Is Tree Canopy Key?

The concept for this podcast is fairly simple - #TreesAreKey to healthier, happier, safer communities. However, it gets a little more complicated as we delve deeper into the topics of arboriculture and forestry. As we talked about in episode 94 “Inventories Are Key”, it’s great to know what you are managing, but there are other ways to assess community forests. Listen to this episode where we discuss urban tree canopy assessment.

Species Spotlight

Hercules'-Club Zanthoxylum clava-herculis aka Prickly Ash

These early spring bloomers can grow in a variety of locations and conditions. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about these wonderful trees.

Biomechanics Are Key

Trees are fascinating organisms. With the ability to capture radiant energy and turn it into a chemical energy and to create something solid out of thin air, trees are truly amazing. Join us for this episode of #TreesAreKey as we begin exploring the world of tree biomechanics.

Species Spotlight

Winged Elm, Ulmus alata

Do you know how to tell the difference between this Texas native and its cousin, the Texas fall elm? Listen to this episode to learn more about a wonderful tree.

 Diversity is Key

We talked about diversity a little bit in episode 24 “Species Selection Is Key” and in “Inventories Are Key”, but diversity is truly key to a healthy, resilient community forest. Join us this week as we delve deeper into this fascinating topic.

Species Spotlight

Mexican plum, Prunus Mexicana, is a visual treat this time of year. Often one of the first to bloom, Mexican plum is a harbinger of spring and makes a delicious jelly in the summer. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this drought tolerant species.

 Inventories Are Key

It is easier and more efficient to care for something if you know what you are dealing with. This can be as simple as identifying the tree in your backyard (episode 9, Keys to Tree ID) or as complex as knowing where all the ash trees are in your community. Join us this week as we talk about why inventories are key.

Species Spotlight

Blackjack Oak, Quercus marilandica, goes by many names, yet it is unlikely you will find one in your local nursery or garden center. This tree is an important component of many Texas woodlands and forests. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Trees are Key to Wildlife

In the past we have talked about possible animal damage to trees. Tune in this week as we discuss the importance of trees for wildlife.

Species Spotlight

Red mulberry, Morus rubra, is an important wildlife species that can also provide us with a tasty treat. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Costs Are Key

Tree care can be costly, but it isn’t difficult to find an estimate for care. Just follow the recommendations found in episode 2, Keys to Hiring a Tree Care Professional, and solicit three qualified, credentialed arborists to bid on the work. However, many people do not realize there are often indirect costs in maintaining your tree. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Species Spotlight - Rocky Mountain Douglas-Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca

This week’s species is not a great choice for most yards, but is a great example of the diversity of our native Texas trees. There’s even a bit of a mystery associated with this tree. Tune in to the latest #TAK to learn more. 

Keys to Being Social For Trees

One of the biggest challenges our #industree faces is obscurity. Many people know what a landscape architect is, but have no idea what the responsibilities are for an arborist or urban forester.

Listen this week as we talk about Keys to Being Social for Trees. Social media is a great tool for reaching more people and helping them understand the importance of trees and caring for them.

Species Spotlight - Arizona Cypress Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica

This week’s tree is a large evergreen that will add interest and habitat to your yard year-round. It would even make a great living Christmas tree. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Keys to Professionalism

Arboriculture and forestry are wonderful careers, but it can be a struggle to be economically valued. One thing we can do to help with this concern is to increase our professionalism. Listen to this episode of Trees Are Key to learn the Keys to Professionalism.

Species Spotlight

Deciduous holly, Ilex decidua, is a wonderful large shrub or small tree that has great winter interest. Listen to this episode to learn about this holly that drops its leaves for the winter.

Safety Is Key

Many people do not realize that caring for trees can be dangerous. Every year amateurs and professionals are injured or die working on trees.

Join us this week to learn more about how Safety is Key.

Species Spotlight – Ponderosa Pine, Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum can be a large Texas evergreen. Listen to this episode to learn more about this tree that can smell like citrus and vanilla.

It has been an amazing year for the #TreesareKey podcast. Thanks to our loyal listeners we have hit over 17,000 listens. Tune in to this week’s episode for a review of some of the best discussions of 2016.

Keys to Mistletoe

Did you know that you may be helping your trees when you remove mistletoe so you can hang it inside?

However, mistletoe can have a dark side.

Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Species Spotlight

Black Cherry Prunus serotina var. serotine

Tune in to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about one the most valuable hardwoods in the Eastern United States.

Keys to Monitoring Trees

I can’t tell you how many times I have received phone calls or emails from tree owners whose tree died or turned brown overnight. It can happen, but it is rare. Usually a tree declines for months or years succumbing to stress, insects or disease.

Regularly inspecting or monitoring your trees can help you find health or structural problems while they are small and more easily dealt with.

Listen to this episode to learn the Keys to Monitoring our Trees.

Species Spotlight – Waxmyrtle, Morella cerifera is a unique evergreen Texas native that has culinary and crafting uses. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this cool tree.

Keys to New Trees

You’ve selected the best species to plant and the best specimen at the local garden center. You’ve planted it correctly, now what?

Fall is for planting, but what should we do after our new tree is in the ground? Listen this week to learn keys to caring for new trees.

Shortleaf pine, Pinus echinata

Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey to learn more about this southern yellow pine that may be more tolerant of fire or mowing.

Specialty Certifications Are Key

We recommend you look for an ISA Certified Arborist to help you care for your trees. You can find out more about certification in episode 69, “Credentials are Key”.

Listen to this episode to learn more about two specialty credentials – the ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist and Utility Specialist.

Working for a municipality or a utility require additional skills and abilities, and a specialty credential can help you find the right person to serve your community or utility.

Sassafras, Sassafras albidum, is a Texas native tree which can be beautiful in the fall and has a culinary history. Listen to this week’s episode to find out how the plot thickens.

Is Staking Key?

Right now is a great time to plant trees for much of the United States, particularly in warmer areas like Texas.

We have talked about planting in previous episodes and today we will review the pros and cons of staking trees. I recently had a great conversation with Haywood Morgan, the City Forester in Denton, which spurred this topic.

Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua is a large, Texas native tree with a memorable fruit structure. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this colorful tree.

Keys to Tree Campus USA

Did you know that Texas has more Tree Campus USA schools than any other state?

We talked about Tree City USA, a program from Arbor Day Foundation, in episode 50. It’s great recognition for communities that care for their trees.

Did you know that colleges and universities can be recognized for their efforts? Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more as we cover the Keys to Tree Campus USA.

Species Spotlight – Carolina basswood Tilia americana var. caroliniana is a great large Texas native tree that supports our pollinators. The sweet, light-colored honey from this tree is a special treat.

Keys to Tree Support Systems

Have you ever walked out of the house and found half of your tree lying on the ground? No? Consider yourself lucky.

I had one customer that had nine beautiful flowering pears when she went to sleep and the next morning more than half of them had split apart and we had to remove them. As a tree guy, I know that Bradford pears have structural issues and are likely to split down the middle, but most homeowners have no idea until it happens to them.

Some species like Bradford pear and Texas fall elm, also known as cedar elm, are more likely to have weak branch angles or codominant stems. Listen to this episode of Trees Are Key to learn more about the actions you can take to help your trees.

You’ve heard “Remember the Alamo” but do you know where the name Alamo came from? Tune in to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn how this week’s species spotlight played a role in history.

Legacy is Key

Texas Arbor Day is coming and this year we are celebrating in Nacogdoches, Texas. Considered the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches will be celebrating their tricentennial. That’s right, the city’s 300^th birthday has arrived. What a legacy!

Many things that we do or build may not last, but we can all leave a legacy by planting and caring for our trees. Listen to this week’s episode Legacy is Key.

Species Spotlight – Alligator Juniper is a tough drought tolerant tree that has year-round visual interest, particularly the bark which gives the species its common name. Listen to learn more about this cool tree.

Keys to Lightning Protection

Flash, boom and crack.

Storm season can hit almost any time of year and with storms often comes lightning. Lightning can be devastating to our electronics and our trees. Join us to learn the keys to protecting our trees from lightning.

Species Spotlight - Lacey Oak - Quercus laceyi 

Trees come in different shapes, textures, and colors. This week's tree is a distinctly blue tree, common name blue oak. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about Lacey oak.

Keys to Ordinances 

Why does one community have great trees and the community next to it doesn’t?

Why should you need a permit to remove a large tree during development?

Why do some communities require tree care contractors to have a permit or license before they work on your trees?

In many cases the answer is ordinances: the rules communities create can direct how trees are cared for, which trees can be removed and help protect residents from unscrupulous contractors.

Listen to this episode to learn Keys to Tree Ordinances

Species Spotlight

Pawpaw, Asimina triloba, is a fascinating native fruit tree with a uniquely tropical flavor. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about this wonderful tree.

Keys to Proper Pruning

This is an exciting time of year as it is almost time to plant new trees and people are getting ready to prune their trees. Many people do not know that there is a right way and a wrong way to prune. Listen to “Keys to Proper Pruning” to learn more about how to properly care for your trees.

Species Spotlight – Big tooth maple – Acer grandidentatum is a great choice for fall color in central and west Texas, if you have the right soil. Listen to this week’s Trees Are Key to learn more about this beautiful tree.

Keys to Herbicides and Trees

It’s the time of year again when the ads on local TV and radio are encouraging you to care for your lawn. Usually that includes fertilizing, but what are these two-in-one and three-in-one products?

Rarely do you hear an ad telling you to call a Certified Arborist or remind you to prune your trees.

What should you know before you pick up a bag or two of weed-and-feed?

Listen to “Keys to Herbicides and Trees” to learn more.

Species Spotlight:

Boxelder, Acer negundo, is commonly thought of as a weed or mistaken for poison-ivy. Listen to this week’s episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this species and find out how to separate it from that itchy weed, Toxicodendron radicans.

Not everyone has a large yard to plant and grow a tree, so are there other ways to grow trees?

Could we grow a tree in a pot?

As we consider that question, bonsai comes to mind. This ancient art is all about growing small trees by managing their root system. Learn more by listening to this episode of #TreesAreKey – “Keys to Container Trees”.

Species Spotlight –

This week’s tree is common across south Texas, but its sweet blossoms were once gathered to make French perfume. It would also make a great bonsai or container grown tree. Listen to learn more about Huisache aka Acacia farnesiana.

What does it mean when the pecans are ripening and acorns begin to fall? It’s time to think about growing trees from seed. Even though we often argue about the best size of tree to plant, it is possible that starting with a seed could be ideal.

Join us for Keys To Growing from Seed.

Species Spotlight

Shumard oak, Quercus shumardii, is a beautiful large shade tree that can grow well even in alkaline soils. Listen to this episode to learn more about this great tree.

Gingko is a living fossil and a deciduous gymnosperm, and a unique species close to my heart. My wife and I planted a gingko as part of our wedding ceremony. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey episode to learn more about this fascinating tree.

We have talked a lot about how to hire a tree-care pro, climbing arborists, and credentials that are available in the tree care industry, but did you know that all Certified Arborists must agree to a Code of Ethics?

Learn more by listening to “Ethics Are Key”.

Species Spotlight:

Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, is a beautiful, evergreen species. This Texas native can be a good choice if you have lots of room, but there is a smaller option. Listen to this episode to learn more about this southern belle.

A fever has been sweeping the nation and I am not talking about the Olympics or even the start of football season. I am talking about an augmented reality game you might have heard of – Pokémon Go.

Join us to talk about how Pokémon Go might be key to our trees, parks, and urban forestry programs in this week’s episode “Is Pokémon Go Key?”

This week’s species spotlight has a funny common name, Tickle Tongue, but is officially known as Zanthoxylum clava-herculis. It gets its name from the anesthetic properties in all parts of the tree that can numb lips and tongues. Listen to this episode to learn more about this cool, little tree.

I am regularly asked how to go about hiring a tree professional. I cannot give a specific suggestion because I am a state employee and because I have a lot of friends in the industry.

Learn more about potential credentials, such as a Certified Arborist, that are available in the tree care industry in “Credentials are Key”.

Species Spotlight –

Southern catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides, is a fascinating tree that can give us beautiful flowers and fishing bait. To learn more about the southern catalpa tune into the latest #TAK podcast.

There are many insects, diseases, viruses and animals that can challenge our efforts to grow trees. We’ve talked about several of these in previous episodes.

Sometimes it seems like we should just spray all our plants every other month to protect them but that isn’t a good option. Listen to this episode as we talk about how Plant Health Care is Key to caring for our trees. 

Texas persimmon is a great, small tree that you would never think of as a persimmon. It doesn’t have the large orange fruits or the alligator bar but check out this drought tolerant tree that offers beauty and a tasty treat.

We have talked abiotics issues like drought and flood, diseases like oak wilt and powdery mildew, and six and eight legged pests like emerald ash borer. 

Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about two and four legged pests in Keys to Animal Damage. 

Tree of the Week – Species Spotlight: Lacebark elm – Ulmus parvifolia is a species originating from Asia, which is grown primarily for the bark. To learn more about the lacebark elm tune into the latest #TAKpodcast.

What do you want to see on a tropical vacation? Sand, water, a cold beverage and palm trees.

Palm trees are basically an arborescent grass and not botanically a tree but they are gaining in popularity. Being biologically different from woody trees they need different care.

Tune in to learn the keys to growing palm trees.

Texas sabal palm, Sabal mexicana, is our Texas native arborescent palm. Listen this week to learn more about one of the best palms to grow in our area.

What do you think when you hear someone talking about CODIT?

Maybe you picture someone sitting in a dark room in front of a computer with lines of code running across the screen? Or maybe you think about Dr. Alex Shigo, the father of modern arboriculture, and his model of how trees respond to wounding and decay.

Join us this week as we talk about Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees in “CODIT is Key”

This week’s species spotlight is Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana. This tough, Texas native evergreen makes a great screen or windbreak.

Do you know the 10 most common trees in Austin? Do you know how much storm water runoff our trees help control? Wonder how much carbon is locked up in our trees? 

Join us this week to talk about the first intensified and accelerated Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) completed in the United States. We will even talk about what percentage of Austin’s trees are city owned as we discuss Urban FIA is Key. 

Species spotlight – this week’s tree is much maligned but is valuable to the City of Austin and the surrounding area in many ways. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey to learn more about ashe juniper..

Fuel, flavor and mulch are just a few ways to use a tree once it’s time has passed. Even trees grown in our cities can be used for art, furniture and tools. Join us this week as we talk about life for our trees after death in Keys to Urban Wood Utilization. 

Species Spotlight: Listen this week to learn about black walnut's little brother known as little walnut or Texas walnut.

The Texas Trinity is brisket, sausage and ribs but they couldn’t happen without trees. Wood smoke is key to the flavor of BBQ. From post oak in central Texas to pimento wood in the Caribbean, the wood of choice influences the taste of our dinner. Listen to this week’s Trees Are Key podcast to learn more about using wood smoke as flavor. 

Species Spotlight: Mesquite or honey mesquite is a tough, Texas native that many despise for its weedy character but love for its tasty enhancement of barbecue. Listen this week to learn more about this much hated and loved tree.

Many people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of climbing a tree… Join us this week to find out how to speak for the trees in “Keys to Being a Lorax” 

This week’s species spotlight is the truffula tree – find out more about this rare tree by listening to this week’s episode of #TreesAreKey

Ever wondered if the tree in your backyard is tall enough to hit the house if it fell? Have you seen a really big tree and wondered if it could be a Texas or National champion? Listen to this week’s episode to learn the Keys to Measuring Trees.

This week’s species spotlight is a unique tree that may be difficult to find, but could be a focal point in your landscape. Texas madrone is a great native tree with attractive bark that would add visual interest year-round.

From McAllen’s Arbor Day celebration to the Stihl Tour De Trees, there is a connection between trees and bicycles that may not seem obvious. 

Listen to this week’s Trees Are Key to learn why bicycles are key with guest Grady McGahan. Executive Director of Retreet.

Whether it’s the fires in Bastrop, the floods in Wimberley or tornadoes in Oklahoma; there is something you can do to make a difference when it comes to the trees lost in these disasters. 

Listen this week to pick up a few keys to making a difference with special guest Grady McGahan, Retreet executive director.

What’s wrong with my tree? It’s a common question. Listen to this week’s episode to learn the steps to being your own plant detective and find out how to get help figuring it out. 

Tree of the Week - Species Spotlight - Rio Grande ash and beautiful ash from South Texas. Listen to this week’s episode to learn how to identify this tree and why it might not be a good idea to plant it.

Join us this week to learn keys to developing successful tree partnerships with special guest Dana Karcher, Alliance for Community Trees program manager.

“A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Join us to learn how to cultivate a culture of trees with our kids in this week’s episode of Trees Are Key.

Species Spotlight – Eastern Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, Ironwood

Ironwood may be uncommon in your local garden center, but it may be a great Texas native for you to add to your landscape. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful tree.

High winds can be very damaging to our trees. Listen this week to learn more about how to avoid wind damage and what you can do if your trees are damaged in a storm.

Tree of the Week – Species Spotlight – Rusty blackhaw

This week’s tree comes from our East Texas Regional Urban Forester Zaina Gates. Listen to learn more about this small, drought tolerant tree that looks great in all four seasons.

The last Friday in April is National Arbor Day – it may not be a great time to plant trees across much of Texas, but it is a great time to celebrate trees and their importance in our lives. Listen this week to learn more about the beginnings of Arbor Day and find out who is being recognized by Arbor Day Foundation for their efforts to improve our trees and forests.

Earth Day is 46 years old this year and has captured a lot of attention. I think it’s too bad that Arbor Day and Earth Day are so close together, but there can be a synergy -- In many areas they combine the two events into one big celebration. Anything that helps raise awareness of the environment, natural resources, and yes -- especially trees -- is a good thing. Join us to learn ways to integrate trees into your local Earth Day celebration.

We’ve talked about oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and defoliating insects previously. This week join us to learn more about pests with piercing and sucking mouth parts in Keys to Sucking Pests.

Our species spotlight is crapemyrtle, Laegerstromia indica, a beautiful, blooming tree that is common across Texas. Listen this week to learn more about the controversies surrounding this non-native tree.

Managing trees in our communities is key to maximizing the environmental, economic and social benefits of our community forests.
How do you get started? How can a city, utility company or college campus be recognized for their efforts to care for their trees?

That’s where three programs from Arbor Day Foundation come in. Join us to learn more in Tree City USA Is Key.

Anacua, Ehretia anacua, is a unique, tough Texas native that has a unique leaf. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful tree.

There are many things that can cause a tree’s leaves to fall off or disappear. Listen this week to learn more about how to figure out what is going on and if you need to do something to help your tree.

This week’s tree of the week is Texas Fall Elm also known as cedar elm. This tough Texas native can be a great choice in your yard or landscape. Listen this week to find out more about our Fall Elm.

Let’s step outside of our community forests and look around. There are many acres of forestland across Texas. According to our 2011 FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) program there are over 62 million acres of forests and woodlands in Texas. This is second only to Alaska in total acres.

In town, we think about our community forests producing shade, clean air & water, reducing flood waters, and increasing property values.

Out of town, tangible products such as wood products (lumber, fuelwood, pulp), non-wood products (syrup, edibles, wildlife), and ecosystem services are produced … we need to keep forests as forests … trees are a renewable resource.

Tree of the Week: Sugarberry aka palo blanco aka Celtis laevigata is a fast growing, short-lived species that is prime habitat for birds. Listen this week to learn more about an important habitat species.

Knowing how a tree grows is powerful and as they say – “with great power comes great responsibility”

We’ve talked about trees needing light, water, air, nutrients and soil in episode 3 “Keys to Tree Growth”
But why do trees grow up and not down?
Why are trees in windy areas shorter?
Why does the tree planted near the house grow away from the house at an angle?

Join us this week to learn more about why “Tropisms Are Key”

Mexican Buckeye is this week’s species spotlight. This tough, drought tolerant Texas native may be a good substitute for redbud. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful flowering tree.

All trees bloom, but not all have showy flowers. Flowers are beautiful and provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Join us this week to learn more about including flowering trees in our communities.

Species Spotlight – Texas mountain laurel is a standout this time of year. Listen this week to learn more about this sweet scented tree.

Join us this week as we wrap up our discussion of the 3Rs – Readiness, Response and Recovery. We’ve talked about how to prepare for a disaster and how to respond to the event. It’s now time to discuss how to help your community recover their trees and community forest. After all, trees are key to healthier, happier communities and we can make a difference.

This week’s species spotlight is loblolly pine, the species at the center of the recovery efforts in the Lost Pines area near Bastrop, Texas. Join us this week to learn more about this economically important tree.

Join us this week as we continue our exploration of the 3Rs — Readiness, Response, and Recovery. Proper, timely response to an emergency is key to keeping the public safe and protecting our trees.

Species Spotlight — Carolina cherry-laurel is a small, evergreen tree that bees love. Listen this week to learn more about this Texas native tree.

Planning for storms and pests is key to protecting our trees and ourselves. Listen this week to find out how to ready your community forests and the trees in your yard for a natural disaster.

Species Spotlight: Wild Olive, Cordia boissieri

This beautiful, small native evergreen can bloom 11 months out of the year in the Rio Grande Valley and is grown across the southwest. Listen to learn more about this unique tree.

http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/treepictures/anacahuite.jpg

People are fascinated with big, old trees and they, often desperately, want to know how old they are. Listen this week to learn several techniques to estimate the age of your trees and learn the keys to caring for them.

Species spotlight: Quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America which puts on an amazing display of fall color. Listen this week to learn more.

Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB, is a serious threat to our ash trees that has been marching across the U.S. and Canada since 2002. Join us this week to learn how to spot their damage, identify the culprit and what you can do to help.

Species Spotlight: The Kentucky coffee tree was used by early settlers as a coffee substitute. This is the only species in North America in the genus Gymnocladus and has no serious pest or disease issues. Kentucky coffee tree is a great choice in lawn areas because it allows sunlight to reach the ground and is drought tolerant.

Oak wilt is a devastating fungal disease in Texas that has wiped out many large, beautiful trees. Join us this week to learn the keys to diagnosing, managing and avoiding this disease.

Tree of the Week: Post oak
Post oak is the not so secret ingredient in some of the best barbecue Central Texas has to offer. This tough, native Texas tree can be sensitive to building and development. Learn more about post oak in this week’s episode of “Trees Are Key.”

Curious if you can bare-root a 6.5 inch Shumard oak to transplant it? Wonder if your tree is hollow and therefore more likely to fall over in a storm? Join us for this week’s episode “Advanced Arboriculture is Key” to learn how advanced techniques can answer these questions.

Pneumatic excavation, resistance drilling and sonic tomography are advanced arboriculture activities that can be used to improve or assess our trees.

This week’s tree of the week is American Holly — a tough, native evergreen that can be used in many sites across Texas.

Have you ever picked a sweet, ripe peach off of a tree and taken a bite just to have the sun warmed juice run down your chin? Edible trees elicit a passion that rivals common sense. We have seen people line up hours early on a bitterly cold January morning to get a free fruit tree at the San Antonio Jammin’ Jams Fruit Tree Adoption. Join us this week to learn more about fruit and nut trees.

We can’t talk about edible trees without talking about our state tree, the pecan, our tree of the week. From pecan pie to butter pecan ice cream to pecan sandies this native nut has earned its place on our table.

Now that it's 2016,  there are a few things you can do to make a difference for our trees. Consider these 9 options for your tree resolutions.

Our tree of the week is yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria. It's a tough and beautiful ornamental tree with a less than beautiful species name.

As we come to the end of 2015, let’s reflect on what we have learned and covered so far in Trees Are Key. It has been eight months packed with information about key tree basics, keys to caring for trees, key tree programs and hopefully, a little fun along the way. Have a Happy New Year

Urban and forest may sound like two words that don’t belong together, but urban forests are key to healthy, happy and sustainable towns and cities. Join us this week to learn more about urban forests and the people responsible for caring for them— urban foresters.

Species Spotlight: This week’s tree is rusty blackhaw, a small, flowering tree that does well in our yards and has few pests. 

As winter’s grip tightens across the nation, there are a few things we can do to help our trees. Check out this week’s episode of Trees Are Key to find out how to help your trees survive the cold.

Species Spotlight – Citrus is one of winter’s sweet surprises. Have you tried to grow your own, but it’s just too cold where you live? Check out this week’s tree of the week – ‘Arctic Frost’ satsuma, a Texas SuperStar® 

It is the season of giving and we have a few gift ideas for anyone that loves trees. From books to tools, jewelry or art — there is something for everyone in this week’s episode of Trees Are Key.

This week’s tree of the week is Texas ebony. This tough, evergreen, Texas native is a great tree and there is a famous ebony along the banks of the Rio Grande River.

'Tis the season for gathering, giving, and celebrating the holidays. For many people that means bring a bit of the outside inside --Christmas trees are going up in homes everyday. Find out more about how to bring a real tree, living or cut, into your home on this week’s podcast “Keys to Christmas Trees”

Tree Of The Week: The Christmas Tree -- History.com states that Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states -- even Alaska and Hawaii. Start a new tradition and cut your own tree. There are Christmas trees farms in many areas – find out how to find the one closest to you and support a local farmer.

Fallen leaves are key to saying time and money. Many people spend time raking and bagging leaves in the fall, but those leavers are a great source of organic material and nutrients. Join us this week to find out how to use this free resource

Species Spotlight: Mexican sycamore is a fast growing, well-adapted shade tree that is a good choice for many of our yards. Listen to this week’s episode of Trees Are Key to find out more about this beautiful tree. 

We lose trees after every storm. A few pruning cuts can make all the difference in how long your tree lives. Join us this week to find out why structural pruning is key and how to get started.

Mexican white oak is our tree of the week — find out more about this Texas native in this week’s #TreesAreKey podcast.

In this week’s episode of Trees Are Key we have guest Kari Hines a wildland urban interface specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service.

Wildfire can be disruptive and devastating. This week find out what you can do to be more Firewise® and protect your home and family from wildfire.

What is WUI? Do you live in a WUI area? What is your risk of damage from wildfire?  Join us this week as Hines helps get you started on the path to being Firewise®.

Arbor Day is the annual celebration of trees. This week we have a special guest, Tom Boggus, Texas State Forester and director of Texas A&M Forest Service joining us to talk about the importance of Arbor Day.

This year, our Texas Arbor Day is being celebrated in College Station at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Friday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. Visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/content/article.aspx?id=22497 to learn more!

It’s tree planting season and we have talked about what species to plant and how to pick a great tree in the nursery. It is now time to talk about how to properly plant the tree for long term success.

Our species spotlight this week is bur oak — one of my favorite trees! This is also the tree that we have planted all over Texas this year in commemoration of our Texas A&M Forest Service centennial.

It’s planting season and picking the right kind of tree is important. So is the way you plant your tree, but there is a step in between. How do you pick which tree in the nursery or garden center you should buy and plant? Join us this week to learn more about Keys to Selecting THE Tree. This week’s tree of the week is tepeguaje or great lead tree. This fast growing Texas native can quickly change the environment where it is planted and improve the survival of other species.  

‘Right Tree, Right Place’ has been around for decades. What does it really mean? What tree should I plant in my yard? Find out in this week’s Trees Are Key episode “Species Selection is Key.”

Species Spotlight: American smoketree is a beautiful, small, native tree that isn’t used often, but it is well adapted to the tough conditions we find in our towns and cities. Listen to this week’s episode to find out more about this unique tree.  

Buildings are going up left and right — there is a local joke about cranes being the official bird of Austin because of all the construction cranes downtown. Construction is tough on trees, but there are a few actions we can take to protect and preserve our trees through the process. 

Species Spotlight: The Texas live oak (Quercus fusiformis) is a tough Texas native that grows well in our droughty, alkaline soils. Typically smaller than its southern cousin, Quercus virginiana, Texas live oak thrives under tougher growing conditions and accounts from many of our Famous Trees of Texas.

Trees do a lot of great things, but falling down isn’t one of them. Want to know how to keep your family and home safe? Listen to this week’s episode, Keys to Tree Risk Management.

We are getting close to planting season and this week we introduce our new Tree of The Week: Species Spotlight where we highlight trees you should consider planting in your yard, neighborhood or town. This week we start with Retama aka Jerusalem Thorne — find out more about this colorful, drought-hardy tree by listening to this week’s episode of Trees Are Key. 

 Roots are key to healthy trees, yet they are out of sight and we don’t know much about them. We know topping trees — indiscriminately cutting the ends off branches — is bad, but we don’t know that trenching to install a sprinkler system can be just as bad if not worse. Join us this week to learn the eight things you need to know about tree roots.

Upcoming events:
Visit isatexas.com to learn more about the Texas Tree Conference, academy and school.

Visit kdb.org or ctufc.org to learn more about the North Texas Citizen Forester program.

Join #treechat on Twitter each Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time.