Laurel wilt is a disease affecting redbay (Persea borbonia) which is a facultative wetland shrub or small tree throughout much of its range. This disease is caused by the introduction of a non-native fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) via the invasive ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). Laurel wilt compromises the ability of the plant to uptake and transport water, causing leaves…
Details
Come this time of year squirrels are busy collecting and storing food for the winter. Grey squirrels compete with many other animals for food and habitat, so they normally bury a lot of their forage in ground. Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for the forests, they often forget where they have stashed their various prizes…
Details
The Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI) is performing research to investigate how trees in urban areas affect the physical environment; air temperature, wind, humidity, solar and thermal radiation. They are also studying the subsequent effects that changes in the physical environment have on health and happiness of the community, temperatures in soil and streams, energy usage…
Details
Project Canopy is a collaborative project implemented by the Maine Forest Service and GrowSmart Maine (http://growsmartmaine.org/)to preserve healthy urban and community forests for ecological and economic benefits to Maine residents as well as the global environment. Project Canopy works with non-profit organizations and municipalities to help maintain public forestry resources. They procure grants and technical assistance…
Details
In a time of extinction and deterioration, “rewilding” is an idea that is gaining more ground. Rewilding refers to returning lands to a wild state and reintroducing native plants and animals in an effort to restore the ecosystem. The term “rewilding” was actually coined about 30 years ago, but officially entered the lexicon in 2011…
Details
The pawpaw tree is rarely seen and hardly known, yet it is native to the U.S. and Canada, hardy in zones 5 through 8 as well as cold and shade tolerant. The pawpaw, Asimina triloba, bears edible and desirable fruit and aesthetically gives off a tropical vibe. It has large, dark green, tropical-looking foliage, produces purple…
Details
Soil ecologists from Colorado State University (CSU) recently collected about 600 soil samples from Manhattan’s Central Park. The are hunting for soil microbes in support of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, which researcher Kelly Ramirez formerly of CSU heads. They were pleasantly surprised at the richness of diversity found in this urban environment. Microbes have…
Details
As October begins the soil surface temperatures have begun dropping, they have been detected at below 70 degrees at night. This happens to be ideal for the growth of cool season grasses, but it is a sign that colder soil (and air) temperatures are on the way. New growth and turf recovery will significantly slow…
DetailsI’m at Virginia Tech attending the Annual Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Continuing education is required to maintain Arborists’ certification. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter has a 2-day meeting. The first day is a field day, the second day is indoor sessions. Topics such as tree biology & ecology, tree pests,…
Details
We all love to bring a little of the outside in, especially coming on to winter when we ache for the greenery. However, we all end up with struggling, browning, leaf-dropping sicklings somehow. What are we doing wrong? Well, here are a few common errors people make in caring for our indoor green friends. Watering regime…
Details
