles brown throughout the year. Look closely and you will see small, brown, resin-soaked spots on the needles. The needle tip will turn brown and dies. A fungicide can protect unaffected needles containing copper or chlorothalonil when applied when the needles are half grown and again 3 to 4 weeks later.

Brown Spot Blight

The second cause could be Dothistroma needle blight. Reddish-brown spots or bands occur on the needle. The band will eventually girdle the needle causing it to die from the band to the tip. Young needles are resistant until later in the summer. Again, use a fungicide just before the buds break and again after the new needles have grown to their full length.

Dothistroma needle blight

The third cause is needle cast (Rhizosphaera) where the new needles are green, and the older needles are brown to purple. Look along the needle and you will see black bumps. The disease starts at the lower part of the tree and works its way up the tree. Needle cast affects spruces like Colorado, white, and Norway. Make a fungicide application when the new needles have grown to half of their length, a second 3 to 4 weeks later. Do not use chlorothalonil, as it is listed as a phytotoxin to spruce trees.

Needle Cast Disease
Landscaping

Backyard Fence Canvas

The backyard fence is like a canvas and you are the painter.

No doubt, you can paint the fence any color.

How about decorating the fence as a focal point in the yard?
You can hang a large mirror up or several smaller ones creating an illusion of depth in a small space. Placing picture frames or fancy plates on the fence for an interesting aspect. Add a few climbing plants like clematis to finish the look.

Use an ornamental trellis or bed frame for those climbing plants. Everything will stand out better against a light-colored fence.

If you are short on growing area, try hanging pots or planters, or building boxes for plants onto the fence. Try nailing open wooden crates to the fence with pots and plants in them.

Do not forget to experiment with lighting. Try placing solar deck or spotlights around for a stylish effect playing off of focal points and shadows. It also adds to the security of the backyard at night.

If you are an artist, you can always paint a mural on your fence.

DIY Projects, Home Improvement

Stained Glass

If you admired the stained glass in a church and wished you could have this in your home, there is a way. You can buy window film looking like frosted or stained glass for your own windows. These products can be found online or at major hardware stores.

The self-adhesive film has an adhesive on one side that will stick to the window. A drawback to this is it is harder to apply and can only be used once. The benefit is that it can be applied to the exterior of the window.

The static film can be easily placed on an interior window and be reused. Make sure your window is clean before placing the film. There are countless options like the look of stained glass, graphics, and glow in the dark styles.

Folding screens come in bifold or trifold sections. These cover the window with decorative or simple scenes and an alternative to more permanent treatments.

If you are creative, you can use no tack tape and spray the window with frosted glass paint. Frosted designs double as a decorative element and provide privacy while letting light in.

You can buy actual stained glass to replace existing windows, however, it is more expensive than replacing the original glass. The average cost is $100 per square foot.

These window treatments add privacy to the room while allowing light to enter the home. This is especially important in the bathroom, living room, and kitchen.