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Marginally adapted plants, like this Japanese maple, are easily stressed by being placed in a less-than-ideal location.
Determining the cause of symptoms -- disease or an environmental problem -- is essential to finding a solution or deciding to change planting strategies.
During landscape clean-up at season’s end, it’s a good time to assess your plantings’ performance and make plans for next season.
If problems occurred, how did they present? Were scattered, unrelated plants affected? Or were all plants in one section of the landscape showing symptoms? How problems present can give a clue as to the potential problems and help you develop a plan to improve next year.
If only one specific kind of plant -- for example roses or cucurbits -- had a problem this season, it could be a disease or insect problem. Most plant-damaging insects and diseases are very host specific, in that they attack only plants within a species or within closely related species, rather than a number of different species.
If it appears an insect or disease was the culprit, then next year when the problem first appears send pictures or bring samples to your local Nebraska Extension office, https://epd.unl.edu/. We can help you diagnose the problem and develop a good plan for control.
But it could also be the problem plant didn't have the right growing conditions or just is not adapted to our climate. For example, a rose growing in too much shade is very prone to infection by powdery mildew. A Japanese maple planted in full sun, on a hot dry windy site really doesn’t have much chance at survival in Nebraska.
But, that same rose in full sun will have no disease. And the Japanese maple given some afternoon shade in a sheltered location away from wind, correctly watered, at least has a chance. In this case, the best solution to the problem is moving the plant to a location better matching its growing needs.
Matching plants to site conditions available in your garden or landscape is critical to their success, along with choosing well-adapted plants.
For example, Japanese maples often struggle in Nebraska even on a good site. So swapping it out for a serviceberry, Corneliancherry dogwood or an attractive shrub is an even better idea. Take time this winter to research plant needs before deciding to plant them and consider replacing existing plants with chronic problems due to a site or climate mismatch.
Problems affecting most or all yard and garden plantings -- such as the entire vegetable garden or flower bed -- are more likely caused by the general environment or growing conditions in your landscape. Common causes include too much or not enough water and soil issues, although too much or too little light, herbicide drift, high winds, hail and other environmental issues can cause problems, too.
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What are the soil moisture levels in your problem area? Are plants getting too dry and developing leaf scorch by late summer? If so, relocating problem plants to a moister area of the landscape is one option. Or develop an irrigation plan to ensure drought-affected plants get the water they need to grow well.
Another option is to remove the problem plants, replacing them with something more drought tolerant. Check out the publication below for good suggestions on drought tolerant perennials:
Perennials in Water-Wise Landscapes, Nebraska Extension, https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-g1214-perennials-in-water-wise-landscapes.pdf
Soils are a critical part of the success or failure of individual plants or an entire garden. Common problems related to soil include compaction, drainage and soil pH. Compaction and drainage problems often occur together since compacted soils also have poor drainage.
Newly constructed homes -- those built within about the last 20 years - often have compacted soil issues. Compaction reduces plant growth and vigor by decreasing the amount of oxygen penetrating into the soil and decreasing plant root growth.
Poor water infiltration is another problem with compacted soil and also has an impact on plant root growth. Ideally compaction is addressed before a new planting bed is created, by physically loosening the soil through tillage or spading and adding organic matter.
But it can also be done when replacing a plant that has died. Make sure to dig a wide hole for the new plant, loosening the soil around the plant so new roots have an easier time growing and expanding. However, we no longer recommend adding organic matter into the planting hole. The plant is better off growing directly into unamended native soil, unless the entire area where the plant’s root system will be growing can be amended – which usually is either not possible or an undertaking gardeners are not willing to do.
Eastern Nebraska tends to have alkaline soil or high soil pH, which can cause problems for some plants, like river birch, big-leaf hydrangeas and blueberries to name a few. Alkaline soil changes the availability of certain plant nutrients, often making them less available.
Iron chlorosis, characterized by light green or yellow leaves with darker green veins, is one of the most common soil pH-induced nutritional deficiencies and is also common in the plants mentioned above.
However, changing soil pH is difficult, if not impossible. Many horticulture researchers now agree that rather than trying to amend soil pH, the better option is choosing plants adapted to alkaline soil.
Not sure if your plant problems are soil pH related? Do some research to determine the preferred soil pH for the plants you’re growing. Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder -- http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx -- is a great tool for finding in-depth plant information. Or take samples of your plant to your local Nebraska Extension office for diagnosis. If you’re trying to grow plants that prefer acidic soil, that might be the problem.
Next, have a soil test done through your local soil testing lab to determine your soil pH. If alkaline soil is the problem, then avoid plants prone to iron chlorosis or sensitive to alkaline soil.
Nebraska Soil Testing Labs, https://go.unl.edu/ne-soillabs/.
Keep all these factors in mind as you review this growing season and you may be able to eliminate some of your “problem plants” next year.
Builder: Hartland Homes. Subdivision: Hartland Homes Southwest. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 2. Square footage: 1,637. Price range: $250,000-$300,000 with lot.
Features: first-floor laundry, large kitchen/dining/living area, finished basement. You choose the lot and plan and personalize the options. We pay closing costs when you use our lender and build in our area. Lots available in Garden Valley 5th addition. www.heartlandhomes.com
Builder: Murray Custom Homes. Subdivision: Southwest Village Heights. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,888. Price range: $475,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: custom homes that highlight distinct architectural features and designs, open concept, 16' sloped ceilings, towering windows provide natural light, culinary-inspired kitchen, quartz polished countertops, walk-in pantry with work space, spa-like primary suite with soaking tub, walk-in shower, walk-in closet, dual vanities.
Builder: Smetter Homes. Subdivision: Wilderness Hills. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,250. Price range: $350,000-$400,000 with lot.
Features: Smetter Homes’ newest townhome development, large kitchen pantry, granite countertops throughout, recessed lighting, white cabinetry, kitchen soft-close drawers, white subway kitchen tile, stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances, spacious primary suite, convenient first-floor laundry, finished basement, fences allowed. Superior products used inside and out.
Builder: MK Builders. Subdivision: Wilderness Hills. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square footage: 3,356. Price range: $500,000-$525,000 without lot.
Features: Covered deck overlooking green space, open concept with oversized windows for abundant light, tall ceilings, designer kitchen with oversized walk-in pantry, primary suite with walk-in tile shower, walk-in closet and built-in laundry, quartz countertops throughout, four-stall, fully insulated garage. www.buildmk.com
Builder: Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC. Subdivision: Wilderness Hills. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 4. Square footage: 3,951. Price range: $850,000-$900,000 with lot.
Features: great room fireplace, primary suite w/double-sink vanity, walk-in tile shower, soaker tub, walk-in closets in all bedrooms, walk-in pantry, main-level laundry, mudroom w/built-in lockers, walkout level with two bedrooms, full bath, family room, wet bar, exercise room, second fireplace. www.3409TreeLine.info
Builder: Legacy Homes. Subdivision: Iron Ridge, Roca. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 3. Square footage: 3,416. Price range: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: stunning kitchen, natural gas fireplace, Sierra Pacific windows, main-floor laundry, 1,499 square-foot family room in finished lower level. Visit our state-of-the-art design studio in Omaha, located off the Harrison Street exit on I-80. Thousands of selections to customize your home. www.legacyhomeslincoln.com
Builder: Sampson Residential Properties. Subdivision: Grandale Villas. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,523. Price range: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: covered patio, main-floor laundry w/sink, coffered ceilings, gas fireplace, large island, walk-in pantry, informal dining, primary bedroom with 3/4 en suite, dual vanities, separate commode, walk-in closet, recreation room, wet bar, ¾ bath in finished basement, homeowners' association amenities.
Builder: Prairie Home Builders. Subdivision: Covenant Addition. Bedrooms: 2. Baths: 3. Square footage: 1,904. Price range: $375,000-$425,000 with lot.
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Builder: Element Homes: Subdivision: Wandering Creek. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,831. Price range: $550,000-$600,000 with lot.
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Builder: CaseyCo Custom Homes. Subdivision: Wandering Creek. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,871. Price range: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: open-concept ranch, 10’ entry and great room ceilings, custom fireplace, pantry, butcher block countertop, secluded primary suite with full tile shower, double-sink vanity, recreation room, space for gym/playroom, two bedrooms, bath in basement, covered patio, custom floor plans.
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Features: townhome blocks from Hillcrest Country Club, top-quality finishes, zero-entry, coffered ceilings in primary bedroom, dining and great room, fireplace, heated tile bathroom flooring, zero-entry shower, walk-in pantry, main-level laundry, composite deck, private courtyard, homeowners' association amenities. www.truenorthlincoln.com
Builder: 402 Customs. Subdivision: White Horse. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 4.5. Square footage: 4,033. Price range: $850,000-$900,000 with lot.
Features: chef's kitchen, Wolf and Bluestar appliances, expansive quartz countertops, walk-in pantry with prep station, eat-in island, fireplace, home office/guest suite, primary bedroom with vaulted ceiling, double-sink en suite, soaking tub, tile shower, basement game room, wet bar, electric fireplace, space for gym.
Builder: High Ridge Builders. Subdivision: Dominion at Stevens Creek. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,829. Price range: $425,000-$475,000 without lot.
Features: coffered living room ceiling, electric fireplace with art deco wall, granite island, walk-in pantry, covered deck off dining, primary bedroom with dual sinks, tiled zero-entry shower, laundry through primary closet, second main-level bedroom and full bath on opposite side, walkout basement.
Builder: Prairie Home Builders. Subdivision: Prairie Village. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,403. Price range: $425,000-$475,000 with lot.
Features: split-ranch, cathedral ceilings in kitchen and great room, large island, pantry, covered patio off dining room, first-floor laundry with seat and coat hooks, primary bath with double sinks, walk-in tile shower, separate linen closet, finished basement with full bath, recreation room. www.prairiehomeslincoln.com
Builder: Prairie Home Builders. Subdivision: Prairie Village North. Bedrooms: 3. Bathrooms: 3. Square footage: 1,928. Price range: $300,000-$350,000 with lot.
Features: open plan, nine-foot ceilings, vinyl plank floors, granite kitchen countertops, Birch cabinets, galley island, stainless steel appliances/undermount sink, first-floor laundry, primary bedroom with large bath and walk-in closet, daylight basement features one bedroom with walk-in closet, full bath, recreation room. www.prairiehomeslincoln.com
Builder: Blake Builders. Subdivision: Fallbrook. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,168. Price range: $500,000-$550,000 with lot.
Features: contemporary living with traditional styling, open concept, eat-in dining room and kitchen island, high-end finishes, private terrace, mudroom, two-stall garage. Located near Fallbrook’s town center restaurants and shops, miles of walking trails, grocery store within walking distance, quick downtown commute.
Builder: CB Townhomes. Subdivision: Village West. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 3. Price range: $275,000-$360,000 with lot.
Features: open concept, separate office, main-level laundry, large primary suite with oversized walk-in closet, custom cabinets and granite countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, generous covered deck, lot backs to trees for privacy, two-stall garage. Ask about other floor plan options.
Builder: Blake Builders. Subdivision: Anaheim Court. Bedrooms: 3. Baths: 3. Square footage: 2,581. Price range: $375,000-$450,000 without lot.
Features: townhouse with top-end, designer selected finishes, large corner kitchen with walk-in pantry, gas fireplace, gas kitchen range, quartz countertops, primary suite with walk-in shower, dual vanities, access to main-floor laundry, composite decking with aluminum railing, zero-entry from garage. Homeowners association amenities.
Sarah Browning is an extension educator with Nebraska Extension. To ask a question or reach her, call 402-441-7180 or write to her at sarah.browning@unl.edu or 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528.
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Marginally adapted plants, like this Japanese maple, are easily stressed by being placed in a less-than-ideal location.
Determining the cause of symptoms -- disease or an environmental problem -- is essential to finding a solution or deciding to change planting strategies.
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