Careful curation of a property’s landscape is essential to prevent invasive species from being introduced into local areas by spreading from yards into unmanaged and wild environments. In this article, we’ll go over what invasive plants are, how they spread, what negative effects they can have on ecosystems and human communities, as well as how to get rid of them, prevent their establishment, and manage the spread of those invasives already present.
Read MoreA hybrid of two types of sycamore trees, the London plane was popularized in and originally distributed from its namesake city, being an urban tree through and through. Its robust and hardy nature makes this tree a great choice for Nashville streets and neighborhoods, where a London plane will thrive in the built environment.
Read MoreAs sweater weather settles in, so do the reds, yellows, and oranges of fall leaves in Nashville. The canopy’s color change creates the annual show that reminds us of the year’s progress, giving us a bright visual treat before the more somber season of winter takes hold. In Nashville, where warmer temperatures linger into October, mid-fall is when leaf color change is at its peak.
Read MoreFrom an acorn to a robust, mighty tree, the oak is often used as a symbol of patience and durability. Oaks are well-known for their sturdy trunks, distinctive acorns, and lobed leaves, as well as their longevity. In this article, we’ll profile some of the different kinds of oak trees that can be found around Nashville.
Read MoreThe trees in our yards both beautify the space and make the environment healthier, but they can also produce delicious fruits for us to enjoy! A fruit tree performs many of the same functions that other trees do, like stabilizing the soil, casting shade in its vicinity, and providing habitat for pollinators.
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The type of soil in your yard makes a big difference in what kind of plants and trees are able to grow. Soil varies in how well it drains, which nutrients are present and available, and how acidic or alkaline it is. The properties of soil vary greatly depending on their location and the types of greenery that are there, meaning it can even vary from yard to yard. When it comes to the soil in our yards, there are lots of things we can do to encourage good-quality soil that nurtures trees to grow big and strong.
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Trees are an effective public health resource that not only improve environmental health but the health of individuals and communities as well. By filtering the air and releasing oxygen, trees play a major role in keeping local air breathable, particularly in cities where pollution can be concentrated. In the worst of cases, poor air quality can restrict people from spending time outdoors or result in long-term health conditions like asthma or other diseases. Reducing the amount of pollution that’s released into the air is an important way to manage air quality, but planting and maintaining lots of tree-filled green space is just as important to the health of our communities.
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While the pin oak might seem like an average oak tree, it’s a great option for Nashville’s urban canopy, particularly because it’s native to Tennessee’s mild-to-warm and slightly humid climate. That preference is reflected in its scientific name, Quercus (oak) palustris (swamp or marsh), and its other common name, the swamp oak. This deciduous tree likes moist soils that are slightly acidic, which makes it a robust city tree since it can tolerate some pollution. Its unique leaves, fast growth rate, and native status make the pin oak tree an excellent landscaping choice for almost any Nashville yard.
Read MoreWe love the trees that line our neighborhood streets and stand tall in our yards, but when one of them falls over, it may have to be dealt with differently depending on where it lands. Part of your tree management strategy should include keeping an eye on the condition of trees in your yard, as well as those in your neighbors’ yards that are tall enough to reach your property, in anticipation that the winds of fate may blow in your direction. In this article, we’ll discuss how to minimize and deal with the damage, disruption, and potential conflict that may arise from a fallen tree in a neighborhood setting.
Read MoreKeeping trees in place is as important as planting new ones. Mature trees do much more work than young saplings can, and they are powerhouses of ecosystem services. While planting new trees is an exciting activity, there are many reasons to save healthy, established trees from being cut down. In this article, we’ll go over the nine main benefits of saving trees for our neighborhoods and our health.
Read MoreIn residential yards and the countryside alike, one of the most common and easily spotted trees in Tennessee is the American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The beech tree reaches across eastern North America, from the southern states to southeastern Canada. One of the main nut producers in hardwood forests, beech trees are in the same family as oaks and chestnuts, but the beech’s unique smooth bark and burr-like seed shells, along with its habit of holding on to its leaves throughout the winter, make this tree easily distinguishable.
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Digging a hole to plant a tree doesn’t seem very complicated, but it also isn’t as easy as you might think. The size and shape of a hole in the ground can affect how well a tree can extend its roots and establish itself, and if the planting is done wrong, the tree might not survive. To be sure that your sapling’s new home in the ground is prepared correctly, we’ll go over how to dig a hole for a tree that will result in the best long-term health and growth.
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An essential aspect of how to plant a tree for long-term success is choosing the right location. Whether planting a seed or a sapling, choosing the location in your yard for a new tree is a strategic decision, and it will be based on a few criteria.
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When we think of planting a tree, we often imagine a sapling that’s already several feet tall with a root system ready to be set into the ground. However, even the biggest trees begin as a seed, and in some situations, planting a seed might be the preferable way to establish a new tree.
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Learn how the American elm tree, once more widespread than today, has recovered in hardiness and is making a comeback after being decimated by disease.
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Learn what steps you can take to help your tree go dormant this fall, make it through the winter, and wake up happy and healthy in spring.
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There are many varieties of oak trees, resulting in an array of options when you’re choosing one or more to plant. Learn why an oak isn’t just an oak!
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In certain tree species, male specimens may take on female characteristics under stressful conditions.
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Learn why and how tree leaves change color in autumn! All of our favorite colors are actually expressions of the tree’s preparation for winter.
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Big trees that are planted too close to a home can damage the foundation of the house. Find out how this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
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