In general, I don't recommend preventative sprays. You are just as likely to kill the beneficial insects that keep the harmful ones in check as to kill the harmful ones. It is usually better to use the gentlest specific spray possible to treat a specific insect or fungus outbreak after is has occurred.

For many problems, insecticidal soap is safe and effective. Also there is a new sesame seed oil product called Organocide that is useful on a multitude of insects and funguses. It seems to work better than the old petroleum-based horticultural oils, especially on some funguses. These are the two that I would keep on hand and start with.

Ropel spray will prevent rabbits from eating your flowers, trees and shrubs. Tobacco dust sprinkled on the ground around the plants will make the Ropel more effective. The Ropel and tobacco dust combination also makes gardens less palatable to woodchucks.

Question: I have a question about the care of Japanese Maples. When and how is the best way to trim and fertilize them? We just moved into this home and there are three that look as if they have been neglected. Thank You for your help.

Answer: Japanese Maples get fertilized with Cottonseed Meal and Kelp Meal in early spring and late fall. As you missed the spring feeding, you can feed now and then again in late November.

Major pruning should occur in mid-winter. Small branches can be pruned at any time. In general, Japanese Maples require very little pruning. Without pictures I cannot be specific as to what specifically to remove or how to shape the tree. Be sure to use Nubark ointment on any cut over ¾ inch and to cut right up to the shoulder, leaving the shoulder entirely remaining.

Question: I want to plant a Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), but we have deer and the place I want to put it is quite shady. Is this Viburnum really deer resistant? Our yard backs up to the reservoir and we have herds of deer camping out in the back yard. They eat just about everything we plant. My mother has a Korean Spice Viburnum and the fragrance in the spring is so wonderful.

Answer: You have a good chance of success. I have seen Korean Spice Viburnum untouched by deer in yards with severe deer problems. Viburnum carlesii tolerates more shade than most people realize, although the growth habit will be more open, but not unattractive, and the flowering will be lighter.

Question: I heard you say on the radio show that the 4th of July is the correct time for the second pinching of the mums. As usual I am behind schedule and the 4th of July has passed and the mums haven't had their second pinching. Can I still pinch or am I too late?

Answer: Clover usually gets established in lawns that are under fertilized and rarely takes over in lawns that are adequately fertilized. Make sure you are feeding your lawn at least 3 times a year. My experience has been that regular lawn weed killers, whether liquid or weed & feed type products, almost never kill clover. Confront is the only herbicide I have used that kills clover without harming the grass. Even with Confront, trying to kill clover in the summer when it’s not actively growing can be very difficult. Confront works best if it is applied in the spring or early fall when the clover is in vigorous growth. Even then 2 or 3 applications will probably be needed for complete clover kill. But if you stay after your clover with Confront, you will eventually beat it.