What is up with all of the ash trees not leafing out around the County? What we are seeing is a case of fall freeze damage. The green ash trees were actively growing in the fall until late September and early October when temperatures dropped into the low 20s or high teens. Many of the ash trees froze and dropped green leaves to the ground during this time period. Damage occurs before the plant becomes dormant as evidenced by development of fall leaf color and normal leaf drop. It is recommended that trees not be trimmed or cut down until July 4th. Further information can be found in the MSU Extension Montguide MT199518AG titled What’s Wrong with This Tree? The Montguide is written by Cheryl Moore-Gough, MSU Extension Horticulturist.

Why has the bark fallen off on the windward side of my Canada red chokecherry tree? Sunscald can be quite prominent in young unprotected trees. Bark on the south and southwest sides and in branch crotches may be killed by sunscald. Bark is warmed and the cells de-harden by afternoon sun. Rapid temperature drop after sunset kills the cells and bark. Damage is most prominent on smooth barked trees or dark bark trees such as cherry. Tree wrap can be applied to the trunk in October to reflect the sun and reduce abrupt temperature fluctuations. Wrap the trunks from the soil line to the lowest branch. Remove the wrap in April. Further information can be found in the MSU Extension Montguide MT199518AG titled What’s Wrong with This Tree? The Montguide is written by Cheryl Moore-Gough, MSU Extension Horticulturist.

Why do the leaves on my newly planted maple tree have brown scorching around the edges? The problem is called leaf scorch, and results because of lack of water. Because of limited root systems, recently transplanted trees and shrubs should be watered more often than established

trees. Water the entire root ball once a week, or when the root ball is dry two inches below the surface.

My raspberries canes are almost completely dead, but next year’s growth looks great. What happened? Raspberry canes will de-harden and can become active in late fall and mid to late winter if the air temperature remains above about 41 degrees for several days. The sudden hard dormancy first they are the most susceptible to winter damage. Reduce the chances of winter damage by wrapping the canes with burlap. If you have a huge patch, build a temporary fence to shade and cool the plants keeping the canes cold and the soil frozen. Remove burlap plant wraps or fence by late March or early April. MSU Extension Montguide MT199804AG titled Growing Raspberries in Montana Gardens. Montguide is written by Cheryl Moore-Gough, MSU Extension Horticulturist and Dara Palmer, Montana Master Gardener Coordinator.

Where can I order composting worms? According to Cheryl Moore Gough MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist, red wigglers will work the best if setting up a cold worm bin. They’re typically ordered online. They’re about $30.00/lb. Be sure to set up a cold compost system, not one that relies on heat, as heat will kill the worms. The “composting” is actually the worms digesting the organic material, not the material breaking down by other microorganisms and heat. I had a worm bin for years. There’s a great book with lots of details called Worms Eat my Garbage by Mary Appelhof available on Amazon.