Trees in the Amazon Are Making Their Own Clouds and Rain

Rather than wait for the wind to bring moisture from the ocean, it turns out trees in the Amazon are capable of generating their own miniature weather systems as well. As the trees undergo photosynthesis, they release water vapor from their leaves in a process called transpiration. This water vapor condenses in clouds above the… Read more »

Keep An Eye Out for the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle

Asian longhorned beetles are known for feeding on a variety of different hardwood trees. They have been found in birch, poplar, horse chestnut, sycamore and willow trees in the past, but they’re particularly fond of maple trees. With more than 1 billion maple trees in Michigan, the impact of an Asian longhorned beetle infestation could… Read more »

Researchers Finally Settle Debate Over Beech Trees’ Origin

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 the beech trees to rest. The team reviewed the DNA of more than 800 beech trees in Great Britain, comparing 42 regional locations with other trees found on mainland Europe. The… Read more »

Huge Leaf Database Helps Scientists Study Plant Morphology

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 »

State Officials Work to Slow Spread of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

Native to Japan, the hemlock woolly adelgid has been problematic in eastern states for decades, but the destructive insects have only recently raised serious concerns in Michigan. Some experts have attributed the sudden outbreak to a pair of back-to-back mild winters that allowed the adelgids to reproduce freely and spread to new areas. As their… Read more »

Scientists Unlock Mystery of Leaning Pine Trees

Originally from New Caledonia, a tropical archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean, Cook pines were first classified during Captain James Cook’s second mission to circumnavigate the globe. The trees grow up to 197 feet tall and have a characteristic narrow appearance due to their short branches. The other identifying characteristic of Cook pines is the… Read more »

Soil Microbes Could Be Cause of Tree Migrations

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 as earthworms, are visible with the naked eye. Other living things like protozoa, fungi and bacteria are all invaluable to the soil ecosystem as well. A recent… Read more »

Trending Tending: What’s Hot in Gardens and Landscapes this Spring?

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 »

When to Water: Does Morning, Midday or Afternoon Play a Role?

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. We all know that water is vital to a plant’s survival and you might have thought that it doesn’t matter what time of day – as long as… Read more »

Help Bee Populations with Your Plant Selections

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 »

Wet Climate? Marshy Soil? These Thirsty Shrubs Absorb Water!

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 »

Planting Grass: When’s the Right Time to Seed Your Lawn

There is nothing like seeing a home surrounded by vibrant, green grass, but planting grass is not as easy and artless as simply laying down some seeds. It is imperative that you do your research on proper grass planting techniques and timing, and it all starts with choosing the best time to plant. So when… Read more »