Laura Wagner's Blog (31)

It is estimated that over half of all urban trees are planted to deep, dramatically shortening the life of the tree. A combination of nursery practices and improper planting (even by professionals) contribute to this epidemic.

This is a good resource which shows planting depth problems for homeowners, municipalities, landscapers, and nursery professionals.  It has great photos, handouts, and easy-to-understand language.

Create in partnership by Morton…

way the rest of the biological system works. When fugitives (invasives) are introduced,…

We are determining species selection for next spring's Operation ReLeaf Residential Tree Distributions.  To voice your opinion, go to: our  Friend of Iowa Forests Facebook page …

Planting black oak acorns at the Iowa State forest Nursery…

 “trees are a predictor of death rates. Trees are about life and death.” This study brings up issues related to equity and justice. The disparities between high and low-income people are dramatically reduced by the “power of living in a green neighborhood filled with trees.”

For the whole story, click here:  …

The Native Tree Society has surpassed the old record made by a cottonwood for the tallest tree in temperate North America.  Read the entire …

"In the worst wildfire season on record, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service ran out of money to…

Have you recently purchased a tree, but not sure where to plant?  Use this great tool, which utilizes google earth, and the i-tree tools to digitally place your tree in diffent locations around your property, and see how the benefits increase or decrease.  You may measure the tree benefits for 1 to 99 years. Click on the following link to get started:

http://www.itreetools.org/design.php

Pagoda dogwood grows just 15’ tall and wide, but provides food and shelter to over 93 species of birds, including American Robin, Eastern Bluebird,Brown Thrasher,Cardinal,Cedar Waxwing, Chickadee,Gray Catbird,Red-eyed Vireo,Rose-breastedGrosbeak, Song Sparrow,Wood Thrush.…

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since the passing of the great Wangari Maathai, who changed the lives of millions through the simple act of planting trees (and truth be known, by speaking truth to power).  Read the whole story on in the Huffington post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/turk-pipkin/a-million-more-trees-for-_b_1913962.html

Photographer Mark Hirsch posts an iPhone photo a day chronicling a year in the life of "That Tree", an ancient Bur Oak growing on the edge of a corn field in Southwest Wisconsin.  This is well worth checking out:

Click here to go to his page

Federal income tax law contains provisions to encourage stew-ardship and management of private forest land.  For the newest bulletin from the US Forest Service, click here:  http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/16740655/1432561950/name/TaxTips2012-Final.pdf

 With bur oak's rugged form and unusually corky branches, it has an "ancient tree" look at a young age. The handsome foliage is dark green and the tree has the traditional big canopy look when we think of native oak savannas.  It grows to 70’ tall, so be sure you have plenty of space…

 American hornbeam.  This small, shade tolerant tree offers rust, reddish orange fall color and is perfect in areas with limited space and to create privacy in yards.  The unique, rippled smooth bark has gray to blue undertones that provide interest in winter.  Also…

 When planting a tree under utility lines, it is important to keep the mature height of the tree well under the lines.  This native ornamental is a good choice.

 One of the first of the white-flowering…

The thornless honeylocust is essentially seedless, and with small leaflets 1/3 to ½ inch long, there is little need for all raking. Honeylocust is an excellent lawn tree for providing filtered shade, and is relatively fast growing – up to two feet per year.  Very tolerant of drought, compact soil, and…

This American native tree, commonly known as black tupelo or black gum, is a year-round winner. Its most notable feature is brilliant fall foliage, ranging from scarlet to maroon with touches of yellow and orange. Interesting bark and winter shape add interest to the landscape. Fissured grey bark of mature trees has…

 American linden, also known as basswood,  is native to Iowa and develops a very straight trunk that supports a well-branched, very uniform canopy.  It grows well on clay soils, and is a beautiful shade tree.  The American Sentry cultivar is considered the most resistant to Japanese Beetle of any cultivar,…