The fall season brings gorgeous foliage to regions all across the country. Michigan tends to have a particularly beautiful display thanks to the sheer diversity of trees found in our great state. But weather also plays a role in how and when the leaves turn. So what can we expect for foliage this year? Right… Read more »
The Amazon rainforest is home to one of the unique ecosystems in the world, and scientists still have a great deal to learn about its subtle inner workings. One long-standing question about the Amazon concerns its rainy season. For years, researchers have wondered why rains in the Amazon begin months before seasonal winds start to… Read more »
Did you know that the maple trees in Michigan produce about 90,000 gallons of syrup each year? Unfortunately, Michigan’s maples could face a serious threat if the Asian longhorned beetles that have infested thousands of trees in Ohio make their way into Michigan. The beetles have recently wreaked havoc on approximately 18,000 trees in Ohio… Read more »
Though you may not have realized it, European beech trees have been in the middle of an identity crisis dating back to the last Ice Age. That is, until now. Last month, researchers at the University of Stirling and Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) finally put the long-running debate regarding the origins of… Read more »
Scientists can tell a lot about a plant by taking a closer look at its leaves. For years, researchers have been studying the unique features of these leaves to learn more about trends in different plant species. For example, scientists have found that trees that grow in colder environments and get plenty of access to… Read more »
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a quarantine on hemlock tree movement in four counties in Western Michigan. The order came after state officials discovered a significant infestation of an aphid-like invasive species in Allegan, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties. Native to Japan, the hemlock woolly adelgid has been problematic in eastern… Read more »
In various places around the world, you can find rows of tall pine trees that all lean curiously in the same direction. These trees are known as Cook pines, and scientists now believe they always lean towards the equator. Originally from New Caledonia, a tropical archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean, Cook pines were first… Read more »
Researchers have uncovered new findings that may illuminate what sort of mechanisms trees employ in response to the effects of climate change. The key agent? Soil microbes Soil contains a rich mix of living entities that aid trees in the process of extracting nutrients and water from the soil. Some are microscopic while others, such… Read more »
If you’ve been waiting all winter to get back into the garden, then you’ve come to the right place. As you start planning out your plantscapes and what to place in your garden, it’s always good to know what’s hot for the season. Let’s take a look at what’s trending with tending your garden and… Read more »
Planting trees, bushes, plants and other shrubs is a nice way to increase the aesthetic appeal of a property as well as provide some shade and privacy. It is a pretty straightforward process to plant trees, shrubs and other plants, but the real question that often comes with a little bit of uncertainty is when… Read more »
If you’ve been listening to the news, you probably know that bee populations around the country have been on the decline in the last few years. ScienceMag.org says that according to recent studies, several species of bees have significantly declined in population over the last 10 to 20 years. There are numerous reasons behind the… Read more »
Does your yard remain wet much of the year? Does your property feature wet, marshy soil? Do you have a pond, stream or other water feature that sometimes contributes to soggy soil around the property? Planting some of these thirsty shrubs that absorb water can help you to reclaim your yard and keep your property… Read more »
