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
Coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) are native to the Asian tropics and were accidentally introduced to western and central Pacific islands, and now to Hawaii. They are known to be a major pest on palm trees in India, the Philippines, Guam, the Samoas and elsewhere. First detected on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) military facility near…
Details
According to historical data many of the northernmost states may have already experienced their first frost during the last 2 weeks of September. The rest of New England and the mid-atlantic will have their first frost soon; when temperatures dip to 29-32 degrees Fahrenheit overnight a light freeze will occur, killing tender plants, at 25-28…
Details
According to research being conducted by scientists from Oregon State University (OSU), dramatic shifts in wildlife populations inhabiting Yellowstone National Park have the potential to alter the landscape, restoring it to conditions not seen in almost a century. Elk populations in their historic winter range in the northeastern corner of the park have decreased, while their…
Details
Scale insects, particularly those of the armored variety, are basically the bane of landscape managers’ existence. They are one of the toughest pests to control. Cryptomeria scale, Aspidiotus cryptomeriae, is one of these armored scales which is also incredibly hard to detect, because it is covered in a translucent, waxy coating. It can resemble the elongate hemlock scale,…
Details
