
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 29, 1992                   TAG: 9204010009
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: John Arbogast
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BIRD-MADE HOLES, LOSS OF SAP SHOULD NOT HURT SUGAR MAPLE

Q: We have five large sugar maple trees. This year, I have noticed sap constantly running down the trees in large amounts. I have never noticed anything like this until this year. When I checked the trees, I found that the wood peckers had pecked holes all around the trees. Do you think that this will harm or kill our trees? I don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions? M.S., Buchanan

A: Don't worry. Holes made in the trunk or branch of a thick-bark trees more than 10 years old should not cause major damage. Also, your sugar maples should not be at risk due to the loss of sap and water. Maples generally lose liquid through openings or wounds after mild winter weather and before new leaves are developed.

There is nothing you need to do about holes made by birds or about the loss of sap. In most cases these holes are fairly clean-cut and should not cause decay. Let nature take over. It would be a mistake to try to plug the holes.

The presenance of peck holes does not necessarily mean your tree has borers or other insects under the bark. I have been told that birds, especially woodpeckers, peck because they like the sound it makes.

Q: Last fall I inadvertently contaminated my compost pile with ant-and-roach spray. Should I use the compost or destroy it and begin another compost site? How long would it take for the spray to dissipate? T.H., Bedford

A: Save the compost until you get additional information. Check the chemical label of the spray and JOHN ARBOGAST contact the manufacturer of that product. Federal pesticide law requires all pesticides to be labeled, along with the name and address of the manufacturer. Anytime something unexpected happens, the pesticide manufacturer is the best source of information.

Each chemical maker must conduct tests and research before a product can be marketed. They should have the technical data to answer all questions related to their products.

The pesticide law also requires that the label include the establishment number for each product, which tells which factory made the chemical. This can be useful in case the manufacturer asks for more information before it can answer specific questions. If you no longer have the label or if you are not sure who made the spray, you may be out of luck. I don't know of anyone who can reliably answer your questions about whether the compost is contaminated or how long you should wait for it to be safe.

Q: The leaves on one of my holly bushes are turning brown. What causes this and what can I do to correct the problem? A.N.W., Troutville

A: I really can't say what the cause is. Certainly, at this time of year when the temperatures have not been consistently warm yet, I would not suspect a disease. Major insect pest problems are not all that common on hollies, although you did not mention which type you have or whether you have noticed anything on the leaves or stems during the past year. I would have to conclude that the browning is due to non-living or site-related factors.

The problem may be minor, although plants weakened by last year's drought may be gradually dying - especially now that the weather is getting warmer. For a more specific answer, take a fresh sample from the holly to a horticulture expert, such as an experienced landscaper or nurseryman. Don't mail a sample, because they often deteriorate in shipment. The sample should include a portion of stem, at least pencil size, as well as some leaves that show symptoms but not complete death.

Got a question about your plants, lawn, garden, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke

Gardener's checklist

Jobs for late March or early April:

The increased sunlight coming through windows usually means that houseplants will be making new growth soon. It is time to resume monthly fertilizer applications. Any soluble houseplant food may be used as long as the directions are followed. Too much fertilizer on potted plants will cause an accumulation in the soil and result in root burn and death.

Grass has resumed growth. Lawns can be managed for their best growth by mowing often enough so that no more than one-third of the grass height is cut in one mowing. Allowing the grass to grow tall and then mowing short causes shock and injury to the roots. In the spring when the grass is growing rapidly, frequent mowing is required. Be sure you mower blade is sharp.

John Arbogast is the agriculture extension agent for Roanoke

by CNB