By Adam Austing, Wright County, University of Minnesota Extension

With fall quickly approaching, we are in our last weeks of being able to accurately diagnose most plant issues. Once leaves start to change color, it becomes much more difficult to find out what is causing your tree or other landscape plant to struggle. If you’ve been noticing something weird happening, it might be very helpful to get a diagnosis now instead of waiting to see what next spring brings.

There are a few different options for Wright County residents to get help with any issue in your backyard. You can call, text, or email Adam Austing at (320) 249-5929 or aausting@umn.edu. Due to current restrictions, on-site visits are somewhat a last resort. That means high quality photos are vital to getting an accurate diagnosis. Focus on any symptoms that may be showing up on leaves. Close-up photos of leaves will often be most helpful. Any damage or issues to the trunk, branches, or bark can also be helpful indicators of what is ailing your tree.

If you’d like to do some research yourself, Extension also has the perfect resource for you. The “What’s wrong with my plant?” tool on the Extension website brings you through step by step to accurately diagnose issues on your own. To access this tool, go to apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/.

Lastly, a large group of very knowledgeable Master Gardeners are available to help as well. To contact the Wright County Extension Master Gardeners, give them a call on the yard & garden helpline: (763) 684-8489.

All of these resources are completely free for any Wright County resident. Please contact the Wright County Extension office at (763) 682-7394 with any questions.