on Nov 25 in Tree Care tagged Find A Tree, Phoenix 2030 Shade Tree Master Plan, Right Tree Right Place, Tree Care
by Ben with no comments
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Partners in Community Forestry National Conference in Philadelphia. The three day conference brought together a diverse group of individuals that all take care of or build urban forest. Groups included utility arborists, city foresters, non-profit tree planting organizations, city planners, and city employees (just to name a few). While sitting in one seminar about the 2030 Shade plan for the City of Phoenix the point came back to me again about how important Right Tree, Right Place is. The city is making a huge investment to increase their urban canopy from under 10% to 25% by 2030.
The plan focuses much of its effort on Right Tree Right Place because so much of their current effort and budget is currently about fixing trees because they were Wrong Tree, Wrong Place. Read More
on Sep 16 in Landscape Design, Misc Trees, Tree Care, Tree Planting tagged Fall Color, Flowering Trees, Landscape Design, Smoketree, Tree Care, Tree Planting
by Rebekah with 11 comments
If you should ever find yourself luxuriating in the French Riviera, and in the unlikely event you grow tired of the sand and sea, a walk in the hills will introduce you to the unique woodlands of the Mediterranean. There, among the scrubby oaks and umbrella pines you will find a familiar bush or small tree, the European smoketree – in its native environment.
There are only two species of trees in the genus Cotinus. One is the American smoketree, the other is its close relative from Europe. For both, their claim to fame is the wispy clumps of filaments that look all the world like smoke. The mirage has given rise to other names such as mist tree, cloud tree, wig tree, and Jupiter’s beard. By whatever name, the site of this tree is what Minnesota garden writer Don Engebretson has called “one of the most arresting shrubs available to…gardeners today.”
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on Sep 09 in Landscape Design, Tree Care, Tree Planting tagged Dogwood, Fall Color, Flowering Trees, Landscape Design, Tree Care, Tree Planting
by Rebekah with no comments
Writer-naturalist Donald Peattie once wrote, “Lovely as it is, dogwood stoops also to be useful.”
What’s in a Name?
For all the beauty of this tree, the common name of dogwood may come from something less lovely – “dagger.” This, in turn, may actually come from its early use as a skewer, or thin piece of wood used to hold meat together. The tendency of its wood to not splinter made it popular for this purpose.
The scientific genus name, Cornus, derives from the Latin, cornu, or horn, in reference to another use of its hard wood. The species name, florida, is also from Latin, flos, meaning flowery.
Seasonal Color
The blossoms of dogwood add a welcome touch of color in early spring. If space allows, the white can be accentuated with a background of conifers. Bright autumn foliage and red berries that linger into winter add a bold stroke of color to any landscape design. Read More
on Aug 19 in Tree Care tagged Arborist Q and A, Summer Tree Care, Tree Care
by Robert Smith with 7 comments
Q: I’ve noticed that sometimes trees drop their twigs and leaves in the summer. Is this normal for certain species or is this an indication of a problem?
The terms for what you are seeing are “summer dormancy,” “summer leaf drop,” and “cladoptosis,” the latter meaning “a branch” and “falling.” By whatever name, what you see is a reaction to stress. Read More
on Jul 15 in Tree Care tagged Arborist Q and A, Drought Tolerant Trees, Summer Tree Care, Tree Care, Watering
by Robert Smith with 20 comments
Q: I’ve planted some drought-tolerant species that later died during the hot summer months.
If they are listed as drought-tolerant, shouldn’t this be a guarantee against mortality in the dry period?
Trees listed as drought-tolerant are those that have genetically adapted to sites in their native habitat that regularly experience prolonged dry spells. However, all newly-planted trees can use some help from us.
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on Jun 03 in Tree Care tagged American Arborvitae, Arborvitae Care, Fast Growing Trees, Thuja, Tree Care
by James R. Fazio with 49 comments
Arborvitae is truly the “tree of life.” To the early Indians, and the first French explorers with whom they shared their knowledge of natural 
medicines, arborvitae meant vitamin C and a cure for scurvy. To the new home owner today, it is a quick hedge and a foundation planting to soften the corners of houses.
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on May 27 in Tree Care tagged Deer Resistant Trees, Japanese Red Maple, Red Maple, Tree Care, Wildlife
by Ben with 16 comments
Deer often cause damage to trees, shrubs, and other landscape plants causing avid gardeners and tree planters to spend money on deer repellents or deer tubes. No tree or shrub is completely deer proof, but some are more deer resistant than others. The ratings below are based upon research from Rutgers University Experiment Station in conjunction with nursery and landscape professionals and master gardeners. Hopefully this new research will help eliminate the need to purchase deer repellent or deer fences.
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