Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam helps a homeowner solve an issue they’ve been experiencing with a pine tree. After discussing the problem, Lee called arborist Brandon Maltby to help identify a fungal disease and come up with a solution. Then, Lee and the homeowner worked together to remove the thick bend of mulch that was preventing water and air from reaching the tree’s roots before replacing it with a nutrient-rich leaf mulch and irrigation.
Next, we meet Lee, Brandon, and host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop to discuss tree fungal infections and their treatments. Brandon describes the most common diseases and some images of the issues with Lee and Kevin so they know how to identify them in the real world.
Finally, carpenter Nathan Gilbert takes us on a house call to help a new homeowner develop a home maintenance checklist for their new house. Nathan shows the homeowner the different areas and features of the home they should check, including the roof’s condition, attic insulation, windows, and more. Then, Nathan puts a set of tools together for the homeowner to help her tackle almost all of her home maintenance needs.
How to Identify and Treat Pine Tree Fungal Diseases
Tree fungal diseases can be a pain to beat. Year after year, the disease seems to return and while treatments might seem to win the battle, the fungus wins the war. Worn out by his multi-year fight with a pine tree fungus, a homeowner called landscape contractor Lee Gilliam for help.
Where to find it?
Arborist assistance provided by Maltby and Company
Keep the ground clear of pine needles to prevent disease from spreading and infecting other trees. Use an organic leaf ground mulch to add nutrients back into the soil and root system.
To install drip irrigation, start by laying out the irrigation line 10-12 inches away from the tree trunk to avoid the root system. Use sharp hand shears to cut the irrigation line. You may need to use irrigation line connectors or fittings to create longer runs. Use a torch to heat up the end of the irrigation line. This will make the material flexible enough to make your connection. It’ll create a tight seal around the connection once the line cools off.
Once you’ve laid out the line in your desired pattern, secure the line in place using sod staples .
Common Plant Fungi and Remedies
Unfortunately, pine tree fungal diseases are all too common, and some trees might suffer from more than one at a time. When the results of a tree’s lab test came in, host Kevin O’Connor, landscape contractor Lee Gilliam, and arborist Brandon Maltby met to discuss common diseases and treatments.
Where to find it?
Arborist assistance provided by Maltby and Company.
New homeowners are often equally as overwhelmed as they are excited about their new purchase. Not knowing where to start, their home maintenance tasks feel like too much to tackle. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner make sense of her home maintenance with a thorough checklist, as well as a set of tools to get the job done.
Where to find it?
- Klein GFCI receptacle tester RT250
- 12-piece screwdriver set
- 14 pocket tool bag
- 26-piece ball end hex set, SAE,MM
- 1/4 in. And 3/8 in. stubby ratchet and socket set (46-Piece)
- Heavy-duty drip free caulk gun
- 9.5 in. Griplock tongue & groove pliers
- 16 ft. tape measure
- Rechargeable flashlight
- Stud finder – The Studbuddy
- 12 oz. hammer
- M18 18V cordless drill driver/impact drive combo kit w/ batteries
- Shockwave impact duty drill & drive set (60-Pieces)
- 12 in. magnetic tool box level
- Retracting Retracting Retracting Retracting Retracting
Original Air Date: Apr 3, 2025, Season 23; Ep. 18 23:42
Products and services from this episode
Arborist assistance: Maltby and Company
