Summer gardening is winding down, and it would be a natural assumption that gardening inquiries would dwindle. However, I still receive several homeowner questions at church and when I’m out with my breakfast crew despite the waning growing season. Rainy, hot weather has many scratching their heads about what to do next in their flower gardens and landscapes. Below are a few questions that you may have pondered.

Question: While weeding my shrubs and flower beds, I’ve encountered a few very small tree saplings that seem to reoccur each year. Is there anything I can spray on the saplings to keep them from coming up each year?

Answer: Yes, the best way to control reoccurring small saplings is to treat the stump when you prune them back with a brush killer or glyphosate (Roundup). The stumps need to be painted, full strength, immediately after cutting to allow the herbicide to translocate to the root system.

Question: What time of year do azaleas and other spring blooming trees and shrubs set their flowers?

Answer: Generally late July and August are the months with these shrubs set their blooms. It’s important to keep them properly irrigated and avoid pruning at this time to help them develop blooms for next spring.

Question: Crabgrass has completely taken over my lawn. What’s the best way to get rid of this grass before planting fescue in a few weeks?

Answer: Roundup (glyphosate products) will control this grass and other weeds. If you only have crabgrass, you have the option to use herbicide blends that contain diquat which will control the annual weed. It’s cheaper and works immediately. However, if your lawn has both Bermuda and crabgrass, glyphosate is recommended. Perennial weeds require will not be controlled with diquat.

Question: Some of my trees are dropping leaves like they do in the fall. Is there something wrong or is there anything I can do to prevent this premature leaf drop?

Answer: Not really. Certain species such as poplar, birch, prunus family (cherry, plum) drop prematurely during weather extremes such as high temperatures, windy weather or heat. It’s normal and your trees should recover. However, if your trees have dropped them all summer, pay close attention to determine if they are in decline.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired County Extension Director with horticulture responsibilities with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.