Garden Hotline

Jeff Kendall and Jim Schulte of Horstmann Brothers Landscaping answer your gardening questions.

Scott Jagow and Erin Goss from Shaw Nature Reserve share details on upcoming fall events, including the importance of a sincere pumpkin patch and Halloween-themed activities at the reserve. The episode also addresses listener gardening questions: Sally seeks advice on a dying oak tree with mushrooms, and Erin suggests consulting the Missouri Botanical Garden and the University of Missouri Extension. Jan asks about controlling creeping charlie, and Erin recommends manual removal or a broadleaf herbicide

Scott Jagow is joined by Erin Goss from Shaw Nature Reserve to discuss essential gardening tips for Fall. They cover leaf cleanup, preparing gardens for winter, and how the early leaf drop due to warm weather is affecting local trees. Erin shares advice on pruning apple tree suckers and the best times to plant fruit trees, while also discussing the effects of climate change on St. Louis natural areas, including extreme weather's impact on tree health and animal behavior. They also highlight beautiful spots for fall foliage like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park. The conversation wraps up with water management tips during heavy rains and a preview of Shaw Nature Reserve's upcoming art show.

Mark Grueber, a seasoned forester with 38 years of experience, shares his expertise on tree care. He advises against staking trees for extended periods, as it can weaken their structure, and suggests using soft materials like foam noodles to protect them. For brown, woody climbing hydrangeas, he recommends reducing nitrogen fertilizer and adjusting sunlight exposure. Grueber also discusses the risks of overplanting maples due to the Asian Longhorn beetle and suggests serviceberry as a safer alternative. Plus, he highlights the best time to prune trees and offers practical tips on proper planting and maintenance to ensure healthy growth.

In this special episode of Garden Hotline, Jeff Kendall and Robert Effinger of Horstmann Bros Landscaping share their extensive knowledge on home and garden care. From tree management to landscape design, the hosts cover various techniques to keep your outdoor space healthy and beautiful. They discuss essential seasonal tasks like preparing gardens for fall, watering best practices, and managing tree issues such as gall wasps and drought damage.