more... > Parishes > St. Tammany > Agriculture/Horticulture > Favorite Fall Greens [Image: Mustard Greens] Most people’s favorite autumn colors include some reds, yellows, and oranges in line with the colors of tree landscapes. Obvious fall colors for LSU fans would be purple and gold or for Saints fans, black and gold. What’s that Green Stuff in my Tree? [Image: Leaves] All too often I get a simple question to a complex answer. I wish it were the other way but more often it doesn’t happen that way. Like the title, “What is the green stuff in my tree?”I usually have to ask several questions to decide what the real problem is. Chinch Bugs vs. Brown Patch [Image: Chinch Bugs] The most common insect causing problems in our lawn is the chinch bug What’ll I Do About My Trees Damaged by the Hurricane? [Image: Trees] Many trees and tall shrubs typically are affected by the strong winds following a hurricane. Planning before and attention after the storm can help your trees to recover.  more articles... Winding Vines [Image: Kudzu vine] Vines, by design, grow quickly! They are all manageable if plans are made to maintain them. Fabulous Fig Facts [Image: Figs on the tree] Normally I wouldn’t suggest planting much in our August heat. The ground is dry, water is scare with below 12” of annual rainfall, and temperatures are daily in the high 90’s, bumping the 100’s. Still we can dream of things we can do during more tolerant weather. The Red Headed Azalea Caterpillar [Image: Azalea] The Azalea Caterpillar (Datana Major) is very active in August and September. The adult moths (not butterflies) lay their eggs in late spring. As the eggs mature the young caterpillars skeletonize the azaleas, particularly the Southern Indica Hybrids. Bad Bugs [Image: carpenter bee] The tune “Bad Boys, Bad Boys, watcha gonna do?” could easily be replaced with “Bad Bugs, Bad Bugs watcha gonna do?” in our area. We seem to have insects of Biblical proportion at certain times and especially late spring and summer. Summer Care of Azaleas [Image: Azaleas ] Tips on summer care of azaleas The Nitty Gritty of Composting [Image: Compost] Many people are quite capable of taking care of their garbage. Just put in the plastic bag, take it to the road and it’s gone. Beneficial Bugs [Image: honeybee] Some insects are questionable as to there “good purposes on Earth", but..... Spiders, Snakes, Snails ande Slugs... [Image: spider] This new year is quickly becoming a little surprising already. Many of the calls I’ve received are suspiciously starting with “S” subjects. The winter season has its usual calls about early spring fertilizing (don’t do it), spinach harvesting (yes, do it), and soil sampling (absolutely yes, do it). In addition, I’ve had some unusual winter calls about spiders, snakes, snails and slugs. Landscape Weed Control In Early Spring Weed control in flower beds Orange You Glad You Can Grow Citrus [Image: Orange Tree] The best time to plant citrus is January or February