Tarah Damask

Garden Guides Editorial Policies

Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Tarah Damask

  • Common Problems With A Japanese Lilac Tree

    Common Problems With a Japanese Lilac Tree. Japanese lilac trees (Syringa reticulata) are low-maintenance trees that emit a pleasing fragrance and are well-suited for a variety of conditions including urban areas, residential neighborhoods and drought. Common problems generally include pests and diseases like borers and fungal infections that the tree may resist if kept in good health.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Diseases Of A Sweet Gum Tree

    Diseases of a Sweet Gum Tree. Diseases of a sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) come in many forms, with the majority as fungal infections. Depending on the disease, a sweet gum tree may be affected on a cosmetic level or may be in danger of death. Understanding different diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent and manage them will provide a bit of peace of mind. Also, many sweet gum tree diseases only occur on weakened or wounded trees; practice appropriate maintenance.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lemon Trees In Georgia

    Lemon Trees in Georgia. Cold-hardy citrus fruit is the most well-suited choice for Georgia as freezes occur in this coastal state. Lemon trees are particularly adaptable to the southernmost region. Identify lemon trees that satisfy desired fruit production while thriving in Georgia's climate. Familiarize yourself with proper care as well as issues that may arise when growing lemon trees in Georgia for vigorous additions to your home garden.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Shade Loving Jasmine Plants

    Shade Loving Jasmine Plants. While some jasmine plants, like winter jasmine, tolerate shaded conditions, the star jasmine is a shade-loving vine. With the potential to act as a ground cover, this versatile plant is ideal for use in areas that receive lower levels of sunlight. Familiarize yourself with other prized features of this jasmine plant for the best use in your home garden.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Information On Curtail Weed Killer

    Information on Curtail Weed Killer. Curtail Weed Killer is an herbicide that exhibits effective control of broadleaf weeds that threaten the vigor of a variety of agricultural areas, including crop and non-croplands and pastures. Curtail is most often applied to wheat and barley crops as a means of promoting healthy production without the interruption of invasive weeds.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Begonias: Full Sun Or Shade?

    Begonias: Full Sun or Shade?. When growing begonias, sun exposure requirements may cause confusion or accidental damage because different species thrive in varying levels of light or shade with some more tolerant than others. Determine which begonia you are planting or research different species and requirements to make an appropriate selection for your home gardening space.

    By Tarah Damask November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Bugs That Kill Magnolia Trees

    Bugs That Kill Magnolia Trees. Bugs that kill magnolia trees often attack trees in large infestations, causing severe damage and death. Magnolia trees under attack by bugs display visible symptoms that allow you to recognize the problem before severe illness occurs. As a chemical control, apply an insecticide such as horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control bug infestations. If a fungal infection is present, apply a general fungicide.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers For The North Side Of A House

    Flowers for the North Side of a House. On the north side of a house, flowers need to tolerate or thrive in shade, as the sun is unable to shine brightly from the north, creating shaded growing spaces. Choose vivid perennials and annuals for added interest and color to an otherwise low impact area. Remember that though lighting is lower than other areas, plants may still receive some direct sunlight, so choose plants that thrive in both sunny and shady conditions.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Treatment For Rhododendron Root Rot

    The Treatment for Rhododendron Root Rot. Rhododendron plants (Rhododendron spp.) are susceptible to a variety of infections including the fungal disease Phytophthora root rot. Understand treatment and necessary care requirements such as a preference for dappled shade and identify causes of root rot like excessive moisture so that you can prevent the occurrence of this problem. Also, plant resistant varieties to lower the incidence of rhododendron root rot.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Blue Atlas Cedar Disease

    Blue Atlas Cedar Disease. Blue Atlas cedars are evergreen trees that fall victim to a particular fungal disease that affects the aesthetic beauty of their blue-green foliage. For prevention of disease on your cedar, employ proper care requirements for vigorous trees ready to resist or fight off fungal pathogens. Familiarize yourself with Blue Atlas cedar disease symptoms and control methods for further protection of your tree.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Yellow Fungus In Houseplant Soil

    Yellow Fungus in Houseplant Soil. If you notice a yellow fungus or mushroom growing in your houseplant's soil, do not be alarmed. Though mushrooms are often a sign of an underlying fungal infection, this type of mushroom is actually a beneficial addition to your plant's environment. Get to know why it's okay to see yellow fungus crop up in your plant's container, but take note of potential hazards, depending upon your household.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Tropical Plants Found In South Carolina

    Tropical Plants Found in South Carolina. Tropical plants found in South Carolina thrive in and are adapted to the state's sub-tropical and tropical climate; rain is ample, the coastal location by the Atlantic Ocean provides moisture and warm air and the Appalachian mountain range create milder winters by acting as a blockade to frigid air, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Diseases Of The Cherry Laurel

    Diseases of the Cherry Laurel. Diseases of the cherry laurel shrub (Prunus laurocerasus), also referred to as English laurel, generally consist of fungal infections and illness due to incorrect watering. Cherry laurels thrive in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; maintain your cherry laurel plant to keep it vigorous and less susceptible to disease.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • How Tall Do Hibiscus Plants Get?

    How Tall Do Hibiscus Plants Get?. Hibiscus plants reach a wide variety of heights due to the diversity of the species. Grown as annuals, perennials or shrubs, the height range includes dwarf varieties as well taller plants that grow up to 15 feet tall. Familiarize yourself with hibiscus and its many varieties for a plant size that suits the needs of your home garden.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Root Rot In Hydrangeas

    Root Rot in Hydrangeas. Root rot problems in hydrangeas are reason for worry as pathogens can cause severe damage to your plant. Identify the different types of fungi that attack hydrangeas, symptoms, the severity of potential damage and disease management for successful growth of healthy plants. Keeping your hydrangea vigorous through proper maintenance is key to resisting root-rot infection.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Deer-Resistant Gardenias

    Deer-Resistant Gardenias. Gardenia shrubs are prized for their beautiful flowers and pleasing fragrance as an addition to the home garden. Although many beloved plants are common targets for deer-feeding habits, the gardenia plant exhibits resistance to this landscape pest. Familiarize yourself with care requirements for vigorous growth as well as deer habits for further protection.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Insects On Sweet Basil Plants

    Insects on Sweet Basil Plants. Sweet basil plants are susceptible to a wide variety of insect pests that can cause significant damage. Certain types of insects, such as cutting insects that consume large portions of plants, can destroy your sweet basil. Identify insects that feed on basil as well as reliable control methods for successful growth of your home garden plants.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Cedar Root Rot

    Cedar Root Rot. Whether you have "true cedars" in your home landscape or those trees referred to as cedars, like the white cedar tree, root rot disease may wreak havoc on your woody plants. Cedar root rot is a fungal infection that results both in cosmetic injury and severe plant decline. Become familiar with this problem and avoid it through attentive care for continued health of your cedars.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Orange Fungus On A Plant

    Orange Fungus on a Plant. If you see an orange fungus on your plants, a fungal infection called orange rust is present. This orange-hued fungus looks for particular host plants. Identify affected plants as well as other symptoms, damage and control methods for successful growth of your plants.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Problems With Staghorn Ferns

    Problems With Staghorn Ferns. Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are tropical plants that have a low susceptibility to pests and diseases; however, neglecting the particular care requirements of staghorn ferns will lead to diminished health and vigor and can leave the fern vulnerable to pest and disease attack such as snails, slugs and Rhizoctonia fungal infection.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Gray Fungus On Tree

    Gray Fungus on Tree. The presence of gray fungus on trees is caused by a fungal infection. This infection is a widespread problem that affects many host plants. Identify susceptible plants as well as symptoms and damage. Familiarize yourself with disease traits and control methods for effective treatment of your home garden trees. Employ proper care for vigorous trees capable of resisting or fighting off gray fungus.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • White Diseased Bark On Ficus Tree

    White Diseased Bark on Ficus Tree. The presence of white diseased bark on a ficus tree is likely the development of fungal masses caused by southern blight disease. With a penchant for woody hosts as well as a slew of annual and perennial plants, this often leads to severe disease. However, through proper care and observation, you can prevent fungal infection while maintaining vigorous plants in your home garden.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Beetle Control For A Crabapple Tree

    Beetle Control for a Crabapple Tree. Beetles are destructive pests to the home garden. Crabapple trees are a highly susceptible host to beetle attack. Familiarize yourself with what to look for as well as reliable control methods to manage insect infestation. Provide your crabapple trees with proper care for vigorous plants ready to fight beetle invasion.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • The Best Shade Trees For Nevada

    The Best Shade Trees for Nevada. The best shade trees for Nevada are those that provide blockage from the sun while thriving in the full sunlight, high heat, drought-like conditions and dry soil of the desert, accompanied by cooler night temperatures. A wide variety of trees are available to Nevada's desert landscape offering low to moderate water use, pleasing visual impact and protection from the sun.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Mushrooms That Grow In Mulch

    Mushrooms That Grow in Mulch. Mushrooms that grow in mulch may appear as quickly as overnight after a rain and display a variety of shapes, colors and sizes dependent upon the strain of fungus from which they are produced. Mushrooms that grow in mulch are either feeding on the mulch itself or the bacteria harbored within. The fungi do not pose a threat to your landscape but can be poisonous if ingested.

    By Tarah Damask November 3rd, 2022 Read More