MG Diagnostic

Hotline

Our Master Gardener volunteers are here to answer your horticultural questions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon from May through October, to contact the hotline call (810) 989-6935. The Master Gardener Volunteers provide research-based information from Michigan State University, answering questions about lawns, gardens, soil tests, trees and shrubs as well as pest identification/management and more…

Master Gardener Hotline Calendar

SAMPLES BROUGHT FOR DIAGNOSTICS - All plant or insect samples must be brought in a clear, sealed glass or plastic container. Samples must be accompanied by a completed Diagnostic Intake Form available at our front counter or on line in a pdf file format. Residents may also send the sample to the Michigan State University Horticulture Lab at their own expense (mailing/handling) - a brochure on those details will be provided. We do ask that you please follow certain guidelines when obtaining samples for analysis - please see table below for specifics!

To view the Diagnostic Intake Form online, you will need

Guidelines for Collecting Diagnostic Lab Samples
Insects and other animals:	Please don't squish the creatures, we need all parts of the organism to identify it properly. If you must kill, do so by freezing for a couple of days or by suffocating in sealed plastic.
Turfgrass:	Large samples of turfgrass are required for proper analysis. We request that you cut a one foot square from the affected area, at the margin between healthy and diseased turf. Dig down to include about two inches of soil and roots with your sample. Please bring your sample in a plastic garbage bag, clear or opaque is fine.
Plant tissues:	We need any evidence you can safely bring in. For trees, please bring a small branch with leaves and twigs still attached. If the entire tree is suffering, take a picture of it and bring that in with the branch sample.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested three days before the event by calling to make the arrangements, requests received after three days will be met when possible.

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