DEAR NEIL: One of my live oak trees was ravaged by the little wooden “marbles” on its twigs last summer. They’re still there, and I’m wondering if they are harmful to the tree.

If you decide to plant another oak, a maple, or a Chinese pistachio, all notorious for their thin barks, protect the new tree’s trunk with paper tree wrap for the first couple of years.

DEAR NEIL: We have a small redbud growing among oak trees on property near Kerrville. It is protected from deer, but it doesn’t appear to be growing very rapidly.

Q: The leaves on my Diamond Spire gardenias are turning bright yellow before they turn brown and drop off. Another one 6 feet away is doing just fine. Both are in full sun in clay pots. Thanks for any ...

This oak tree is suffering from a terrible case of sun scald and needs to be replaced. (Contributed Photo) Of the dozen types of hollies, Carissas seem to develop problems more often than most.

DEAR NEIL: I had an oak tree cut down 18 months ago. Since then, I’ve had active suckers sprouting up everywhere. I’ve killed such suckers on each one that I’ve seen, but more keep sprouting.

Sperry: Tree removal causes lawn issues, while other trees struggle Neil Sperry Jun 13, 2025 Updated Jun 13, 2025 1 of 3 ...

DEAR NEIL: We have a ranch in South Texas. We are blessed to have some magnificent large old live oak trees. However, beneath some of those trees are many sprouts coming up.

If you decide to plant another oak, a maple, or a Chinese pistachio, all notorious for their thin barks, protect the new tree’s trunk with paper tree wrap for the first couple of years.

DEAR NEIL: I have a live oak that is 10 or 12 years old. It was damaged in the freeze of 2021. The entire top appears to be dead except for one long branch that seems to be coming back now.