We spent the last few episodes exploring forestry, community forestry and professional improvement. Now we get back to trees. As we talked about in episode 181 - “Depth Is Key” - the root crown is crucial to the successful growth and health of our trees. Listen in to explore how “Root Crowns Are Key.”

Species Spotlight: The American Sweetgum tree occurs in East Texas on rich river bottom soils, in swamps subject to frequent flooding and in dry uplands, as far west as the San Jacinto river basin.

And to to our loyal listeners, many thanks. We passed 90,000 podcast listens last week!

#TreesAreKey

It’s that time of year when we come together and think about and express our gratefulness. In terms of trees, there are so many people and organizations in which to be grateful. Join us this week as we explore how “Thankfulness Is Key.”

Species Spotlight

Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn about a tough, broad-leafed evergreen that is native to South Texas. This tree is a great source of food for wildlife, has beautiful flowers and fruits along with many names: Anacua, Ehretia anacua, is also known as Knockaway and Sandpaper Tree.

Planning Is Key

Let’s stick with this theme and explore how “planning is key” for our communities, their forests, and the organizations that support them. That’s this week on “Planning Is Key”

Species Spotlight

Listen to #treesarekey this week to learn more about a great smaller evergreen for much of Texas. Carolina cherry-laurel, Prunus caroliniana, is a great native for screening, wildlife habitat, and winter interest.

#TreesAreKey

Welcome to episode 185. Last week we talked about how “Wounding is Key” and this week we will go over how “Stewardship is Key.”

Stewardship is caring for our land and trees in Texas. Trees are a renewable resource that can be harvested and replaced but not always within our lifetime. Working together, Texas A&M Forest Service has programs to help land and forest owners increase productivity while enhancing forest ecosystems.

Our Species Spotlight for this week is on the Loblolly Pine. One of the fastest growing southern pines, it is used in many landscapes and can reach up to 125-feet in height.

Wounding is Key

Not only are we in prime planting season across Texas but it is also pruning season. Let's talk about wounds and trees. We touched on this a few episodes ago when we discussed decay, but before decay comes a wound. Join us this week to learn more about why “Wounding Is Key.”

Species Spotlight

This week’s tree has a patriotic name and can add interest year- round. The American holly (Ilex opaca)is a tough Texas native that grows in areas with more moisture. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this wonderful tree.

#TreesAreKey As we’ve talked about before, trees need room to grow…

Mark Twain is reported to have stated “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore” and for the most part this is true everywhere except Dubai and maybe a few other areas where it’s economically worth it to build or ‘create’ new land area… For the rest of us, most hope to one day purchase or inherit land… at least enough to hold our home and maybe a few trees and a garden.

Many across Texas are thinking about buying or have recently inherited a piece of this great state. Join us this week as we explore how #LandisKey and a new web app TFS has developed to help our new and prospective landowners, called "Got LAND?" Check it out: http://bit.ly/2J99B3C

#TreesAreKey

A goal of forestry and arboriculture is to change the way people think of and care for trees. We accomplish this by finding, building and learning skills in other areas besides trees and forests. People are as important as the trees we work with ... In this week's podcast we will discuss an aspect of the behavioral science of trees.

Species Spotlight

This week’s tree is the Lacebark Elm or Chinese Elm, which can grow up to 40-feet and has broad, vase-shaped crown and graceful, drooping branchlets.

Welcome to Episode 181. Last week we talked about how "The Problem is Key" and this week we will explore how "Depth is Key." As we quickly approach prime planting season in Texas, we are concerned about tree survival. Proper planting is key to making sure that our new trees not only survive, but thrive. One thing that has really changed in my career is the understanding of just how key depth is for our trees, for successful planting and long-term health.

Welcome to Episode 180. Last week we talked about "Keys to Bacterial Leaf Scorch" and this week we will explore how "The Problem is Key." Defining a problem allows you to more efficiently and effectively address it. So, too, for diagnosing tree disease. It can often require patience, thorough examination, critical thinking and avoiding bias around common tree issues.

Late summer and early fall are great times to spot trees in distress. Heat and drought are common summer stressors that affect trees in different ways. A common culprit may be Bacterial Leaf Scorch, commonly referred to as BLS. Join us as we explore the “Keys to BLS.”

Species Spotlight

This week's Species Spotlight features the American Smoke Tree. In early development, it's a shrub but left to grow trees can exceed 30-feet in height. The native Cotinus obovatus has small, crowded flower clusters with a smoky appearance. Its leaves turn brilliant in autumn.