Hotline

Got Gardening Questions?

Visit or call the Hotline
Wednesday 9am-12pm
Thursday 1-4pm

Call: 530-538-7201

Or drop by: The Butte County Cooperative Extension Office
2279-B Del Oro Avenue
Oroville, CA 95965

Email Us at mgbutte@ucanr.edu. Include a description and photos of the problem. See "Help Us Help You" below for what to include.

You can also catch us in person at local farmers markets or at one of our information booths. Check out where we'll be on the Events page.

Help Us Help You

You never can tell what's at the root of the problem. Below are some questions we may ask when you call:

• Name of plant
• Age of plant
• Soil type (loam, sandy, clay)
• Current watering methods (drip, sprinkler, hand)
• Frequency of watering
• Sun exposure
• Evidence of insects or other damage – check on both sides of leaves
• Recent changes that may effect the plant (watering, fertilizing)

Samples and photos related to your question are strongly encouraged. Drop them by the office any time, or email them to: mgbutte@ucanr.edu

What’s Hot Now?

by Jeanette Alosi

What is a bare-root fruit tree?

Fruit trees can be planted any time of year while bare-root fruit trees are only available during the winter months when trees are dormant (December thru March). They are called bare-root trees because after growing for 1 to 3 years in a wholesale nursery they are dug up, and the soil is shaken from their roots. The roots of the trees must be kept moist by covering them with soil, sawdust or compost until they are planted. There are many advantages to purchasing a bare-root fruit tree. They are less expensive, easier to transport and handle, and grow more easily into native soils. For more information on how to plant a bare-root tree see our Real Dirt article on Planting Bare-Root Fruit Trees, and UC ANR’s publication on Planting and Care of Young Trees (pdf).

Photo provided by UCANR.