This article reviews recent research on urban and community trees and their ability to stand up to hurricane strength winds.

Louisiana and the southeastern United States has an abundance of native plants that have potential for ornamental and fruit crop use. One of these that LSU AgCenter personnel have been investigating in recent years is the pawpaw.

The key components of the effective use of fungicides for pecan disease control are timing, coverage and concentration. The updated 2008 fungicide list is included.

This document describes the diseases that occur most frequently on pecan trees in Louisiana.

(Radio News 01/07/08) If you enjoyed Louisiana citrus during the past few months, you should consider growing your own. Planting a citrus tree starts with selecting the proper location says LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Dr. Bobby Fletcher. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Nothing says summer in the South like the fresh, airy blooms of crape myrtles. Follow these recommendations to ensure proper growth and blooming.

Bagworms create problems for many homeowners. Timing is critical in controlling bagworms.

Living in south Louisiana, we know that getting ready for the storm means stocking batteries, candles, water, canned goods and first aid supplies. We also need to think about the landscapes that surround our homes or businesses and how they can provide a buffer zone that can reduce storm damage.

With hurricane season around the corner, it’s a good time to begin preparing the landscape for storms, according to LSU AgCenter agriculture and natural resources expert Barton Joffrion. Trees generally are adapted only to average wind conditions rather than major storms. Homeowners need to analyze their property to identify potential damage that could be done to vegetation, structures and drainage systems.

Sound stewardship of urban and community trees includes employing the services of arborists to help maintain their health and vitality. This article provides the homeowner tips on finding and hiring a tree care professional for your residential tree care needs.

The intense heat makes moisture critical. This is especially true for newly installed landscapes, vegetable and flower beds and any new plantings in existing landscapes.

A two-acre camellia garden at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station is now open again, thanks to the efforts of the Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners.

Loquat, sometimes called Japanese plum or Japanese Medlar, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The tree has large thick evergreen leaves, which thrives in most well-drained soils, can be used as an edible landscape plant.

Information on azaleas includes recommended cultural practices and other keys to be successful with this popular plant in your landscape efforts.

The most important cultural practice the homeowner with pecan trees needs to consider is proper fertilization. This publication includes information and guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees.

February is an ideal time to prune fruit trees. Fruit trees require a certain amount of annual pruning for the production of high-quality fruit.

February is a good time to prune those crape myrtles, and if you have not been getting any blooms, fertilizing just may be the answer.

Although many consider palms sustainable only in tropical or arid regions of the world, many varieties are native to, or adapt well, to the subtropical climate of South Louisiana.

Satisfaction with a "real" Christmas tree starts with the right selection and continues with proper care throughout the holiday season, according to LSU AgCenter forestry expert Dr. Hallie Dozier. By following certain steps, the forester says you can keep the tree fresh and safe for enjoyment throughout the holidays.

Late fall through winter in Louisiana is a great season for planting fruit trees, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. The horticulturist says several kinds of fruit trees and similar plants work well in backyard landscapes.

(For Release On Or After 10/05/07) Fall is a prime planting season in Louisiana. Cool-season flowering bedding plants and cool-season vegetables are planted from now through February, and November through February is the best time to plant hardy shrubs, ground covers and perennials in the landscape. How well you prepare the soil before planting has an enormous effect on the health and growth of your plants.

LSU AgCenter scientists have picked eight varieties of crape myrtle as best performers. "There's a size and color to fit most any landscape design," according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

This publication includes information on the planting, fertilization, pruning, failure to flower, insects and diseases, and varieties of crape myrtles.

The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. The recommended varieties for home planting are listed and described in this publication.

The selection, planting and care of urban trees in Louisiana. Includes full-page poster of native landscape trees, their leaves, tree height and spread comparisons. 16 pages.

The flowering dogwood (Cornusflorida) is native to much of the eastern United States. Dogwood is a very versatile ornamental tree. This publication includes information on plant selection, watering, fertilization, disease and pest control for dogwoods.

Winter is the perfect time to prune trees so they will be healthy and better able to resist storm damage, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage.

LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil.

Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area.