Current Conditions Fluctuating weather conditions continued over the past couple of weeks, with a cold front replacing warm temperatures with raw, windy, damp weather. Seasonal temperatures were mixed in with brief periods of heavy rain in some places and drastic overnight lows. Crabapples, cherries, horsechestnuts, rhododendrons, azaleas, redbud, Amelanchier, lilacs and viburnums are coming into…
What is a Warden? Throughout the towns of New England a person is either elected or appointed to a public service position which requires an enthusiasm and expertise about trees which allows them to ably take responsibility for their towns shade trees, street trees and any other trees on public lands. The seemingly severe title of…
Current Conditions Our slow to start and fluctuating spring has earned the region an average of 82 growing degree days. The cool, overcast, damp days had initially given way to warmer than average temperatures but have leveled out to seasonal temperatures for this time of year. Soil temperatures have increased and are appropriate for encouraging root…
Strange Suspect There has been a lot of talk on this blog about colony collapse, pollinator problems and the various causal factors. It would seem there is a convergence of issues affecting pollinator populations today, which may on their own or, more likely, combined, are contributing to the stress and reduction of honey bees and pollinator…
Today we had the pleasure of participating in a great event at Humanim‘s offices at the historic American Brewery building. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the launch of the Growing Green Initiative. A year and a half ago, the US Forest Service Northern Research Station funded development of the Green Pattern Book. The Baltimore Office…
Current Conditions Our slow to start and fluctuating spring has earned the region an average of 82 growing degree days. The cool, overcast, damp days have given way to warmer than average temperatures but are forecasted to level out into average weather for the time of year. Soil temperatures have increased and are able to…
Educational Events and Organized Opportunities .On May 16th, 2014 federal agencies, states, towns and citizens will observe Endangered Species Day to recognize the nation’s efforts to protect and conserve endangered species and their habitats. Made official by the United States Congress in 2006, Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people to learn about the…
Maple Seedling Madness Does your lawn seem to have fallen prey to a spreading, seemingly aggressive, non-grass seedling? In spite of your strict adherence to your lawn program; fertilizations, seeding, weed control, dethatching etc., and still your lawn looks like this: Breath a sigh of relief, these are tree seedlings, mostly from maple species, not…
In recent posts we’ve talked about some of the factors that go into deciding whether or not to save a tree on a construction project. We’ve talked about signs and symptoms of tree defects; we’ve talked about potential targets (things that could be hurt or broken if the tree fails); and we’ve talked about industry…
Building with Bamboo In places where it grows locally or can be farmed responsibly bamboo is a sustainable, safe and malleable building material. Bamboo is used to make an amazing range of products, from books and musical instruments, flooring and paneling, furniture and surfboards and recently has made its way to the playground. Incredibly fast growing and maturing,…
