Keys to Educational Impact

Education is key to affecting change, yet many of us aren’t great teachers. Join us this week as we explore the keys to maximizing the impact of our educational efforts.

Species Spotlight

Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica, is a beautiful tree this time of year. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about this wonderful tree that can add sweetness to your life.​

Keys to Fall Webworms

Our days are getting shorter and our nights are getting longer. Fall webworms are a common pest this time of year, but rarely warrant treatment this late in the season. Join us this week as the #TreesAreKey podcast discusses these little pests and how to distinguish them from eastern tent caterpillars.

Species Spotlight

Flameleaf Sumac, Rhus lanceolate, aka Prairie Sumac is a deciduous, Texas native shrub or small tree with a culinary use. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

“Keys to Giant Asian Dodder”

We haven’t talked about invasive species much, but there is one in the Houston area that is fascinating. Many invasive plants are pioneer species that sprout readily in disturbed areas, others just outgrow native species, but this one is an invasive parasite. Listen to this week’s episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about giant asian dodder.

Species Spotlight – Invasive Edition

Chinaberry, Melia azedarach, is a common invasive species across Texas. Listen to this week’s episode to learn how to identify if you have one growing in your yard.

Agility is Key

The only constant in life is change. Previously, we have discussed how the future is key (episode 115), and this week we are going to focus on how agility is key. The knowledge that we will have to be nimble and agile as we move into the future is important.  

Species Spotlight

Listen this week to learn more about bluejack oak, Quercus incana, also known as sandjack oak. This oak is often associated with longleaf pine stands in East Texas.

Are Leans Key?

Trees can be affected by hurricanes in many ways – defoliation, broken branches, complete failure and suffocation by flooding. One thing we haven’t talked about much are trees whose structural integrity may be compromised, but haven’t fallen down yet. One of the keys we look for are trees that are leaning. Listen this week as we answer the question “Are Leans Key?”

Species Spotlight

Emory Oak, Quercus emoryi​

Listen to this week's episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about a west Texas native with a culinary history. 

Keys to Networking

Much of our ability to affect change comes from the people we know and the relationships we can develop. Networking is Key to developing a large group of people that you can collaborate or partner with and call upon for help.

Join us this week as we talk about the keys to networking and learn a few tips on how to connect with others for the benefit of our trees and forests.

Species Spotlight

Cherrybark oak, Quercus pagoda, is native to east Texas and has a unique leaf shape and bark texture. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this commercially valuable tree.

Keys to Trees and Hurricanes

One advantage of a weekly podcast is the ability to cover timely topics and there is currently not a more timely tree topic in Texas than hurricanes. We interrupt our normally scheduled programming to cover a vitally important topic.

Often the second wave of destruction for our trees are well-meaning folks with chainsaws. Listen to this episode to learn a few of the keys to dealing with trees and hurricane damage.

We have a few other episodes that could help:

Episode 2 "Keys to Hiring a Tree Care Pro," episode 6 "Keys to Trees in Floods, episode 12 "The Key to Safe Tree Care (PPE)," episode 44 "Keys to Storm Response," episode 45 "Recovery is Key," episode 54 "Keys to Wind Damage" and episode 89 "Safety is Key."

There is no Species Spotlight this week, but be sure to visit our Texas Tree Selector to find trees that are good to plant in your location at texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/index.html

Visit our After The Storm resource page for additional information. tfsweb.tamu.edu/afterthestorm/

Keys to Fighting Heat Islands

It is reported that heat kills more people than all other natural disasters. This week, we discuss how trees are key to combating heat islands in our cities. Tune in as we explore a new report from Texas Tree Foundation and learn what you can do to help.

Species Spotlight

Listen to this week’s podcast to learn more about a potentially invasive tree. Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, is loved by bees and is tough, but may not be a great choice for your yard.

Trees are Key to Human Health

Many people know that trees produce oxygen, cool us with their shade and increase property value, but there is ever increasing evidence that trees are key to human health. From decreased risk of skin cancer, to reduced stress, to fewer cardiovascular incidents, trees really are making a difference. Join us this week as we delve deeper into this fascinating subject. 

Species Spotlight

Western Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii, is a Texas native that is often confused with a couple of invasive exotic species. Listen to this week's episode to learn more about this imperiled tree.

Keys to Peeling Bark

We get lots of requests to determine what is wrong with specific trees. One area that can be very concerning is problems with the truck and bark of the tree. Join us this week as we discuss the keys to splitting and peeling bark.

Species Spotlight

Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum, is an important tree in West Texas that goes by several names. Tune in to this week’s #TAK podcast to learn more about this useful tree. 

Keys to Trees Losing Leaves

This time of year it is common for our trees to lose some of or all of their leaves. There can be several reasons for this, some benign and some concerning. Join us this week for Keys to Trees Losing Leaves to learn more.

Species Spotlight

Devil’s-Walkingstick, Aralia spinose, is a large shrub or small tree with an intriguing name. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about the well-armed tree.

Keys to Things Growing On Trees

We’ve covered a lot of topics lately that are related to trees, arboriculture and forestry, but let’s focus in on a tree topic this week.

Mistletoe, fungal fruiting bodies and lichen are just a few of the many things that can grow on or out of your tree. Listen to #TreesAreKey this week as we talk about the keys to things growing on trees.

Species Spotlight

Goldenraintree, Koelreuteria paniculata, is a beautiful non-native tree. Their yellow summer flowers really help them stand out during the dog days of summer. Tune in this to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about this lovely tree.​

Conferences are Key

From students and education let us move into one of the best ways to continue your education, conferences. The ISA conference is just around the corner, but it is not the only option. Join us this week as we explore the world of conferences in arboriculture and forestry.

Species Spotlight

Black willow, Salix nigra, is a widespread Texas native. Listen this week to learn more about how to identify this species and ways it can be utilized which include as an indigenous pain reliever. 

Students are Key

Last week we talked about the future and this week we’re talking about the future professionals that will care for our trees and forests. Join us this week as we talk about how “Students Are Key” and how we can invest in the future now.

Species Spotlight

Carolina Buckthorn, Frangula caroliniana

Listen this week to learn more about this small tree that provides food for birds and interesting fall color for us.​

The Future Is Key

We’ve talked a lot about the concept of time in previous podcast. Arboriculture is the art of applying the science of trees over time and learning is all about taking the lessons from the past and applying them to the now, but what about the future?

Our actions now will have an impact of the future and the future will have an impact on us.

Join us this week as we talk about why and how “the future is key” and how to prepare for it.

Species Spotlight

Black hickory, Carya Texana, has the western most native range in Texas, other than pecan. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about this Texas native.

Slenderness Ratio is Key              

Pruning is very much an art and science. We seem to get a little bit more research each year, yet we have a hard time affecting change to reduce the incidence of topping and the insidious lion’s tailing.

“Cleaning” out the interior leaves and branches was somewhat standard 20 years ago, but we now have research that shows this is a bad practice. There are a couple of reasons you shouldn’t lion’s tail your trees. Listen to “Slenderness Ratio is Key” to find out.

Species Spotlight

Gum Bully, Sideroxylon lanuginosum, is a great Texas native tree that can be mistaken for live oak. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about this cool tree.

Research Is Key

I like to define arboriculture as the art of applying the science of tree care over time. Ask two arborist how to do something and you are likely to get at least two answers. This is the art of arboriculture. It’s not as easy as fold along the dotted line, place tab B in slot A and wait for a known result.

People have been managing trees as long as there have been people, but we rarely know what the result will be.

Luckily for us, we know more about the science of tree care than we did 50, 20 or even 10 years ago.

Research is how we expand our knowledge. Join us for “Research Is Key” and get a bonus '​peek' at the ISA Arborist News podcast.

Keys to Ball Moss

From kudzu to grape vine, there are many plants that can cause problems by growing on and over our trees. We are regularly asked if ball moss, a relative of Spanish moss, is hurting the trees. Join us this week as we discuss the keys to ball moss.

Species spotlight

White fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, is a deciduous Texas native. While this is a beautiful flowering tree, it can harbor a tree harming insect, the emerald ash borer. Tune in to learn more about this tree and why it might not be the best choice for your backyard.

Trees are Key to Energy Savings

It’s getting to be that time of year – when we all turn on our air conditioner. I always hate to turn it on because our electric meter starts running faster. A few key trees allow us to delay turning on the unit and helps us keep the use to a minimum. Listen this week to learn how #TAK to energy savings.

Species Spotlight

With many unique forms and leaf colors, Japanese maple is a beautiful, but temperamental landscape specimen in Texas. Listen to this episode of #TAK to learn more.

 Is Age Key?

One of the toughest questions we’re asked is, “how old do you think this tree is?” I don’t think many of the questioners want to cut down their tree to counts its rings, nor do they want to pay for carbon dating.

Join us this week as we talk about how to determine a trees’ age and try to determine if age is key.

Species Spotlight

This week’s tree, Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), is a great planting choice for alkaline soils. Not only does it have a uniquely shaped leaf, but the acorn is edible when roasted. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this cool tree.

 Keys to Houston’s Forest

Trees are key to healthier, happier, safer communities and tree inventories and assessments are key to better management. We’ve talked about the urban forest inventory and assessment program in episode 64 and now we have a new city in My City’s Trees. Listen this week to learn more about Houston’s urban forest.

Species Spotlight

River Birch, Betula nigra

This week’s species spotlight is a beautiful tree that provides visual interest year-round. Listen to learn more about this Texas native.

Keys to Municipal Forestry

We have spent the last two years talking about arboriculture, forestry and urban forestry, but this week let’s talk a bit more about municipal forestry. How can our communities care for and manage our urban forest?  What can and should your community be doing to help keep us safe and healthy?

Species Spotlight

Black Walnut, Juglans nigra, can be a tough nut to crack. This slow growing Texas native has edible fruit, beautiful wood, a natural herbicide, and it is a slow grower. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more. 

Volunteers are Key

The impact volunteers can have is amazing. Often they are willing to contribute in big ways even when they are not being paid. Listen to this episode as we talk all about how volunteers are key to arboriculture and forestry, how to work with volunteers and how you can get more involved.

Species Spotlight

Longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, is a beautiful tree that can be key habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this fire tolerant southern pine.

Tree Climbing Competitions Are Key

We’ve talked about the industrial athletes in arboriculture in episode 8. Join us this week as we discuss the various tree climbing competitions that occur around the world. Not only are these events a venue for competition, but they are also a great learning environment.

Species Spotlight

This week’s tree is one of my favorites. Montezuma baldcypress, Taxodium mucronatum, can be evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous depending on the growing location. This tough, Texas native should be on your short list for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 8, 9, and 10. Tune into this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this awesome tree.

Keys to Preserving Trees

Drought, soil compaction, chemicals, insects, disease and flooding.

Join us this week as we take many of the lessons we’ve covered over the last two years and apply them to the challenge of preserving and protecting trees in an urban environment. 

Species Spotlight

American Beech Fagus grandifolia is a beautiful Texas native tree. This tree has edible nuts and an interesting place in history. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Professional Development Is Key

This is the two year anniversary of our #TreesAreKey podcast. Let’s build off last week’s topic and explore our professional development options in arboriculture and forestry.

Meetings, webinars, articles, videos, tours, conferences, workshops and credentials can all help you develop appropriate competencies. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn why “Professional Development Is Key”.

Species Spotlight

Nuttall Oak, Quercus texana, is a Texas native that is easily confused with other red oaks. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this oak that may have an identity problem.

Podcasts Are Key

Personal and professional development are key to improving our arboriculture and forestry industries. There are many methods for professional development, but for many of us time is a limiting factor.

Audio is a great way to stack professional development with other activities like walking, exercising and traveling. Listen this week as we explore the world of tree-based audio podcasts, I even include a podcast I collaborate on.

Weather is Key

Rain, drought, heat and cold are all weather patterns that influence what trees will thrive in your area. We deal with the weather on a day-to-day basis, but our trees are in these conditions all the time. Tune in as we discuss why Weather is Key to our trees.

Species spotlight

Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to find out why American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana, ​is also known as musclewood.

Nonprofits Are Key

We’ve talked about professional organizations as being a great place to learn and practice leadership. From the local tree planting to the international professional organization, nonprofits fill many needs.

Listen this week as we explore the world of nonprofit organizations and their role in arboriculture and forestry.

Species Spotlight

Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia var. pavia, is a beautiful spring blooming Texas native. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this interesting tree that has been used for toothaches, ulcers and as a fish poison.

Leadership Is Key

This week marks the 100th episode of #TreesAreKey. Join us as we discuss the topic of leadership in the realm of trees, forestry and arboriculture.

Species Spotlight

This week’s species spotlight is a cautionary tale. Ornament pears, Pyrus calleryana, is a commonly planted tree that is potentially invasive. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey to learn more about this spring flowering tree.

Will Drones be Key?

Trees can be big and one of our challenges in maintaining our trees is getting close to the area of concern. Climbing a tree to safely observe these areas can be tough and expensive for the property owner. Fortunately, a newer technology is coming that may help us take a look. Join us as we discuss the impact drones will have on arboriculture and forestry.

Species Spotlight

Wright Acacia, Acacia greggii var. wrightii, is also known as Wright Catclaw and Una-De-Gato. Listen to this week’s episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this small tree and how it gets its secondary common names.

Keys to Tree Appraisal 

We’ve talked a lot about how trees are key to healthier, happier, safer, smarter communities. Many people know that trees are important, but how many know how much a single tree is worth? Join us as we talk about "Keys to Tree Appraisal".

Species Spotlight

Hawthorns, Cratageous spp

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

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:
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