I’ve been told by a tree service company that my Leyland cypress have Japanese cedar longhorned beetles. What do you advise?

This invasive insect attacks a wide range of evergreens, usually stressed plants. In our area, it has mostly been found on Leyland cypress. Adults emerge from infested branches from mid-April to May. They mate and lay eggs on bark. The hatched larvae tunnel around below the bark, cutting through the cambium layer that transports water and nutrients. In spring, watch for dead or fading branches. Inspect for emergence holes and tunneling. You may even press on bark and feel tunnels underneath. Prune out and destroy any infested material before adults emerge.

For more information, search “Japanese cedar longhorned beetle” on the HGIC website.

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I have a very shady area about 3 feet by 30 feet along the north side of my new house. I would like to fill it with plants, but not trees. What would you suggest?

Although in full shade year round, the space is not deep so it will enjoy the benefit of nearby ambient sunlight. Thus you have more plant selection options than if you were dealing with the deep shade of, for instance, the middle of a forest. You can probably plant most shrubs, perennials or ground covers that require part-shade. Native plants are an excellent choice; plant an assortment for the best results. Some shrub possibilities are: summersweet, hollies, azaleas (native azaleas are highly fragrant), small rhododendrons, and itea. With only 3 feet, pay close attention to recommended spacing and the size of selected plants when mature.

At ground level, many ferns do well in shade — plus deer avoid them. Allegheny pachysandra, phlox stolonifera, chelone (turtlehead), lobelia, Virginia bluebells, wood poppy, Canadian ginger, and tiarella are all great plants. Of course, avoid invasive plants such as English ivy, which could engulf your house. If you have a question about a specific plant, don’t hesitate to ask us on the HGIC website.

University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center offers free gardening and pest information at extension.umd.edu/hgic. Click “Ask Maryland’s Gardening Experts” to send questions and photos.