Tag: Trees

Revisiting a Bit of Shade Away from the Summer Sun

As July fades into August, more residents are questioning how the trees in their home landscapes would fair in a tropical storm or hurricane. Some have a high potential to cause problems. Others, like the southern live oak, are less likely to damage structures. Live Oak is often used as a generic term for any…Read more

Florida’s Predictive Pecans

Folk wisdom can, in fact, be amazingly accurate. Not because of some ancient or secret knowledge, but because it is attributable to generations of observations which have been confirmed time and again over the centuries.  Many of these pre-social media urban legends involve weather and season changes. In pre-industrial days these environmental factors influenced food…Read more

Dogwood and Crabapple Trees: Bursts of Color in Rainy Days

The recent ample rainfall has accelerated the return of greenery to panhandle Florida. The slow, steady drizzle was punctuated by the occasional down pour. The many native plants have, in turn, responded to the liquid encouragement.  Flowers of almost every hue and tone are exhibiting this season’s finest display of colors and texture. Rain lilies…Read more

The Dwarf Cypress Trees of Tate’s Hell State Forest

Florida, in decades past, was known for its roadside attractions. Any oddity or unique curiosity which would get tourists to stop and leave their money was utilized. Frequently, with some creative license, the attraction was featured on a billboard located on the nearest byway. Two-headed snakes, albino alligators, three-leg chickens or some other freak of…Read more

Red Maple: Vivid Color Among the Gray

The subdued browns, greens and grays of the forest are beginning to return to the brilliant pallet familiar to residents who venture beyond their front door. In the last days of February the slow progression of woodland colors is shifting as spring approaches. Many plants, trees and fungi are not reflecting the awareness of the…Read more

Laurel Wilt: A Threat to Florida’s Trees

All botanical signs indicate Spring 2021 will begin in a few weeks. Plants are budding all over the panhandle with a notable exception. Many red bay trees remain in what appears to be winter’s grip of dormancy. Unfortunately, most will never reawaken.  One little insect in the Xyleborini tribe of beetles has been destroying bay…Read more

Tough and Dependable: Construction and Florida’s Oaks

A reputation for strength, durability and the ability to endure the harshest of conditions is admirable and enviable. Very few humans (and usually not the celluloid heroes of the silver screen) have the grit and determination to earn this standing or status in the course of their existence. A few notable personages in nautical history…Read more

Not Just for Craft Projects: Pinecones

A walk around the neighborhood or forest will confirm winter is here. Of course there are also the recent thermometer readings and the shorter days. Other signs are the thicker coats on animals which by choice or situation must remain exposed to the elements. Some, like the native reptiles and amphibians, are absent from sight,…Read more

Camphor: The Scent of Relief

The cold and flu season will arrive soon in Florida with symptoms ranging from the inconvenient to extreme discomfort.  Tissue boxes will become a common site. One universal symptom is respiratory distress.  It is bad enough to feel achy and endure an elevated temperature, but the stuffed head and chest create chronic misery for the…Read more

Live Oaks: Sturdy Shade in the Panhandle

While most panhandle Florida residents are among the fortunate few who dodged many ill effects and brutal results of the hurricanes and tropical storms during this memorable 2020 season, winter is soon to come.  The local deciduous trees accurately reflect this seasonal transition. It is correct to say the shorter days are the impetus for…Read more