Way back in episode three we talked about Keys to Tree Growth – one of those keys is hard to see (hopefully). This invisible component of tree growth actually contributes significantly to a trees success and mass. Join us this week as we learn more about how “Air Is Key.”

Species Spotlight

Listen this week to learn more about an iconic American tree that may have a second chance. American elm was the street tree across the US for many years. An invasive disease wiped them out in many areas, but they may be on the cusp of a comeback.

They say “a picture's worth a thousand words”… and that might be even truer now due to social media and the constant battle for attention in our over saturated lives. Taking inspiration from my friend and colleague Paul Ries, join us this week as we talk about how “Photos Are Key” and how to get better photos.

Species Spotlight

This week's tree is very photogenic. Listen to learn more about Texas madrone, Arbutus xalapensis. This beautiful, colorful tree shines along the hills of its native range.

June kicks off hurricane season along the gulf and Atlantic. This week has been Urban Forest Strike Team training with representatives from Texas and across the south. We’ve talked about the Strike Team some in the past, but join us this week as we delve a little deeper and explore why you should make sure your community and emergency management coordinator know about our Strike Teams.

Species Spotlight

Kentucky coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus, is a tough tree with dappled shade that makes if perfect for lawns and gardens. This tree also has a unique, large seedpod that was used as a coffee substitute by early pioneers. Listen to this #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about this interesting tree.

Did you try something and it didn’t work? Did you try again with the same results? Maybe you tweaked something and tried for the third or fourth time and finally it worked? We’ve talked about tenacity in episode 160, but we haven’t really talked about failure. Often we learn the most (and get the best stories) from our failures. Join us this week as we talk about how “Failure Is Key.”

Species Spotlight

This week's tree is a failed introduction because it has escaped and become an invasive species across its range. Chinaberry, Melia azedarach, has many characteristics that have made it attractive to the uninformed including thriving in many growing conditions, spring flowers and a bright fall color. Unfortunately, some of those characteristics have also made it invasive in many settings. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more.

We’ve talked about inspecting or monitoring your trees in previous episodes, but you need to know what to look for. We’ve covered subjects like oak wilt, emerald ash borer, defoliators and piercing sucking insects, but we haven’t talked much about abnormal growths. Join us this week as we delve into the subject a little on “Keys to Galls.”

Species Spotlight

Listen this week to learn more about a beautiful red oak named Shumard, Quercus shumardii. This could be the tree you want for fall color.

Municipal trees are often broken down into two categories, park trees and street trees. Street trees are fascinating because they are often municipally owned, but are often cared for by the residents… that get the majority of their benefits. Join us this week as we explore the world of street trees and why they are key.

Species Spotlight

Listen this week to learn more about our native arborescent Texas sabal palm, Sabal mexicana. This fairly cold tolerant 'tree' can be a great option in limited rooting areas along our streets or in parking lots.

It was a great spring in Texas and many of our friends up north have finally thawed out. Now that it has started to heat up it’s time to talk about the "Keys to Summer Tree Care." Join us this week as we talk about what to and what NOT to do during the summer months.

Species Spotlight

Listen to #TreesAreKey this week to learn more about one of our most dependable summer blooming trees. Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis, is an amazing small tree that can shine in any landscape.

We’ve talked about a few of our industry standards in previous episodes including episode 2 “Keys to Hiring a Pro”, episode 89 “Saftey is Key” and episode 149 “Specifications Are Key.” Join us this week as we explore the world of industry standards and specifically our Z133 safety standard and the A300 series of tree care standards.

Species Spotlight

This week's tree is a beautiful blooming tree that is in full glory now, but will continue to bloom all summer. Retama, Parkinsonia aculeata, is also known as Jerusalem thorn. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about this great tree.

Have you been discouraged by your lack of effectiveness; the seeming ignorance of your clients, customers, leaders or colleagues; the continued improper tree care you see across the street or at the local park? It can be tough to keep fighting the good fight, but we can’t give up. We can learn a lot from our trees. Join us this week as we look at how we can work together to bolster our efforts and support each other.

Species Spotlight

Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, is a great example of tenacity and is considered a living fossil. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this amazing species.

There seems to be a day for everything... National Super Hero’s Day, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, there’s even a National Bugs Bunny Day… but recently we celebrated National Park Rx Day. Join us this week as we talk about how and why “Parks Are Key.”

Species Spotlight

Want a fast growing tree that can make a quick impact in your parking lot? Listen this week to learn about Tepeguaje, Leucaena pulverulenta, which is also known as Great lead tree. This tree has the ability to improve the soil in its environment.