I think I read somewhere in the Q&A Library that using Sevins dust can cause an overpopulation of mites. Is this true?
Spider mites frequently become a problem after the application of insecticides. Such outbreaks are commonly a result of the insecticide killing off the natural enemies of the mites, but also occur when certain insecticides stimulate mite reproduction. For example, spider mites exposed to carbaryl (Sevin) in a laboratory setting have been shown to reproduce faster than untreated populations. If you'd like to learn more, here's the low down: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html  

I'm wondering what would be the easiest plants, shrubs, and/or flowers to plant that will stand the heat in Texas. I prefer ones that will come back next year. There's just so much to look at, I'd love to narrow it down. Thanks, Teara
Some of the best perennials for Texas are described in the following publication from Texas A & M. Here's the website: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/table3.html Take your choices from this list and they should thrive!  

I had new groundcover planted about a month ago and with all the rain we have had, now grassy weeds are growing. Is there a weed killer I can use that won't kill the Dymondia? Thank you.
The only product I am familiar with is Fertilome Over-The-Top Weed & Grass Killer. It is safe to use on over 300 ground covers and Dymondia is one of them. Be sure to read the label before applying to make sure your groundcover is still listed as safe. Best wishes with your landscape!   

Pine trees in our area get brown branches, the park nearby has an insecticide (brick-type) attached to trees, my pine is similarly affected, what do I do?
Are you sure it's an insecticide and not an insect trap? Browning pine branches can be due to water stress or due to insect or disease problems. Not all treatments are effective against all problems so you'll need to have the problem with your pine positively diagnosed. The best way to do this is to take a sample of both live and dead needles or branches to your local cooperative extension office. Helpful staff can look at the samples under a microscope and determine the cause. Contact University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123-1904 phone (702) 251-7531. They may also be able to tell you what the park department has placed in the pine trees. Good luck with your pines.   

I bought a home and the lawn is horrible. I have tried using Scotts fertilizer and it does not seem to help. I get weeds and crabgrass everywhere. Do I need to start from scratch or is my lawn repairable? Been trying for 2 years now to grow a green lawn
If you've tried to renjuvenate your existing lawn with regular feeding, watering and mowing but it hasn't been successful, it might be best to start all over. There are a couple of ways to renovate your lawn. You can rototill it up and start all over, or you can rent a core aerator and aerate your lawn, then spread some sand or compost over the area and reseed. If you decide to redo the entire lawn, start by rototilling the area to break up the soil. Remove any debris (stones, sticks, weeds, etc.) and then spread 4-5 inches of organic matter over the area and rototill it in, then rake the area smooth. Sod produces an almost instant lawn because the grass is mature with a healthy root system. After laying the sod and watering it down well, it only takes a week or two to become firmly established. Seeding takes a little longer, but the results are eventually the same - a lush, thick, healthy lawn. If you decide to seed your lawn, choose a mixture of perennial ryegrass and bermuda. This mixture contains both cool season and warm season grasses and will ensure your lawn remains green all summer and winter long. The second option is to aerate your existing lawn. A core aerator will remove one inch by three inch plugs from the lawn. Leave the plugs on the lawn and they will dissolve in rain or water from the sprinklers. After aerating spread a thin layer of sand or compost over the area and water it in well. The sand or compost plus the soil from the plugs will work their way down into the holes left by the plugs. You can then overseed your entire lawn. Either approach should improve the soil beneath the lawn and help your lawn grow lush and thick, which will help crowd out any future weeds.