A storm comes through and knocks over your neighbor’s tree. You close the gate on your fence and the whole thing wobbles. Part of caring for trees and wood products is the management of decay. Join us this week as we explore how “Decay is Key.”

Species Spotlight

Join us this week to learn more about a small fruited tree with many names. The Little Walnut(Juglans microcarpa) is a great choice for many areas in Texas.

How do we know historic wildfire frequencies, drought cycles and approximately how old a tree is? Listen this week as we explore the fascinating world of Dendrochronology and how we can look at the past to learn more about the present and future.

Species Spotlight: Learn about two tree species that have seen a lot of history and can live for thousands of years. Bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva and Pinus aristata) have been used to figure out more about a Mediterranean volcanic eruption.

Let’s look at trees in a different light this week. Lights, Camera, Action! We know that trees are key to place-making and a sense of place can be key to telling a story. Join us this week as we explore how #TreesAreKey to the movies.

Species Spotlight:

This week, let’s travel to the Pacific Northwest to check out a tree with many names that is commonly planted in Texas.Listen and learn more about the Cypress tree.

Welcome to episode 175: Last week we talked about why “Updates Are Key” and this week let’s discuss how “Continuing Education is Key”

It’s common for people in an industry to do things the way they were taught years ago. Unfortunately, our practices often don’t keep up with our knowledge. This is true in tree care. Many times I’ve been told “but that’s how my grandpa did it!”

Luckily in tree care we have credentialing programs that require continuing education. Specifically, ISA certification programs require continuing education units. We’ll talk more about how to earn CEUs in a bit. Beyond the obvious of new research and information, why is continuing education key?

We talked about emerald ash borer back in early 2016, but the nasty little critter continues its march across the country. Join us this week as we talk more about what has happened since we first covered EAB in “Updates Are Key – EAB”

Species Spotlight

This week’s tree is a South Texas native that will likely be under threat from EAB. Listen this week to learn more about Mexican ash -Fraxinus berlandieriana.

There is a disconnect between what trees are worth, how important it is to care for them and that qualified professional like ISA Certified Arborists are best able to help you care for your trees. That’s right, we have a recognition or awareness problem. Join us this week as we talk about how “Awareness Is Key” and try to figure out what can we do about it.

Species Spotlight

Bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa, is a wonderful, large shade tree that is well adapted to grow in many areas. It also has a unique, large acorn that can be used by wildlife and humans alike for food.

We've talked a lot about collaboration, partners and leadership. Join us this week as we talk about how to find your 'tribe' to collaborate or partner with. A tribe needs a leader and you can't be a leader without a tribe. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Species Spotlight

Listen this week to learn more about live oak, Quercus virginiana, and its cousin the Texas live oak. These tough, resilient trees make a great addition to our community landscapes and have a place in history.

We’ve talked about how "Partners are Key" in episode 56 and how "Volunteers are Key" in episode 107. Partners and volunteers only help if we can collaborate and work together. Join us this week to learn more in “Collaboration is Key.”

Species Spotlight

Mexican white oak, Quercus polymorpha, is a wonderful tree with many names; one of which is Monterrey oak. Listen this week to learn more about this Texas 'native' that was discovered in the 1990s.

Yes, #TreesAreKey to healthier, happier, safer communities, but there are times when trees can be the culprit. Let’s explore a fascinating phenomenon known as Summer Limb Drop or Sudden Branch Drop.

Species Spotlight

This week we take a look at Arizona ash, Fraxinus velutina, a beautiful tree found throughout the Southwest.

Keys to Zombie Trees

Building off our episodes about Urban Forest Strike Teams and the importance of Air – Join us this week to learn more about zombie trees. That’s right, “Zombie Trees” are trees that are basically dead, but they just don’t know it yet. It’s not just floods that can create zombie trees – be sure to listen to learn more about how to spot and protect yourself from these poor trees.

Species Spotlight

Post oak, Quercus stellata, is a great native oak, but can be sensitive to disturbance from construction and flooding. Listen this week to learn more about the great tree.