Q: For a year I've been struggling with a mango tree. Someone said I was watering the tree too much. I stopped the watering, but the branches are still dying off.

A.A., Hialeah

A: There could be other reasons for branch die-back. It could have been planted too deeply or improperly. The trunk should flare out at the base if properly planted. If it was planted too deeply, you'll need to remove the soil that is over the rootball so that the first major roots are visible where they meet the trunk.

Other problems could be:

• Using ``weed and feed'' products improperly. Always follow the directions.

• Too much fertilizer, which can cause root damage.

• Overwatering (it should not be watered anymore because it is established). This also means not watering any other plants near the mango. Water grass only when the blades fold in half and no rain is forecasted within the next few days. During the rainy season, grass usually doesn't need watering unless there hasn't been any rain for more than a week or two. In the winter when it's cool and the days are short, grass can be watered one to two times a month or less, depending on your soil type.

If there is serious root damage, it will take time for new roots to grow and lessen the branch die-back.

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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