Onemore,

Using simple common sense, leaving them alone would be the best way it would seem. If you trim, you will expose the underneath parts to more of this intense sun than they are used to and the result appears obvious to me. You might try shading the plants some with cloth on top to prevent worse burning for the next couple weeks or so, if you can stand to look at it.

Burned brown leaves are dead, how can that cause stress?

I wouldn't trim them until late August or early September when it cools down and fall growth starts up myself.

Thanks cactus garden. Your thoughts on leaving the brown leaves on the plants were exactly what I thought until I called the trusted TLC in OKC who told me to trim them. Maybe I will check with Marcums to get their thoughts.

About covering the plants: I thought about throwing a sheet over them, but it seemed that might create an oven. Have you tried this? I could stand looking at the sheets, but my neighbors might think I have slipped over the lunacy edge once again.

I don't know much about stressing out plants. I was just quoting TLC. I do know that looking at them is stressing me out.

Yours for cooler and wetter weather. O.M.P.

I don't think it would make them hotter or create an oven, it should just protect them from such intense rays. I noticed at Farmers Mkt they were trying to get a lot of plants out of direct sun. It is supposed to cut the amount in half to cover with light colored fabric. They do that in winter to protect plants from winter burn when its dry too. I noticed a lot of people here are doing it on their vegetables and are reporting better production.

TLC said that? You never know, just because someone works there, doesn't mean they know everything, could have been the hired help. I gotten blank stares from sales people before on certain questions at nurseries.

The person at TLC may have been wrong but he certainly seemed knowledgeable. I have always had good luck with their advice. I'll check with Marcums and post their recommendation.

Thanks for the input regarding covering the plants. I'll give it a try.

TLC is most likely like Home Depot. They hire people, stuff them with computer based training and send them out.

Now the public asks questions and it is hard to retrieve it all.

Some "sales associates" just tell what they think, when answering a question.

I prefer to say: I don't know. But it would seem....

and I know a bunch about gardening... and I am a Master Gardener... but I sure don't know all.

I would also leave them on. Anything that shades the leaves below should help.

Moni

PS, if you use a sheet, see if you can figure out a way to partially suspend it above, rather than laying it on top.

Oklamoni,
I used to work at TLC and, trust me, they DON'T hire you and cram you full of computer knowledge. You go through a very thorough interview, before hiring. I have no idea who OMP got hold of at TLC, but the people I worked with were pro's! Perhaps this person was thinking in terms of improving the looks of the plant. Lightly covering the plants is a good idea, by the way...........

Jeanie

REGARDING TLC: Their employees are the best and very professional and knowledgeable, including the person with whom I spoke. They always answer my questions or direct me to an associate for further input.

I called Marcums and Mr. Marcum also recommended trimming the dead leaves but said to be certain they are dead.

HOWEVER, I called back to TLC and spoke to a long time employee who said if the leaves were trimmed, the plant would put on new growth which might also burn if I am not watering more.

My solution: trim some of the plants, don't trim some of the plants, water more and pray for rain.

Wise decision.
Agreed, as prayer changes things!

Jeanie

YEA, hear it is raining in OKC. Hope it moves East.