UGA Extension Office

Sending Photos to ANR Agent and Master Gardener for Diagnosis/ID

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If you have questions about your lawn, garden, insects, or other landscape issues, please send photos along with your question(s) to our ANR Agent or Master Gardener.  Most issues/identifications can be diagnosed with good photos.  Once the agent has your photos and questions, he will be able to assist you. 

What the Agent Needs


TAKING GOOD IMAGES IS VITAL TO PROPER IDENTIFICATION OR DIAGNOSIS. IMAGE SUBMISSIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:

  1. Close-ups of the problem or specimen for ID. This would include things like a branch of a plant that clearly shows a leaf pattern, or the head, body, wings or other unique part of an insect.  It is ok to take 2-3 photos if different areas of an issue need to be shared.
  2. Also include a photo that represents the ‘big picture’ or surrounding conditions. An example would be the grass surrounding a problem area that includes the problem area, the full images of an insect or plant, showing the top and underside views, along with any distinctive colorations or patterns.
  3. In the case of insect damage, take a photo of the insect, damage, and mound/nest if possible.  Be clear if you are wanting ID, control methods, or both.
  4. Specifically for tree issues – pics needed are: close-up of problem area, pic of whole tree and surroundings,  pic that shows trunk. 

IMAGES ALONE MAY NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH INFORMATION, SO INCLUDE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ALONG WITH QUESTIONS AND OTHER DESCRIPTIONS:

 For plants/trees

  1.   Specify type and variety if known
  2.   Date planted (approximately)
  3.   Approximate height
  4.   Plant location/conditions – sun, shade, wet, dry, soil type
  5.   Irrigation method and how often
  6.   When was problem first noticed
  7.   Fertilization – methods, product used, how often/when last applied
  8.   Other chemical applications – product used, when last applied

For insects or other pests

  1.   What areas are affected?
  2.   Where was the insect found?
  3.   How many are there?
  4.   Be clear if you are wanting ID, control methods, or both.

Please attach your pictures in an email with the above descriptions to uge1157@uga.edu and/or jcmgev@uga.edu