Philips Tree Service

Marigold Types
Even though today's marigolds stem from three foundation marigolds, two of which are named for their perceived country of origin -- Tagetes erecta, or African marigold; Tagetes patula, or French marigold; and Tagetes teneuifolia, or signet marigold -- all began in the Southwest United States and South America. Marigolds established in Europe and Africa via Spanish and French explorers who transported seeds to the homeland.

French marigolds produce small, bushy plants with single or double flowers of orange, yellow, dark red and bicolor combinations, which bloom from spring until frost. African marigolds reach heights of up to 36 inches and produce flowers that span as much as 5 inches. Flowers present as the double variety in shades of yellow and orange. Signet marigolds produce yellow or orange edible flowers -- signets taste like spicy tarragon -- on bushy, lemon-scented plants. Small, single flowers completely cover the plant's lacy foliage by midsummer.

Oak Decline
Oak decline is a diseases that is associated with fungus and stress. In Texas it mostly affects live oak trees that are stressed due to drought or urban stresses. Oak decline happens slowly. The thinning of the canopy, smaller leaf size, and dying twigs and branches are the first signs of oak decline. Later, only the main branches of the tree are still alive. Oak decline can be prevented by keeping the trees healthy with deep watering, fertilizer application and limb pruning. You can also treat trees with a fungicide called Arbotect to help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Oak Leaf Blister
Oak leaf blister is another fungus affecting the leaves of oak trees, especially post oak, water oak, red oak and live oak. It causes a large bulge on the top of the leaves that starts out light green and later turns brown. It rarely kills the trees or causes defoliation, except when the infection is severe. Very susceptible trees can be treated with a fungicide that contains copper, but chemical control is not usually recommended.