We have talked a lot about how to hire a tree-care pro, climbing arborists, and credentials that are available in the tree care industry, but did you know that all Certified Arborists must agree to a Code of Ethics?

Learn more by listening to “Ethics Are Key”.

Species Spotlight:

Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, is a beautiful, evergreen species. This Texas native can be a good choice if you have lots of room, but there is a smaller option. Listen to this episode to learn more about this southern belle.

A fever has been sweeping the nation and I am not talking about the Olympics or even the start of football season. I am talking about an augmented reality game you might have heard of – Pokémon Go.

Join us to talk about how Pokémon Go might be key to our trees, parks, and urban forestry programs in this week’s episode “Is Pokémon Go Key?”

This week’s species spotlight has a funny common name, Tickle Tongue, but is officially known as Zanthoxylum clava-herculis. It gets its name from the anesthetic properties in all parts of the tree that can numb lips and tongues. Listen to this episode to learn more about this cool, little tree.

I am regularly asked how to go about hiring a tree professional. I cannot give a specific suggestion because I am a state employee and because I have a lot of friends in the industry.

Learn more about potential credentials, such as a Certified Arborist, that are available in the tree care industry in “Credentials are Key”.

Species Spotlight –

Southern catalpa, Catalpa bignonioides, is a fascinating tree that can give us beautiful flowers and fishing bait. To learn more about the southern catalpa tune into the latest #TAK podcast.

There are many insects, diseases, viruses and animals that can challenge our efforts to grow trees. We’ve talked about several of these in previous episodes.

Sometimes it seems like we should just spray all our plants every other month to protect them but that isn’t a good option. Listen to this episode as we talk about how Plant Health Care is Key to caring for our trees. 

Texas persimmon is a great, small tree that you would never think of as a persimmon. It doesn’t have the large orange fruits or the alligator bar but check out this drought tolerant tree that offers beauty and a tasty treat.

We have talked abiotics issues like drought and flood, diseases like oak wilt and powdery mildew, and six and eight legged pests like emerald ash borer. 

Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about two and four legged pests in Keys to Animal Damage. 

Tree of the Week – Species Spotlight: Lacebark elm – Ulmus parvifolia is a species originating from Asia, which is grown primarily for the bark. To learn more about the lacebark elm tune into the latest #TAKpodcast.

What do you want to see on a tropical vacation? Sand, water, a cold beverage and palm trees.

Palm trees are basically an arborescent grass and not botanically a tree but they are gaining in popularity. Being biologically different from woody trees they need different care.

Tune in to learn the keys to growing palm trees.

Texas sabal palm, Sabal mexicana, is our Texas native arborescent palm. Listen this week to learn more about one of the best palms to grow in our area.

What do you think when you hear someone talking about CODIT?

Maybe you picture someone sitting in a dark room in front of a computer with lines of code running across the screen? Or maybe you think about Dr. Alex Shigo, the father of modern arboriculture, and his model of how trees respond to wounding and decay.

Join us this week as we talk about Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees in “CODIT is Key”

This week’s species spotlight is Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana. This tough, Texas native evergreen makes a great screen or windbreak.

Do you know the 10 most common trees in Austin? Do you know how much storm water runoff our trees help control? Wonder how much carbon is locked up in our trees? 

Join us this week to talk about the first intensified and accelerated Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) completed in the United States. We will even talk about what percentage of Austin’s trees are city owned as we discuss Urban FIA is Key. 

Species spotlight – this week’s tree is much maligned but is valuable to the City of Austin and the surrounding area in many ways. Listen to this week’s #TreesAreKey to learn more about ashe juniper..

Fuel, flavor and mulch are just a few ways to use a tree once it’s time has passed. Even trees grown in our cities can be used for art, furniture and tools. Join us this week as we talk about life for our trees after death in Keys to Urban Wood Utilization. 

Species Spotlight: Listen this week to learn about black walnut's little brother known as little walnut or Texas walnut.

The Texas Trinity is brisket, sausage and ribs but they couldn’t happen without trees. Wood smoke is key to the flavor of BBQ. From post oak in central Texas to pimento wood in the Caribbean, the wood of choice influences the taste of our dinner. Listen to this week’s Trees Are Key podcast to learn more about using wood smoke as flavor. 

Species Spotlight: Mesquite or honey mesquite is a tough, Texas native that many despise for its weedy character but love for its tasty enhancement of barbecue. Listen this week to learn more about this much hated and loved tree.

Many people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of climbing a tree… Join us this week to find out how to speak for the trees in “Keys to Being a Lorax” 

This week’s species spotlight is the truffula tree – find out more about this rare tree by listening to this week’s episode of #TreesAreKey

Ever wondered if the tree in your backyard is tall enough to hit the house if it fell? Have you seen a really big tree and wondered if it could be a Texas or National champion? Listen to this week’s episode to learn the Keys to Measuring Trees.

This week’s species spotlight is a unique tree that may be difficult to find, but could be a focal point in your landscape. Texas madrone is a great native tree with attractive bark that would add visual interest year-round.

From McAllen’s Arbor Day celebration to the Stihl Tour De Trees, there is a connection between trees and bicycles that may not seem obvious. 

Listen to this week’s Trees Are Key to learn why bicycles are key with guest Grady McGahan. Executive Director of Retreet.

Whether it’s the fires in Bastrop, the floods in Wimberley or tornadoes in Oklahoma; there is something you can do to make a difference when it comes to the trees lost in these disasters. 

Listen this week to pick up a few keys to making a difference with special guest Grady McGahan, Retreet executive director.

What’s wrong with my tree? It’s a common question. Listen to this week’s episode to learn the steps to being your own plant detective and find out how to get help figuring it out. 

Tree of the Week - Species Spotlight - Rio Grande ash and beautiful ash from South Texas. Listen to this week’s episode to learn how to identify this tree and why it might not be a good idea to plant it.

Join us this week to learn keys to developing successful tree partnerships with special guest Dana Karcher, Alliance for Community Trees program manager.

“A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Join us to learn how to cultivate a culture of trees with our kids in this week’s episode of Trees Are Key.

Species Spotlight – Eastern Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, Ironwood

Ironwood may be uncommon in your local garden center, but it may be a great Texas native for you to add to your landscape. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful tree.

High winds can be very damaging to our trees. Listen this week to learn more about how to avoid wind damage and what you can do if your trees are damaged in a storm.

Tree of the Week – Species Spotlight – Rusty blackhaw

This week’s tree comes from our East Texas Regional Urban Forester Zaina Gates. Listen to learn more about this small, drought tolerant tree that looks great in all four seasons.

The last Friday in April is National Arbor Day – it may not be a great time to plant trees across much of Texas, but it is a great time to celebrate trees and their importance in our lives. Listen this week to learn more about the beginnings of Arbor Day and find out who is being recognized by Arbor Day Foundation for their efforts to improve our trees and forests.

Earth Day is 46 years old this year and has captured a lot of attention. I think it’s too bad that Arbor Day and Earth Day are so close together, but there can be a synergy -- In many areas they combine the two events into one big celebration. Anything that helps raise awareness of the environment, natural resources, and yes -- especially trees -- is a good thing. Join us to learn ways to integrate trees into your local Earth Day celebration.

We’ve talked about oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and defoliating insects previously. This week join us to learn more about pests with piercing and sucking mouth parts in Keys to Sucking Pests.

Our species spotlight is crapemyrtle, Laegerstromia indica, a beautiful, blooming tree that is common across Texas. Listen this week to learn more about the controversies surrounding this non-native tree.

Managing trees in our communities is key to maximizing the environmental, economic and social benefits of our community forests.
How do you get started? How can a city, utility company or college campus be recognized for their efforts to care for their trees?

That’s where three programs from Arbor Day Foundation come in. Join us to learn more in Tree City USA Is Key.

Anacua, Ehretia anacua, is a unique, tough Texas native that has a unique leaf. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful tree.

There are many things that can cause a tree’s leaves to fall off or disappear. Listen this week to learn more about how to figure out what is going on and if you need to do something to help your tree.

This week’s tree of the week is Texas Fall Elm also known as cedar elm. This tough Texas native can be a great choice in your yard or landscape. Listen this week to find out more about our Fall Elm.

Let’s step outside of our community forests and look around. There are many acres of forestland across Texas. According to our 2011 FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) program there are over 62 million acres of forests and woodlands in Texas. This is second only to Alaska in total acres.

In town, we think about our community forests producing shade, clean air & water, reducing flood waters, and increasing property values.

Out of town, tangible products such as wood products (lumber, fuelwood, pulp), non-wood products (syrup, edibles, wildlife), and ecosystem services are produced … we need to keep forests as forests … trees are a renewable resource.

Tree of the Week: Sugarberry aka palo blanco aka Celtis laevigata is a fast growing, short-lived species that is prime habitat for birds. Listen this week to learn more about an important habitat species.

Knowing how a tree grows is powerful and as they say – “with great power comes great responsibility”

We’ve talked about trees needing light, water, air, nutrients and soil in episode 3 “Keys to Tree Growth”
But why do trees grow up and not down?
Why are trees in windy areas shorter?
Why does the tree planted near the house grow away from the house at an angle?

Join us this week to learn more about why “Tropisms Are Key”

Mexican Buckeye is this week’s species spotlight. This tough, drought tolerant Texas native may be a good substitute for redbud. Listen this week to learn more about this wonderful flowering tree.

All trees bloom, but not all have showy flowers. Flowers are beautiful and provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Join us this week to learn more about including flowering trees in our communities.

Species Spotlight – Texas mountain laurel is a standout this time of year. Listen this week to learn more about this sweet scented tree.

Join us this week as we wrap up our discussion of the 3Rs – Readiness, Response and Recovery. We’ve talked about how to prepare for a disaster and how to respond to the event. It’s now time to discuss how to help your community recover their trees and community forest. After all, trees are key to healthier, happier communities and we can make a difference.

This week’s species spotlight is loblolly pine, the species at the center of the recovery efforts in the Lost Pines area near Bastrop, Texas. Join us this week to learn more about this economically important tree.

Join us this week as we continue our exploration of the 3Rs — Readiness, Response, and Recovery. Proper, timely response to an emergency is key to keeping the public safe and protecting our trees.

Species Spotlight — Carolina cherry-laurel is a small, evergreen tree that bees love. Listen this week to learn more about this Texas native tree.

Planning for storms and pests is key to protecting our trees and ourselves. Listen this week to find out how to ready your community forests and the trees in your yard for a natural disaster.

Species Spotlight: Wild Olive, Cordia boissieri

This beautiful, small native evergreen can bloom 11 months out of the year in the Rio Grande Valley and is grown across the southwest. Listen to learn more about this unique tree.

http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/treepictures/anacahuite.jpg

People are fascinated with big, old trees and they, often desperately, want to know how old they are. Listen this week to learn several techniques to estimate the age of your trees and learn the keys to caring for them.

Species spotlight: Quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America which puts on an amazing display of fall color. Listen this week to learn more.

Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB, is a serious threat to our ash trees that has been marching across the U.S. and Canada since 2002. Join us this week to learn how to spot their damage, identify the culprit and what you can do to help.

Species Spotlight: The Kentucky coffee tree was used by early settlers as a coffee substitute. This is the only species in North America in the genus Gymnocladus and has no serious pest or disease issues. Kentucky coffee tree is a great choice in lawn areas because it allows sunlight to reach the ground and is drought tolerant.

Oak wilt is a devastating fungal disease in Texas that has wiped out many large, beautiful trees. Join us this week to learn the keys to diagnosing, managing and avoiding this disease.

Tree of the Week: Post oak
Post oak is the not so secret ingredient in some of the best barbecue Central Texas has to offer. This tough, native Texas tree can be sensitive to building and development. Learn more about post oak in this week’s episode of “Trees Are Key.”

Curious if you can bare-root a 6.5 inch Shumard oak to transplant it? Wonder if your tree is hollow and therefore more likely to fall over in a storm? Join us for this week’s episode “Advanced Arboriculture is Key” to learn how advanced techniques can answer these questions.

Pneumatic excavation, resistance drilling and sonic tomography are advanced arboriculture activities that can be used to improve or assess our trees.

This week’s tree of the week is American Holly — a tough, native evergreen that can be used in many sites across Texas.

Have you ever picked a sweet, ripe peach off of a tree and taken a bite just to have the sun warmed juice run down your chin? Edible trees elicit a passion that rivals common sense. We have seen people line up hours early on a bitterly cold January morning to get a free fruit tree at the San Antonio Jammin’ Jams Fruit Tree Adoption. Join us this week to learn more about fruit and nut trees.

We can’t talk about edible trees without talking about our state tree, the pecan, our tree of the week. From pecan pie to butter pecan ice cream to pecan sandies this native nut has earned its place on our table.

Now that it's 2016,  there are a few things you can do to make a difference for our trees. Consider these 9 options for your tree resolutions.

Our tree of the week is yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria. It's a tough and beautiful ornamental tree with a less than beautiful species name.

As we come to the end of 2015, let’s reflect on what we have learned and covered so far in Trees Are Key. It has been eight months packed with information about key tree basics, keys to caring for trees, key tree programs and hopefully, a little fun along the way. Have a Happy New Year

Urban and forest may sound like two words that don’t belong together, but urban forests are key to healthy, happy and sustainable towns and cities. Join us this week to learn more about urban forests and the people responsible for caring for them— urban foresters.

Species Spotlight: This week’s tree is rusty blackhaw, a small, flowering tree that does well in our yards and has few pests. 

As winter’s grip tightens across the nation, there are a few things we can do to help our trees. Check out this week’s episode of Trees Are Key to find out how to help your trees survive the cold.

Species Spotlight – Citrus is one of winter’s sweet surprises. Have you tried to grow your own, but it’s just too cold where you live? Check out this week’s tree of the week – ‘Arctic Frost’ satsuma, a Texas SuperStar® 

It is the season of giving and we have a few gift ideas for anyone that loves trees. From books to tools, jewelry or art — there is something for everyone in this week’s episode of Trees Are Key.

This week’s tree of the week is Texas ebony. This tough, evergreen, Texas native is a great tree and there is a famous ebony along the banks of the Rio Grande River.

'Tis the season for gathering, giving, and celebrating the holidays. For many people that means bring a bit of the outside inside --Christmas trees are going up in homes everyday. Find out more about how to bring a real tree, living or cut, into your home on this week’s podcast “Keys to Christmas Trees”

Tree Of The Week: The Christmas Tree -- History.com states that Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states -- even Alaska and Hawaii. Start a new tradition and cut your own tree. There are Christmas trees farms in many areas – find out how to find the one closest to you and support a local farmer.

Fallen leaves are key to saying time and money. Many people spend time raking and bagging leaves in the fall, but those leavers are a great source of organic material and nutrients. Join us this week to find out how to use this free resource

Species Spotlight: Mexican sycamore is a fast growing, well-adapted shade tree that is a good choice for many of our yards. Listen to this week’s episode of Trees Are Key to find out more about this beautiful tree. 

We lose trees after every storm. A few pruning cuts can make all the difference in how long your tree lives. Join us this week to find out why structural pruning is key and how to get started.

Mexican white oak is our tree of the week — find out more about this Texas native in this week’s #TreesAreKey podcast.

In this week’s episode of Trees Are Key we have guest Kari Hines a wildland urban interface specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service.

Wildfire can be disruptive and devastating. This week find out what you can do to be more Firewise® and protect your home and family from wildfire.

What is WUI? Do you live in a WUI area? What is your risk of damage from wildfire?  Join us this week as Hines helps get you started on the path to being Firewise®.

Arbor Day is the annual celebration of trees. This week we have a special guest, Tom Boggus, Texas State Forester and director of Texas A&M Forest Service joining us to talk about the importance of Arbor Day.

This year, our Texas Arbor Day is being celebrated in College Station at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Friday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. Visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/content/article.aspx?id=22497 to learn more!

It’s tree planting season and we have talked about what species to plant and how to pick a great tree in the nursery. It is now time to talk about how to properly plant the tree for long term success.

Our species spotlight this week is bur oak — one of my favorite trees! This is also the tree that we have planted all over Texas this year in commemoration of our Texas A&M Forest Service centennial.

It’s planting season and picking the right kind of tree is important. So is the way you plant your tree, but there is a step in between. How do you pick which tree in the nursery or garden center you should buy and plant? Join us this week to learn more about Keys to Selecting THE Tree. This week’s tree of the week is tepeguaje or great lead tree. This fast growing Texas native can quickly change the environment where it is planted and improve the survival of other species.  

‘Right Tree, Right Place’ has been around for decades. What does it really mean? What tree should I plant in my yard? Find out in this week’s Trees Are Key episode “Species Selection is Key.”

Species Spotlight: American smoketree is a beautiful, small, native tree that isn’t used often, but it is well adapted to the tough conditions we find in our towns and cities. Listen to this week’s episode to find out more about this unique tree.  

Buildings are going up left and right — there is a local joke about cranes being the official bird of Austin because of all the construction cranes downtown. Construction is tough on trees, but there are a few actions we can take to protect and preserve our trees through the process. 

Species Spotlight: The Texas live oak (Quercus fusiformis) is a tough Texas native that grows well in our droughty, alkaline soils. Typically smaller than its southern cousin, Quercus virginiana, Texas live oak thrives under tougher growing conditions and accounts from many of our Famous Trees of Texas.

Trees do a lot of great things, but falling down isn’t one of them. Want to know how to keep your family and home safe? Listen to this week’s episode, Keys to Tree Risk Management.

We are getting close to planting season and this week we introduce our new Tree of The Week: Species Spotlight where we highlight trees you should consider planting in your yard, neighborhood or town. This week we start with Retama aka Jerusalem Thorne — find out more about this colorful, drought-hardy tree by listening to this week’s episode of Trees Are Key. 

 Roots are key to healthy trees, yet they are out of sight and we don’t know much about them. We know topping trees — indiscriminately cutting the ends off branches — is bad, but we don’t know that trenching to install a sprinkler system can be just as bad if not worse. Join us this week to learn the eight things you need to know about tree roots.

Upcoming events:
Visit isatexas.com to learn more about the Texas Tree Conference, academy and school.

Visit kdb.org or ctufc.org to learn more about the North Texas Citizen Forester program.

Join #treechat on Twitter each Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time.