Neil Sperry

Dear Neil: We have a pear tree that looks like it has really died back. We just bought this property, and we think the previous owner had wire deterrents around all the other trees because of deer. Should I remove ...

Dear Neil: My neighbor has a fig tree that bears lots of delicious figs, but I don't know the variety. Can I root one from a cutting?

Dear Neil: We built our house 10 years ago. A local landscaping company (no longer in business) planted a "dwarf" magnolia tree in a sunny spot. The tree is now 20 feet tall. Were we actually sold a dwarf tree?

Dear Neil: We have a 26-year-old cottonwood tree hanging over our house. It has one large limb that concerns me. Is there danger of that limb falling in a high wind? Should I have the tree cut down?

Dear Neil: My yard is infested with crabgrass! How did it get all through the lawn so quickly? I've used (variety of product brands named), and it's still flourishing. What can I do? My lawn has been ruined by the ...

Dear Neil: We have a very large American elm, also a live oak in our yard. We have ivy growing beneath the elm and grass beneath the oak. We've considered replacing the grass with rock, lava rock or bark mulch, ...

Dear Neil: Please see the three photos I'm sending. While pruning our live oak, we found a deep cavity in the center of the branch and trunk. As you can see, we applied pruning paint to seal the wound. What ...

Dear Neil: My Bermuda lawn is filled with henbit and dandelions, despite the fact that I applied pre-emergents the first week of September and again in October. Broadleafed weedkillers don't seem to get them. Any advice?

Dear Neil: I grew up on a dryland farm in the 1950s, so I'm intensely aware of every drop of water I use. Due to the extreme conditions, I let my St. Augustine go last summer, and now I have ...

Dear Neil: We need to replace some grass due to a fungus. What should we use to treat the soil before planting the new grass? How long should we wait after treating before we plant? We have already had this ...

Dear Neil: I understand that people use coffee grounds in their flowerpots and flowerbeds. What are the reasons? Are they good enough to warrant doing it?

Dear Neil: About two years ago, I planted a mulberry tree near my septic system. It's about 7 feet tall now, and its trunk is as large as my wrist. It has grown much larger and faster than I expected, ...

Dear Neil: Can I trim and reshape my Texas sage plants (see photo)? They're so leggy. When should I do it?

Dear Neil: How well is buffalograss suited for use as a lawn in Texas? The area where I'd like to use it is part sun/part shade. Can I get away with not watering it once it's established?

Dear Neil: I have three 35-year-old Arizona ash trees. Some of their heavier branches are rotting, and one has fallen. A tree trimmer has suggested that I let him top the trees to give them more life. I hate to ...