Trees in the News
Dieback vs. Deadwood
All dieback is deadwood but not all deadwood is dieback. Trees are in the business of producing healthy branches with lots of green foliage. So when a branch dies it is a cause for concern. Traverso Tree Service recently posted this explanation on their website on how to read the deadwood in your tree and better […]
Why is my Oak Dripping Sap?
It could be the bacterium Erwinia quercina, causing what is called “drippy nut disease”. Native oak trees were here before California was settled by Native Americans. They are iconic, hardy and long-lived trees, but they can get diseases and pests that are a nuisance. Click here to read this article from Traverso Tree Service that […]
Ancient Trees on East Coast in Peril
A 2,624-year-old bald cypress could teach us how to fight climate change – if it doesn’t drown first Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) are the oldest tree species in the U.S. and are found growing in the wetlands of the Southeast. Their habitat is usually six feet or so above sea level, which makes them vulnerable […]
Mulching Your Tree Can Save Water
A local arborist describes how to effectively use mulch around your trees. The Benicia Tree Foundation uses organic mulch in all our planting projects for the following reasons: Reduces the amount of water needed in your yard by 10-25% Decomposes and releases nutrients into the soil Reduced soil compaction so roots can breathe Maintains […]
Avoid Tree Planting Errors
Benicia Tree Foundation trains volunteers on proper tree planting technique. If you have not been to our training, you can learn some basic steps from the UC Master Gardeners of Solano County. They issue a weekly email called Under the Solano Sun, which features horticultural news and articles relevant to Solano County. Their August 28th email […]
Managing Trees in a Drought
A local arborist provides advice on how to water a mature tree during a drought. With drought declared for the western U.S., Traverso Tree Service in Martinez developed some suggestions to consider if you have a large tree in your yard. This advice is particularly important if you have a lawn tree and you decide […]
Problems with Tree Planting Campaigns
Tree planting campaigns often fall short of their goals. Bloomberg CityLab offers this article evaluating the outcomes of several municipal tree planting campaigns. Why some work and some don’t. Click here to read more. Above: Photo by Hamilton Conservation Authority, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Disease Outbreak Killing Bay Area Trees
A mass tree die back has spread into the East Bay and Peninsula recently, killing native and non-native trees. Though plants of all kinds in California are showing the stress of an extremely dry winter, in at least one tree species, the blackwood acacia, the dieback seems to be the work of fungal pathogens, said […]
Is Mistletoe Harmful to My Tree?
A local arborist provides advice on what to do if you find mistletoe growing in your tree. Traverso Tree Service in Martinez developed a pamphlet on things to consider when you observe mistletoe growing in your tree. Once mistletoe infests your tree, you can’t eradicate it, but you can control it. Trees with extensive infestations […]
Miami Beach Replacing Palms with Shade Trees
City to plant shadier trees to preserve its environment, keep people cool, reduce urban warming and improve air quality. The Guardian reports that Miami Beach has become a world leader in mitigating the effects of sea-level rise. Now the subtropical Florida city is cutting back on its famous swaying palm trees as it seeks shadier […]
Knock on Wood
What does this expression mean and where did it originate? David Bellamy, Solano County Master Gardener, researched this question and published his story in Under the Solano Sun, the weekly blog of seasonal observations by our local Master Gardeners. Click here to read the story.
Google Launches New Tool to Keep Cities Cool
Google’s Tree Canopy Lab identifies the location of every tree in a city and maps out where trees are needed most. Google unvieled Tree Canopy Lab today, featuring its pilot application for the City of Los Angeles. Data for hundreds more cities is on the way, the company says. The hope is that cities will […]