Have a problem with your tree, or trees? Private
landowners should bring a sample of the problem and photos (if
available) to their local
UI County
Extension Office. Many offices have a Master Gardener Plant Clinic,
where problem diagnosis and control recommendations are given for
problems on all types of plants.
If the local office cannot make the diagnosis, the
sample will be sent to the Extension
Forestry Tree Clinic at the UI Campus at Moscow.
Presentation:
Diagnosis and Control
of Problems on Idaho Urban and Woodland Trees
Master Gardener Training Class Notes -
Diagnosis and Control of Problems on Idaho
Urban and Woodland Trees
1. Please fill out the front side of
this form as completely as possible. If a plant is worth inquiring
about, it is worth the owner’s/advisor’s time to provide pertinent
information to assist in the diagnosis.
2. Collect the plant material that is
showing the symptoms. If possible, send several samples which show the
progression of symptoms from mild to severe.
3. For small trees (seedlings) send
the entire plant, including the root system if possible. Wrap in dry
paper towels and place in an unsealed plastic bag. Wrap mushrooms or
fruit in newspaper and place in a box.
4. For larger trees, send a 6” to 8”
branch cutting, including leaves, flowers, and/or fruit where
appropriate. These samples may be placed in a plastic bag which is
forded over loosely, but NOT sealed tightly. DO NOT add moist paper
towels as samples will begin to mold and decompose in transit.
5. Place dry insects in small, sturdy
containers such as pill jars or film containers. Soft bodied insects
should be placed in a small container of rubbing alcohol. Pack in a
mailing tube or box with paper or stuffing to prevent damage in the
mail. Do not mail insects in an envelope.
6. Mail specimens as soon after
collecting as possible. If hold-over periods are unavoidable, keep the
specimen refrigerated. Allow at least two days in transit. Therefore,
mail packages so they arrive on a weekday.
7. Mail samples to:
Yvonne Barkley
Extension Forestry
PO Box 441140
College of Natural Resources
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-1140
8. Concerning our
diagnosis: Findings reported by this office are based on
examination of information and plant material submitted. Not all tree
problems are caused by plant pathogens or insect attacks. Other causes
(unusual weather patterns, nutrient deficiencies, pesticides) are often
difficult to diagnose without an on-site investigation. Some diagnoses
require intensive microscopic or biochemical analysis which we do not
have the facilities to accomplish.
