Q: I have a tree in my front yard that no one seems to be able to identify. I'm sure it's quite common given that I see it in other yards in my neighborhood.

P.D.,

Hollywood

A: Unfortunately, you have an invasive weed called carrotwood. In Miami-Dade County, it's banned. It was once a fairly common shade tree until it was found to be a serious weed here. I'm not sure that the tree needs to be removed (check with your county or municipality for local ordinances), but that would be the responsible thing to do. Check out http://aquat1.ifas.edu/node/115 for more information.

Q: Last summer I planted a hedge. It had been thriving and healthy until yesterday. The plants suddenly turned yellow and are dying at the bottom. The next-door neighbor raises landscape plants and I am afraid something was sprayed near the fence that is killing my plants. What do I do?

P.K., Redland

A: Ask your neighbor if an herbicide was used. If so, there is no antidote. Some herbicides damage only the foliage and others, such as glyphosate, can kill the entire plant. Wait to see if your hedge recovers or ask your neighbor to replace the dead plants.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/

IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu.

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