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

Asthma attacks affect millions of people each year, and elevated pollution levels in cities can make things even worse. Pollution is a contributing factor in many asthma attacks, particularly in densely-populated urban areas. The good news is, planting more trees could make a big difference for city-dwellers who suffer from asthma. Researchers at the University… Read more »

Trees in the Amazon Are Making Their Own Clouds and Rain

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 »

Keep An Eye Out for the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle

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 »

Researchers Finally Settle Debate Over Beech Trees’ Origin

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 »

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

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 »

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 »

Rebuilding America’s Forests

Looking at pictures of America from a century ago, even a few decades ago, you will see a towering chestnut blanket covering most of the East Coast, chestnut trees that dominated the landscape from George to Maine. It is tragic to think that there were once 4 billion chestnut trees on the eastern seaboard. That… 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 »