Question From: NEW YORK
Q: I planted in my backyard a beautiful lilac which bloomed for three years. And then, slowly, slowly died! I also planted a rhododendron. It grew beautiful for three years. Then the leaves curled, yellowed and fell. One after another the branches dried out. When we bought our house,in the back yard it was a young magnolia tree. It died after four or five years. I took a branch to the nursery, to a specialist. He said that the soil in my garden is contaminated with borer and the only chemical which could distroy it, will not allow anything to grow anymore an that spot. I have a very beautiful garden and azaleeas are not affected by this insects. My next door neighbour's garden have an old lilac and they do not take care of their garden. Is it something I can do about this insect, to be able to have a liliac or rhododrendon in my back yard?
Gabriela, If borers are the problem, a product called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Protect (liquid or granules) should do the job. Plant the tree or shrub and use the product according to package directions. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
