Understanding the Larch Tree

At Cold Stream Farm, we offer a diverse selection of trees and shrubs that, we believe, hold the potential of seriously beautifying wherever they are planted. Each tree has its own set of unique qualities that provide something different to our clients and this week, Cold Stream Farm is highlighting the Larch tree. With the… Read more »

Understanding the Weeping Willow

It is, perhaps, one of the most recognizable tree types in the world: the Weeping Willow. This deciduous tree species is famous for its drooping (or “weeping”) branches and leaves, which hang very low to the ground. At Cold Stream Farm, we are proud to carry Weeping Willows as many customers desire this tree’s beauty…. Read more »

What Types of Plants Attract Turkeys

Do you want to attract wild turkeys to your land? You can do it by providing them with plenty of cover. You can also do it by making sure they have a water source nearby. However, the most important aspect of attracting turkeys to your land is planting the right kinds of trees, shrubs, and… Read more »

Study Finds Urban Forestry Can Help Prevent Asthma Attacks

Researchers at the University of Exeter’s medical school recently published a study which found that lining urban streets with trees can effectively reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks in surrounding areas. This is because trees absorb toxic airborne pollutants, thereby preventing them from having an effect on people with asthma. According to the study’s findings,… Read more »

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 »

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 »

When You Sleep, They Sleep: Study Claims Trees ‘Sleep’ at Night

Avid gardeners may have noticed that some flowers close their petals during the night, only to reopen once the sun rises. Well, according to The Washington Post, scientists at Hungary’s Center for Ecological Research have stumbled upon the same phenomenon occurring in trees. While they were testing the effectiveness of lasers to measure the trees’… Read more »

Why Are Blue Spruces Struggling in Michigan?

Have you noticed that something strange is happening to many of the blue spruces in the state of Michigan? If you’ve seen blue spruces with brown needles on the lower half, then you’ve seen signs of blue spruce decline. Unfortunately, blue spruce decline is rapidly spreading around the state, and there are a number of… Read more »

Planting a Tree in 2016

With 2016 here at our doorstep, it is time to start thinking about your resolutions, if you haven’t already done so that is. You should consider planting a tree as one of your resolutions. If you have been paying attention to our blog, you will have noticed that 2015 was a rough year for trees…. Read more »