Rogers County Horticulture
The Rogers County Extension Office is dedicated to bringing you the latest research-based information for your lawn, garden, landscape and other horticulture concerns.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: "Who can remove bees from my property?"
A: Visit the Northeast Oklahoma Beekeeper's Association
Q: "Where can I order tree seedlings?"
A: Oklahoma Forestry Services has a contact number to call, or you could pick up an order form from your local
Extension office.
Q: "I have a lot of damage from the ice storm. Where do I find a certified arborist
to prune out the dead branches in my trees?"
A: Oklahoma Forestry Services provides this information and a list of certified arborist in your area.
Q: "Does OSU test water for algae and other stuff?"
A: Yes, they can test for pH level, alkalinity and hardness, and nitrate levels. They
do NOT test for oxygen level, phosphorus, toxic substances, or toxic algae. Call
405-744-6623 for sample requirements before bringing a sample to the Extension office.
More information can be found in fact sheet L-420.
Q: "When is the best time of year to prune plants?"
A: Generally, pruning is done when the plant is dormant or after flowering. This
minimizes stress on the plant because energy levels are low during dormancy. In Oklahoma,
dormancy is in January and February, i.e. the coldest months. Refer to OSU fact sheet
HLA-6409 for more information on pruning.
Q: "My spring flowering bulbs are growing when I planted them a few weeks ago this
fall. Should I dig them up or keep them in the ground?"
A: This happens when the outside temperature is constantly rising and falling during
the fall season. Do NOT dig them up because even though they are sprouting new leaves,
they are also putting energy into developing roots to persist through the winter months.
Simply cut the foliage down to the ground and let the bulb continue to put energy
into rooting.
Q: "My pine trees' needles are turning yellow and falling off! Help!"
A: If the yellowing needles are located toward the inside of the tree, rather than
the new growth on the tips of the stems, this is normal. It's called seasonal needle
drop, and occurs about every 3 years, depending on the kind of pine it is. No need
to worry.
Q: "I've seen these mounds of dirt all over Oklahoma it seems. They're in my yard,
on the roadsides, and basically everywhere there's grass. What are they?"
A: If they are tiny mounds of dirt, about the size of a quarter, they're most likely
beetles that have emerged from larval stage grubs. They emerge at night when no one
is looking. If the mounds of dirt are large, about the size of a frisbee, they're
most likely moles, gophers, or voles. Moles like to eat earthworms and occasionally
grubs that nest in the soil. Gophers and voles will eat plant roots. For more information,
refer to OSU fact sheet NREM-9001, D-51, and Vole Control.