For trees, winter is a marathon

October is here. Before long, some of us will be inundated with snow. All of us, however, will be inundated with colder temperatures, a harsher climate. We have to make sure that our plants and trees are prepared for the challenge, which is why October is a great (and necessary) time to water our green… Read more »

Plan accordingly when planting trees, part one

In the coming weeks, you’ll most likely find yourself standing on your deck, back porch or in the middle of your yard contemplating what needs to be done next. Whether it’s finding the perfect spot for planting that tree or what spots are in desperate need of weeding, there’s plenty to do. If you are… Read more »

Can you judge a tree by its branch?

In the press release, “One Tree’s Architecture Reveals Secrets of a Forest,” Sciencedaily.com reports, “Just by looking at a tree’s branching pattern, it turns out, scientists can gather clues about how it functions – for example how much carbon dioxide it exchanges with the atmosphere or how much water transpires through its leaves – regardless… Read more »

Water, weeds, mulch, oh my!

The 4th of July has come and gone. Independence is still in the air. You can smell it. You can hear it. If you’re lucky, you can even touch it. This means one thing: summer is here. For many, the 4th is the kickoff to summer. While we’re not planting trees in the summer, we… Read more »

Urban forests, your community and you

The benefits of urban reforestation are backed by stats and cold facts. For example, analysts estimate that every year, urban trees remove approximately 784,000 tons of air pollution! That is, clearly, an enormous amount. Trees keep the planet and us healthy and vigorous. Unfortunately, America loses more trees than it gets in return. That is… Read more »

Ethiopia Leads the Charge against Deforestation

Ethiopia is one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to deforestation. Reports indicate that only about 4.6% of the country is covered in trees. This is quite a drastic number considering about 40% of the county was covered just a few hundred years ago. In addition to the ever growing population,… Read more »

Are you celebrating Arbor Day?

Earlier this week, people from all corners of the puerile world celebrated Earth Day. Today is another eco-friendly day. Yes, it is the last Friday in April and that means one thing: Arbor Day! Arbor Day’s mission is a simple yet ambitious one: to celebrate trees, particularly by planting and nurturing them. Founded in 1972… Read more »

The United Nations Forum on Forests: what we can do to help

Established in 2000, the goal of the United Nations Forum on Forests is to promote “the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.” To accomplish this, the Forum encourages inter-government dialogue and collaboration between countries when it comes to policy, funding and education…. Read more »

Trees cool the fire in our heads

I went out to the hazel wood, Because a fire was in my head, And cut and peeled a hazel wand, And hooked a berry to a thread; And when white moths were on the wing, And moth-like stars were flickering out, I dropped the berry in a stream And caught a little silver trout…. Read more »

The battle between Michigan deer and cherry trees

Picture yourself as a cherry farmer. It is early, early morning and you step out onto your back porch, cup of hot coffee in hand, to breathe in the sun-drenched air and get ready for the grueling day. In the distance, you see a young buck rubbing its antlers against the base of one of… Read more »

Revitalizing Detroit Through Urban Reforestation

What is the quickest way to revitalize a dilapidated and beaten-down city? Start planting trees. This process is called urban reforestation. Urban reforestation is, simply, planting trees in urban environments for the purpose of city beautification and renewal, improving air quality or replacing urban trees that may have been destroyed by a natural disaster such… Read more »

The ash tree is in danger

At Cold Stream Farm, we believe in keeping trees healthy and strong. Unfortunately, there are many threats to trees. So far, they have killed at least 50 million ash trees. Some worry that every ash tree in North America is in danger. The situation has become so dire that Massachusetts has recently imposed a quarantine… Read more »